In Arlington, Texas, on August 16, 2025, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-13 in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium. The matchup marked the return of quarterback Cooper Rush to the stadium where he served as a backup for seven years, now playing for the Ravens. Rookie Tyler Loop, poised to replace Justin Tucker, stood out by successfully kicking five field goals, while Baltimore’s defense capitalized on Cowboys’ mistakes, including an interception returned for a touchdown. The game, which did not feature starting quarterbacks Lamar Jackson or Dak Prescott, showcased the Ravens’ offensive and defensive dominance, particularly in the first half. The victory keeps Baltimore undefeated in the preseason at 2-0, while the Cowboys remain winless at 0-2. The game also included tributes to the victims of the July 4 flooding in Texas.
The contest was defined by key moments that highlighted the Ravens’ efficiency. Cooper Rush, despite two interceptions, completed a crucial touchdown pass in the second quarter. Tyler Loop, under pressure to secure the starting kicker role, demonstrated precision with kicks from various distances. The defense, led by plays like Andrew Booth’s, was relentless, limiting the Cowboys’ offense to just 31 yards in the first half. The absence of starters allowed reserves and rookies to shine, offering a glimpse of both teams’ potential for the regular season.
- Key game moments:
- Interception returned for a touchdown by Andrew Booth.
- Five field goals converted by Tyler Loop, ranging from 29 to 53 yards.
- D’Ernest Johnson’s touchdown in the final quarter.
- Keyon Martin’s sack resulting in a safety early in the game.
The game also provided lessons for the Cowboys, who struggled to move the ball and protect quarterback Joe Milton, a potential backup to Rush in Dallas’ roster.
Cooper Rush’s standout performance
Cooper Rush, who spent seven seasons as Dak Prescott’s backup with the Cowboys, returned to AT&T Stadium as the Ravens’ starter in the first half. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 198 yards but faced setbacks with two interceptions. The first, a poorly placed pass to LaJohntay Wester, was picked off by Andrew Booth, who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Despite the mistakes, Rush showed poise by connecting on a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keith Kirkwood on a fourth-down play, securing the Ravens’ first touchdown. His performance was marked by moments of brilliance but also challenges, reflecting his transition to a new team.
Rush’s first-half efforts were pivotal in building Baltimore’s lead. He led an offense that amassed 273 total yards compared to the Cowboys’ 31, with 16 first downs to their two. His familiarity with the stadium seemed to aid his rhythm, even under pressure from Dallas’ defense.
- Factors influencing Rush’s performance:
- Familiarity with AT&T Stadium, where he played for seven years.
- Defensive pressure from the Cowboys, leading to two interceptions.
- Success on fourth-down plays, like the touchdown to Kirkwood.
Tyler Loop’s rise as kicker
Rookie Tyler Loop was one of the game’s biggest highlights, successfully converting five field goals from 29, 36, 42, 52, and 53 yards, though he missed a 50-yard attempt. His performance gains significance following Justin Tucker’s release after allegations of inappropriate behavior. Loop displayed accuracy and confidence, particularly on long kicks, positioning himself as a promising candidate for the regular season.
Loop’s consistency was crucial in keeping the Ravens ahead, especially in the second quarter when two of his field goals extended the lead. One kick followed a possession extended by a roughing-the-passer penalty against Cowboys linebacker Darius Harris. Loop’s ability to convert kicks from varying distances suggests he could fill the void left by Tucker, one of the NFL’s greatest kickers.
- Tyler Loop’s field goals in the game:
- 53 yards: Successfully converted in the first quarter.
- 52 yards: Made in the second quarter, widening the lead.
- 42 yards: Contributed to the first-half advantage.
- 36 yards: Kept the momentum in the third quarter.
- 29 yards: Finalized Baltimore’s scoring.
Ravens’ defense dominates the matchup
Baltimore’s defense was a cornerstone of the victory, restricting the Cowboys to just 31 yards in the first half and forcing critical errors. The early safety, scored by Keyon Martin sacking Joe Milton in the end zone, set the tone for the defensive pressure. Andrew Booth’s interception, returned for a touchdown, was the game’s most impactful moment, giving the Ravens a comfortable lead.
The defense also contained the Cowboys’ passing game, allowing only 122 yards from Joe Milton, who completed 9 of 18 passes and threw one interception. The unit’s collective effort, combined with timely penalties by the opponent, such as Darius Harris’ infraction, ensured Baltimore maintained control.
- Key defensive plays:
- Keyon Martin’s safety early in the game.
- Andrew Booth’s interception returned for a touchdown.
- Constant pressure on Joe Milton, limiting the Cowboys’ offense.
- Reuben Lowrey’s interception in the final quarter, thwarting a comeback attempt.
Cowboys’ struggles in the preseason
The Cowboys, now 0-2 in the preseason, faced challenges in finding offensive rhythm. Joe Milton, aiming to secure the backup role to Dak Prescott, had an inconsistent performance with 122 yards and one interception. His 49-yard connection with Jonathan Mingo was a highlight, but Mingo’s knee injury in the third quarter raised concerns for the roster.
The Cowboys’ offense was largely stifled in the first half, managing just 19 plays compared to Baltimore’s 50. The offensive line, despite the debut of rookie Tyler Booker, struggled to protect Milton, leading to the early safety and ongoing difficulties in advancing. Kicker Brandon Aubrey converted two field goals, but it wasn’t enough to offset the lack of offensive production.
- Challenges faced by the Cowboys:
- Only 31 total yards in the first half.
- Joe Milton’s interception in the final quarter.
- Jonathan Mingo’s injury, leaving the game in the third quarter.
- Penalties, like Darius Harris’, that extended Ravens’ possessions.
Memorable game moments
The game featured moments that underscored the Ravens’ dominance. D’Ernest Johnson’s touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the victory, while Keyon Martin’s early safety established the defensive tone. The AT&T Stadium crowd, spurred by a brief appearance of Dak Prescott on the jumbotron, tried to rally the Cowboys, but the performance gap was clear.
A tribute to the victims of the July 4 flooding in Texas, with a moment of silence before kickoff, added a reflective tone to the evening. The game also served as a testing ground for rookies and reserves, with both teams evaluating players for the regular season. The debut of Tyler Booker, Dallas’ first-round pick, was a positive note despite the loss.
- Notable game events:
- Tribute to the Texas flooding victims.
- Dak Prescott’s jumbotron appearance, rallying the crowd.
- Tyler Booker’s debut, playing into the third quarter.
- Jonathan Mingo’s injury, impacting the Cowboys’ offense.
