Game Review:Baltimore Ravens 37, Dallas Cowboys 30

Positives

Romo to Bryant in Midseason Form - Both players were held out of last weeks contest, but neither seemed phased connecting three times for 59 yards with a touchdown.  Romo also had a chance to move around and make a throw on the run showing he is not going to be hampered by the offseason back surgery.  Bryant moved around the formation some as well as Murray coming wide will open up the middle of the field for this connection to get better.

Ground and Pound in Full Swing - Twenty four carries for 118 yards between the four running backs was a positive sign.  Only time will tell if there is a regular season commitment, but it appears not only do the Cowboys have a strong starting unit, they have some quality depth at least on the interior line while Randle and Williams continue to battle with almost 6-7 yards per carry between the two.

Defensive Reinforcements Led to Big Improvement - Orlando Scandrick, Barry Church and George Selvie came back and helped hold Joe Flacco to barely over 50% completions as opposed to the perfection performances from Phillip Rivers and Kellen Clemens last week.  Getting back their top two cornerbacks and defensive tackles should continue the improvement.

Pro Scouting Department Delivers Again - The team added defensive tackle Zach Minter to the roster late last week and he showed up with two sacks and a tackle for loss.  Terrell McClain has not played yet leaving a huge gap at the nose tackle spot, if he keeps this up, Minter could be this year\'s George Selvie.  Rolando McClain also got in the game in on six tackles and a forced fumble, showed some physicality and some emotion which would be concerns whether or not he wants to truely play.  Finally Martez Wilson a late addition last year is settling in at defensive end as a rush man got to the quarterback could be a stop gap to platoon with Jeremy Mincey at right end until DeMarcus Lawrence and Anthony Spencer return.

Negatives

Miscues - Obviously the Romo-Murray failed exchange was not good for the starting offense, but a few penalties led to some long yarddage situations for the offense.  With the startign quarterback limited in camp and not playing until now, this is to be expected and hopefully cleaned up by the regular season.

Kick Off Coverage and Returns - Joseph Randle averaged a paltry sixteen yards per kickoff return which included a bobble that led to a horrid start inside the ten and three more opportunities behind the 20 yard line.  On the flip side the 108 yard kickoff return was one thing, but the Ravens still averaged 36 yards per return aside from that run back and the squib kick.  In a game where you lose by 7 points, a touchdown and a field goal drive that starts on the 44 yard line due to kick returns makes the difference.