Take responsibility. One of the most important takeaways from The Star for the Dallas Cowboys following their humiliation in Week 2 at the hands of the New Orleans Saints is that.

Sometimes the coaches can only do so much to assist the squad in moving past a situation when there are so many issues occurring on both sides of the ball. At that point, it is up to the players to elicit a reaction. As the offense’s seasoned receiver, Brandin Cooks, has stated as much. The defense’s star, Micah Parsons, has made the same statement. And Dak Prescott, the team captain? He’s intensified the message.

In a manner that reads as a kind of “warning shot” for the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas’ Week 3 opponent at AT&T Stadium. The quarterback said, “We’re going in and playing our game. And it is up to them to decide how best to adjust to that. We intend to take the offensive and deliver it to them.”

Is it implied by the phrase “get in the first punch” that this group will always be pushed around if they are pushed around too soon? Cooks is pushing for “accountability” inside The Star, and that’s accountability plus.

Cooks emphasized that while coaching is important, the responsibility ultimately lies with the players. “When we’re in the locker room or on the field, it has to come from the players,” he said. “We need to hold each other accountable, and be willing to accept accountability because no one is perfect.”

Micah added that the team’s performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday will depend on the players. He noted that the locker room leaders have been working hard to ensure everyone is held responsible for their performance from the previous week.

Each player understands the expectations and the standard with that level of self-scouting, and very few played up to it last week.

Fortunately, the Cowboys can use all of their in-depth research when they play the Baltimore Ravens in an attempt to make a quick recovery. First, by being responsible for one another. Additionally, by supporting their “warning shot” notice to the adversary.

Ravens OC Makes It Clearly Known What’s Expected With Offense

For the first time since 2015, the Baltimore Ravens begin the 2024 season 0-2 and are in new territory.

The Ravens have had trouble finishing games, losing both of their close games against strong opponents in the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator, recently spoke with the media and gave a direct evaluation on the team’s play.

“What kind of identity do we wish to have? According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Monken said, “A team that executes at a high level, doesn’t shoot itself in the foot with penalties and execution.”

Monken acknowledged his own part in the team’s difficulties and approached the criticism as a group rather than focusing on any one player or position.

Ravens OC Todd Monken on what he wants the offensive identity to be: “A team that executes at a high level.”

Monken said the offense is headed in the right direction and “we’re close.” pic.twitter.com/lw1pbPFRua

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 19, 2024

He made it clear that the Ravens’ problems are not the result of playing better opponents, but rather of their own incapacity to establish an offensive rhythm.

We’re on our way to locate that. We experienced a few fantastic days of mojo, and it is our responsibility to carry that through and proceed. We’ve seen it happen, therefore we can do it with greater than any doubt. With confidence in the team’s ability, Monken continued, “Now we just have to put it all together.”

The Ravens’ struggles have been especially noticeable during pivotal times.

One of the receivers against the Chiefs went out of bounds, negating the chance for a game-tying score.

In order to win the Raiders game, Baltimore wasted a good position.

In order to overcome this early-season setback and maintain competitiveness in the demanding AFC North, the Ravens need to strengthen their pass defense and fix their erratic offense.

Although Monken’s optimism is heartening, the team’s current challenge is to convert that good vibe into real outcomes on the field.