

The Dallas Cowboys suffered a tough 31-13 loss against the Baltimore Ravens during their August 16, 2025, preseason matchup at AT&T Stadium. This disappointing performance stirred concern among fans and analysts alike.
Among the most vocal critics was NFL legend Michael Irvin, who issued some serious warnings to the team following this setback. His candid remarks highlight urgent issues the Cowboys must address before the regular season kicks off.
Michael Irvin believes a Dallas Cowboys icon would have beat his friend Deion Sanders 1-on-1
Irvin’s primary concern centered around the Cowboys’ run defense. Backup running backs Rasheen Ali and Diontae Johnson combined to rush for over 120 yards, exposing glaring vulnerabilities in Dallas’ defensive front.
Irvin ominously warned that if these relatively unheralded players could find so much success on the ground, then a fully healthy and dominant running back like Derrick Henry could easily exploit the defense for 300 yards or more. This lack of resistance against the run reflects a fundamental weakness that could prove costly in the long haul.
On the offensive side of the ball, Irvin emphasized that the Cowboys’ unit must drastically step up to compensate for their defensive struggles. He stressed the need for the team to consistently score at least 35 points per game, noting that settling for 28 or 30 points would not be enough against the tougher competition they will face during the regular season.
This warning puts extra pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense to elevate their performance to a championship-contending level.
Preseason importance and fundamental focus
While many view preseason games as opportunities to test new players and strategies without consequence, Irvin argued that these matchups are critical for a team like the Cowboys. Unlike teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas cannot afford to treat preseason lightly.
The games serve as essential time to develop chemistry and identify weaknesses before the stakes rise. Ignoring these opportunities could leave the team unprepared when the regular season begins.
Irvin also highlighted two core objectives the Cowboys need to prioritize during training camp: effectively running the ball and stopping the run. Unfortunately, the preseason loss showcased failures on both fronts, suggesting the team lacks discipline and focus on these basics. These fundamental elements are essential for building a successful and balanced football team.
Finally, Irvin pointed to the third preseason game as a critical turning point for the Cowboys. He insisted that the team must show significant improvement by that juncture to enter the regular season with confidence and a defined identity. Failing to do so could lead to a sluggish start and a rocky path ahead.
Irvin’s pointed critiques serve as a clear wake-up call for the Dallas Cowboys. With the regular season fast approaching, the team must address these issues immediately to avoid repeating the previous year’s struggles. How they respond over the next few weeks will largely determine their success or failure in the 2025 NFL season.
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