Sturm: The Parker Report - Couldn’t Cover Zay Flowers

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The Parker Report - Couldn’t Cover Zay Flowers​

The Ravens needed one play. In 7 seconds they found their guy downfield easily.​

Bob Sturm
Sep 30, 2026



Every week, we will spend an entire day reviewing the Cowboys defensive performance in the latest game. We will do it with numbers and with film and will try to figure out what led to the successes or the failures of that side of the ball. We call it the Parker Report in 2026 for obvious reasons. Please leave any questions or comments below. This will often appear on Tuesdays or Wednesdays after Sunday games, depending on the order we choose for that particular game.

We will cover this week in our Week 3 review of a tough loss in Rio:

• Overall Defensive Evaluation vs Baltimore
• No Sacks, No Takeaways = No Chance
• Dealing with Lamar and the Ravens
• Feature Defenders: Quinnen and Otito
• Film Study and Splash Plays

OVERALL DEFENSIVE EVALUATION​

Looking at this Baltimore defensive effort, there are so many thoughts that should be put on the report.

I will tell you first and foremost that it wasn’t good enough across the board, and I was really hoping that we wouldn’t be concerned about Christian Parker’s decision-making already, but that final coverage call on the final play is going to stick with me for a while. Yes, it was a man coverage call that is completely unconventional for that situation, but as long as your man call includes an emphasis on Flowers with the robber, I bet it can still work. Yet, Bell doesn’t go to him. He oddly goes to Andrews, who is no threat at all.

We can actually boil it down to the idea that the Ravens seem to have one receiver who might be a candidate to make a catch like that to set up the final field goal, and his name is very clearly Zay Flowers. The defense has time to discuss things during the final drive and kickoff as to how they want to prevent that, although they are probably busy figuring out who is healthy enough to play in overtime, to be fair.

I don’t want all of my thoughts to come down to one play, but holy heck, man. This is just so egregious.


In the end, you have to defend 25 yards for one snap against essentially one player, and you leave him wide open across the middle. The coverage call is important, but you simply have to have him surrounded at the point of field-goal range, and to leave that gap in the coverage seems like the most basic “Day 1 of install” concept a team could have.

So, let’s just say that didn’t cover Christian Parker in glory, and that would be the 2nd time in three games where we are wondering about his call sheet.

At the same time, there were some major positives. The run defense was more than passable — save for allowing the edge a few too many times. But the Ravens got almost nothing done running at the teeth of the Cowboys defense, and that is 300% better than what we are accustomed to around here. We will show you the film in a moment to prove what a difference that can make going forward, so I am excited about that.

The defense competed at a high level with effort, emotion and fight. They had their manhood challenged all week, and I think that was plenty acceptable. I realize that is a very low bar, but you followed this defense in 2024 and 2025, so we know that there were games where the “compete level” was not nearly where it was on Sunday. That matters. Guys care. And guys are fighting, even when they hurt. Again, we need to raise the bar above that, but it suggests that they have many of the right guys here, and they showed up and wanted this badly.

Also, the kids continue to impress, led by Jaishawn Barham and Caleb Downs. Add in Donovan Ezeiruaku, and we have another week where “the kids are alright,” and we are headed in the right direction with our future. They have some guys who are here and developing nicely.

But, yeah, in the end, the red on this board is everywhere. They simply are not good enough to deal with one of the better offenses in the business.



That’s 34 points, 7 explosive plays, 70 percent success rate through the air, 59 percent on first down, and 9.3 yards per pass attempt! These are all way over the lines of what we deem acceptable.

Honestly, when you see some of those numbers, you wonder how they held them below 48 points. But, we know. It was because they made some plays and got off the field on 3rd and 4th downs. That makes all the difference in the world.



They got five stops! Turnover on Downs is not considered a takeaway, but it essentially does the same thing and we saw the Ravens punter three times. In most games this year, I bet if Dallas can force five stops, they will win. But, this wasn’t most games as the offense did not cash in on their final drive.

Some good in this game that should not go unnoticed, but still too much bad from this defense. They are on the path, but still a long ways from where they need to be.

No Sacks, No Takeaways = No Chance​

I realize it is incredibly dangerous to boil a complex game like this one down to one stat, so I will resist. However, I will add it to a very interesting statistical trend that missed the Dan Quinn run (2021-2023) until his last day on the job.

Quinn never presided over a single regular season game as this team’s defensive coordinator where the Cowboys defense was unable to register a single sack or a single takeaway. Famously, that is how it all ended in the 2023 playoffs against Green Bay when they put up the dreaded 0-0 game as the Packers scored 48 points and ended quite a few things here in Dallas.

Amazingly, since then, the Cowboys have done it five more times with Mike Zimmer having two of these stinker games (one against Baltimore), Matt Eberflus having two of his own, and now Christian Parker in Brazil.



The last time Dallas won a game in which they had the 0-0 on defense was Thanksgiving of 2016 when rookie QB Dak Prescott was just getting started. There have been 164 games since then and they are now 0-10 in 0-0 performances. As you can see from the scores, most of them are not even competitive. In other words, if you want to win a football game, you need something from your defense in the takeaway or sacks department. Preferably both.

Dealing with Lamar and the Ravens​

Looking at Lamar Jackson’s throw chart from Next Gen, it does occur to us that this wasn’t exactly an aerial show of force. Somehow, he gets 9.3 yards per attempt without more than two completions beyond 7 yards downfield. That is their offense. Hit them in space and let them do the work:



I am very impressed with their scheme and, of course, their weapons. They seem to have built a system where a QB like Lamar can frustrate you because they have so many ways to beat you and test your ability to cover everything without their skill players being household names across the league. Henry and Zay Flowers are incredible, but the depth is nothing to write home about.



You don’t win multiple MVPs without being an impressive weapon and there is no question that Lamar Jackson stresses a defense in many ways. Then they used motion to really gain advantages in pre-snap and the scheme of Declan Doyle seems to have unwrapped another level of effectiveness for their offense. 10.5 YPP from 11 personnel with a 63% success rate is a huge day. They were killing Dallas in that grouping, in particular – which suggests Dallas was ready for the heavy groups and might have got out fine if that Zay Flowers hurt them like he did.

Feature Defenders: Quinnen and Otito​

Very excited to detail the work of the trenches in this game. I think everyone walks away impressed with Jaishawn Barham again, but noticing a linebacker this much tells us a lot about the defensive line and how well they are able to give the linebackers a chance by holding up and standing their ground to “keep the LBs clean” and allow them to go get the ball carrier.

This happens around the league, but has been a rumor around here for a while. Derrick Henry was used to no resistance up front from Dallas when they met in 2024 as guys were getting blown off the ball.

But, this tape will show us some fine work up front in the form of the guy we expected, Quinnen Williams, and his friend who we seldom talk about, Otito Ogbonnia.

Let’s look at a cut-up of Quinnen, first:


I thought Quinnen was exactly what you wanted in this game. Quick, strong, decisive, and in the middle of the chaos. He was going forward and working his way into the backfield. I liked his motor, his usage, and his results. That is the expectation at this price-point, but you will not hear a word from me when it results in a day like he had. That was great stuff.

Now, about Otito Ogbonnia, No. 91. Otito signed here on a one-year deal from the Chargers for $3 million and is already looking like an incredible bargain. Let’s just say that he just played a game that Mazi Smith never did. At 324 pounds, he was darn near immovable and made things so much easier for those around him. Then he would get down the line and wreck stuff, too. This is the entire Seattle defensive front where those DT’s don’t give ground and you seldom run between the tackles against them. They have guys who can corkscrew into the earth and cause a roadblock. Look at these reps:


This is a great development. Kenny Clark was part of it, too, but I thought giving some love to Ogbonnia is key, because they need. bunch of guys who allow a guy like 55-Barham to flow to the ball and there are some clips where you see the day and night difference of how this can work for the entire defense with some dudes up front fighting for their real estate.

Good tape and good progress.

Film Study and Splash Plays​

OK, some good and some not so good here – as you surely already are well aware.

1Q - 6:12 - 4-1-BLT 30 - D.Henry up the middle to BLT 30 for no gain (C.Downs).​

So, this is what we were talking about above. If you don’t get any movement against those two DT’s, then someone else can come in and end the play. In this case, it is Caleb Downs and he deserves credit. But, this play doesn’t happen without stout play by our guys in the middle. In this case, as you can see, that is 91-Ogbonnia and 90-Jonathan Bullard. It might speak some volumes that this is the 4th and 1 grouping that the Cowboys want on the field. Which is why hearing Bullard might now miss a month with a calf injury is not fun to see.

1Q - 4:32 - 1-15-BLT 35 - L.Jackson right end ran ob at DAL 44 for 21 yards (M.Bell).​

Here is the number one way teams can attack Dallas right now. Get the edges in isolation and attack their aggression. With the Cowboys right now, it is the young guys and 7-Rashan Gary. I want to say this about Gary - I like his play most of the time. He plays hard and he plays strong. But, we need him to be more than just a body who plays hard for his contract (2/$32m) and right now I am not sure we are getting it. I appreciate that he wants to help on Derrick Henry, but that is Lamar Jackson who is about to run around your edge with no resistance and get an explosive play. It is not an easy play at all, but that is what the money is for. We need Gary to start doing hard things or the Cowboys will be in trouble on this edge and I am not sure they have a better option right now.

1Q - 3:12 - 2-8-DAL 42 - L.Jackson pass short middle to Z.Flowers to DAL 20 for 22 yards.​

Ok, I love this wrinkle from the Ravens and Nate Tice was all over it on his podcast Sunday night, so shout out to him. The Ravens are screwing with the Cowboys match coverage by the motion by the TE. Essentially, the Ravens goal is to switch who has Zay Flowers right at the snap. When he shifts from the No. 2 (slot) to the No. 3, he becomes the LB’s problem and let me tell you, Zay Flowers vs a LB is bad. The Ravens will come back to this idea. Watch the LB’s panic.

2Q - 11:37 - 3-11-BLT 48 - L.Jackson pass incomplete deep middle to D.Walker. PENALTY on DAL-M.Bell, Defensive Pass Interference​

The goal of any team is to isolate Marquese Bell in space. Well, actually, the goal is to find the weak link and in coverage, it is 14-Bell right now. In this situation, you don’t even need to do anything but put him in peril and he will commit a massive pass interference penalty for 49 yards and let them out of a 3rd and 11 pickle. Those of us who undervalue Malik Hooker are learning a valuable lesson.

2Q - 11:29 - 1-3-DAL 3 - D.Henry right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.​

The Cowboys are going to see these edge plays until they learn to defend it. They are seeing it with leads, with wrappers, with nakeds, with keepers on zone reads, and with just standard stretches. They are going to continue to see it until at least they can make the lead blockers find some work. As you can see, the Ravens have the backside guard and the backside TE both leading the path, but Henry hardly needs them. Cam Skattebo did not need them. Things are improving, but when we say they have a long ways to go, setting the edge with numbers and force is one of them.

3Q - 4:27 - 2-4-DAL 16 - L.Jackson right end to DAL 4 for 12 yards (C.Downs).​

Motion out the bodies and hit the QB draw to Rashan Gary’s side. This will continue until you slow it down.

3Q - 1:48 - 1-10-BLT 20 L.Jackson pass short right to M.Hibner to BLT 41 for 21 yard​

To be fair, this is one of the toughest spots for an edge. They are just attacking Gary now as they block him with a TE and he knows what is happening, but he is only one guy. If he stays with Hibner, Jackson makes him look silly. If he goes to Jackson, Hibner is wide open. If I am Gary, I probably have to try to tackle the 2-time MVP and let the rookie go. But, this is why the edges are so vital to a good defense. You also need a little more cover from 55-Barham, I am guessing.

4Q - 13:07 - 4-1-DAL 1 D.Henry left guard to DAL 4 for -3 yards (J.Barham).​

This is so good. 90-Bullard and 91-Ogbonnia are all over this, but 55-Barham is going to change this defense if this is who he is. Holy cow, we have not had an attack dawg at LB like this in a long, long time. What have we found here. A guy who is big, strong, decisive, and violent? I might be in love.

I know Baldy is with his breakdown. Look at this one:


But, he isn’t done yet. The next one might be even better.

4Q - 8:22 - 3-1-BLT 49 - D.Henry left tackle to BLT 45 for -4 yards (J.Barham).​

Barham is supposed to take on the lead blocker here so that Caleb Downs can take the ball carrier. But, there are times when a guy just takes them both out and for that, we offer them our deepest praise. This is what we are talking about from defenders. This is what can raise this defense out of the pits of despair. On a defense with Caleb Downs, Barham might be the early season MVP and that is so crazy I cannot even express it.

4Q - 2:36 - 2-7-DAL 30 - L.Jackson pass short middle to Z.Flowers to DAL 16 for 14 yards (A.Clark).​

Ok, when the Ravens needed a late game drive, watch them go back to the well of what worked earlier. TE motion to bump Zay Flowers inside to the LB’s responsibility and then feed. They get there with a slightly different look, but the Cowboys have not adjusted and that will be where we look at Christian Parker because they are going to do it again in 30 seconds…

4Q - 1:54 - 2-10-DAL 16 - L.Jackson pass short left to Z.Flowers to DAL 2 for 14 yards (D.Winters).​

Oh my goodness. They just did it again. Zay Flowers vs Dee Winters is not on Dee Winters. This is a scheme weakness and these smart offenses are going back to the well over and over until they adjust. We call this a “bad look”, coach.

4Q -1:34 - 3-2-DAL 2 - L.Jackson pass short middle to M.Hibner for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.​

The Ravens didn’t do much play-action, but they saved it for when they needed it most. 3rd and goal late in the game and they need a touchdown. 13 personnel, with two TE’s left and then one in motion to join them and the Cowboys are ready for a power run to that side with Henry behind them. But, when Lamar pulls the ball to throw, you are now asking the defenders to man-up with all four and all you need is one mis-step and they are in the end zone. This is what we are talking about with red zone design. It is beautiful. We are guessing to know who busts, but it sure looks like 21-Caelen Carson went with 85-Cuevas instead of 88-Hibner. And that is all Lamar needed as the 4th rounder from SMU gets his first NFL touchdown. The Ravens are taking advantage of a young defense filled with backups in a key spot.

That is life in the NFL.

SPLASH PLAYS - WEEK 3​

And now, the season leaderboard and look what we have here:

Conclusions, aka, talking you off the bridge:​

There is still plenty of bad and that will remain probably until the Cowboys can get more personnel to join them. That might be next spring, to be honest, because I am not sure that they have 11 strong defenders yet.

But, progress is being made. I think the middle of this defense is on the rise. I love the DT rotation and attacking them between the tackles is not happening much. The flanks are still an issue and the secondary needs work.

That said, good is not the enemy of perfect. They are taking strides and most of it is being seen. Unfortunately, attrition is the enemy of progress and the more bodies fall, the more problems will return.

If there is a takeaway through three games, it is this scheme has some really issues they are working through and Christian Parker is not hitting all the right notes. Schematically, they are being attacked and then attacked again. He has to clean this up and he has to clean it up quickly. Houston is next and there is no rest for the weary.