Dallas Cowboys' Position-by-Position Comparison to the Baltimore Ravens

The Dallas Cowboys were average this season, but just how do they stack up against the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens at each position?

Obviously, the two teams had polar opposite results at the end of the season. The Cowboys are still searching for answers and the Ravens answered all questions. The two met earlier in the regular season in what turned out to be a very even game, as the Ravens ultimately pulled off a slim victory.

Here is a position-by-position comparison (using active and injured players during the season) of the Cowboys' players stacked up against the Ravens' roster.

1. QB

Cowboys: Tony Romo/Kyle Orton

Tony Romo has been a stat monster throughout his career, but could never manage to win the big game. 

He is an electric player, who possesses a rare ability to keep almost every play alive. Romo's gunslinger mentality has helped the Cowboys more times than hurt them.

Romo, statistically, is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL, with a career passer rating of 95.6 (via ESPN).

Kyle Orton has not seen much action as the Cowboys' backup QB, but is a very reliable second-string player. 

Ravens: Joe Flacco/Tyrod Taylor

Joe Flacco finally silenced his critics and guided the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl championship season. 

The now-seasoned veteran has never been a stat hound, but has been extremely consistent through his career. Flacco has largely benefited from a terrific running game and solid wide-receiver play.

He owns a passer rating of 86.3 throughout his career (via NFL).

Tyrod Taylor is young, backup quarterback who has little experience at the professional level.

Winner: Cowboys

Bleacher Report's writer Brad Gagnon recently wrote an article asking Cowboys fans, hypothetically, who they would prefer at QB—Romo or Flacco. According to the article's poll, fans would rather see Flacco behind center for America's Team.

I, on the other hand, have to disagree. Tony Romo is a great quarterback on an underachieving team, while Joe Flacco is a good quarterback on a very well-balanced team.

The Cowboys have the better quarterbacks, but Romo needs to win a championship in order to put this debate to bed.

2. RB

Cowboys: DeMarco Murray/Felix Jones

According to ESPN, the Cowboys rushing offense ranked dead last in the NFL, averaging a measly 79.1 yards per game.

Injured and underachieving running backs have been the club's Achilles hell for a number of seasons. DeMarco Murray is an extremely talented and versatile player, but injuries have played a key role in his short career.

Felix Jones lost his starting position to Murray and has never been able to reclaim it. He too has suffered from injuries during his career, and could never "own" the position when given the opportunity.

Ravens: Ray Rice/Bernard Pierce

Ray Rice is the one of the elite running backs in the NFL and a massive reason for the Ravens' success. He is durable in the backfield, as a rusher, receiver and blocker, while posting stellar stats each season,

He is simply one of, if not, the best running back in the game today.

Bernard Pierce played his first full season as a backup player to Rice. He received over 100-plus carries in his first season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry (via NFL).

Winner: Ravens

The Ravens win by a landslide. According to ESPN, the club was 11th in the league in rushing offense, as their main contributor, Ray Rice, continues to dominate the league.

3. FB

Cowboys: Lawrence Vickers

The days of Daryl "Moose" Johnston are over in Dallas. The Cowboys are in need of a versatile fullback. Lawrence Vickers, the long-time Cleveland Brown, played his first season in Big D, but hardly contributed to the offense.

He was key blocker for a sputtering running attack, yet was a sure-handed receiver out of the backfield.

Ravens: Vonta Leach

On the other hand, Vonta Leach may not have racked up the flashy stats, but he was a large reason for Rice's success running the ball. He is a hard-nosed blocker who fits perfectly into the Ravens' offensive scheme—leading the way for his tailbacks.

Winner: Ravens

While both fullbacks posted similar stats, the Ravens get the edge for Leach's proven blocking ability and contribution to a successful running game.

4. WR

Cowboys: Miles Austin/Dez Bryant/Kevin Ogletree/Dwayne Harris

The Dallas Cowboys have some talented weapons at wide receiver. Dez Bryant finally proved to be a top-notch player in the league. He led the Cowboys with 1,382 receiving yards and 12 TDs and led all wide receivers with 92 receptions (via ESPN)—despite playing with a broken finger and other injuries through the season.

Miles Austin proved to be inconsistent while battling lingering injuries all season. The sure-handed receiver failed to reach 1,000 yards (942 yards) for the second consecutive season (via ESPN).

Kevin Ogletree played incredibly in the season opener against the New York Giants, but failed to produce after. The young and talented Dwayne Harris saw more playing time and looks his way from teammate Tony Romo. Harris may play an important role for Dallas next season.

Ravens: Anquan Boldin/Torrey Smith/Jacoby Jones/Tandon Doss/ (IR: LaQuan Williams)

The Ravens are also very talented at the receiver position. They club own two highly skilled and lethal receivers in Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. 

Boldin has been a consistent receiver his entire career, while Smith is a deep threat on every play. Both players posted decent stat lines in 2012, as Boldin totaled 65 receptions for 921 yards and Smith ended with 49 receptions for 855 yards. Smith also added eight touchdowns (via ESPN).

Jacoby Jones was another deep-threat receiver, but was mainly a weapon on special teams, while Tandon Doss contributed very little to the club's passing offense.

Winner: Cowboys

This was an extremely close comparison, but the Cowboys edge out the Ravens by the slimmest of margins. The Cowboys' depth at the WR position was deeper than Baltimore's, and Dez Bryant alone posted some of the best numbers in the NFL.

5. TE

Cowboys: Jason Witten/John Phillips

Jason Witten is the epitome of a tight end in the NFL. He is has incredible hands matched with impeccable blocking skills. 

His season started with an injury and a number of dropped passes, but Witten finished the season leading all tight ends with 110 receptions and over 1,000 yards (via NFL).

In fact, this season Witten became the all-time receptions leader for the Dallas Cowboys (via Pro Football Reference).

With Witten being the best tight end in football, Jon Phillips played very little for the Cowboys this past season.

Ravens: Dennis Pitta/Ed Dickson

Dennis Pitta had a solid season for the Ravens after a mediocre 2011 campaign. The young tight end has plenty of potential and showcased his talent during the playoffs. 

He has a bright future and the club is anticipating Pitta to continue to build and grow each season.

Ed Dickson had a solid season as a role player for the Ravens. 

Winner: Cowboys

The Cowboys take the cake in this round. Jason Witten proved to be the best tight end in the league and proved to be highly dependable for the offense. He is a shoo-in for the HOF, and still has much more to offer.

6. O-Line

Cowboys: Tyron Smith/Nate Livings/Ryan Cook/Mackenzy Bernadeau/Doug Free/ (IR: Phil Costa)

The Cowboys offensive line was very inconsistent this season. Losing center Phil Costa was major blow to the organization, but penalties and miscues haunted the unit all season. 

Dallas had two players in the top 10 for penalties committed in the NFL—Doug Free and Tyron Smith (via NFL Penalties). In fact, Free led the league with 15 total penalties on the season. 

The Cowboys need to upgrade the line via trade or the draft next season or the inconsistencies will continue.

Ravens: Bryant McKinnie/Marshal Yanda/Matt Birk/Bobbie Williams/Michael Oher/ Kelechi Osemele/ (IR: Jah Reid)

The Ravens' solid offensive line was a main reason for their Super Bowl championship run. After LG Jah Reid went down with an injury in Week 17, the coaching staff shuffled the line right before the playoffs.

The gamble paid off, as the line was superb in the playoffs straight through to the championship.

Winner: Ravens

Even with the Ravens facing injury and adversity, the offensive line stepped up and played with great cohesiveness. The line paved the way for Ray Rice and Baltimore's running attack, while protecting Joe Flacco.

Ravens triumph in this lopsided comparison.

7. D-Line

Cowboys: Marcus Spears/Sean Lissemore/Jason Hatcher/ (IR: Kenyon Coleman, Josh Brent, Jay Ratliff)

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line displayed moments of greatness during the season, but inconsistent play overshadowed the positives. 

Lineman Jay Ratliff was a major force in 2011, but was slowed by injuries last season—appearing in only six games for Dallas. 

Dallas will be switching from its 3-4 defensive scheme to a Tampa-2 under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Ravens: Arthur Jones/Pernell McPhee/Ma'ake Kemoeatu/Haloti Ngata/DeAngelo Tyson

The Ravens line entered the season regarded as one of the top lines in the league, but failed to live up to its reputation during the regular season. The unit was still able to amass a decent season, tied for 15th in league with 37 sacks (via ESPN).

In the playoffs, the line took its play to the next level, helping the Ravens win four playoff games in a row.

Winner: Ravens

Statistically, both units had similar seasons, but the Ravens played more consistent football through the season. In addition, Baltimore will continue its defensive scheme, but the Cowboys next season will be testing out the Tampa-2, as changes are necessary.

For that reason alone, the Ravens edge out the Cowboys.

8. LB

Cowboys: Anthony Spencer/Dan Conner/Ernie Sims/DeMarcus Ware/  (IR: Sean Lee, Bruce Carter)

The Cowboys linebacker corps is loaded with talent. Unfortunately, Sean Lee and then his replacement Bruce Carter were lost to season-ending injuries. But both players show incredible promise and team leadership.

Meanwhile, Anthony Spencer enjoyed a career season as one of the best linebackers in the league. The Cowboys face an interesting dilemma to either let Spencer walk or re-sign the surging star to fit in the new Tampa-2 defense.

Finally, DeMarcus Ware battled injuries all season but still totaled 11.5 sacks on the year (via ESPN). He is still considered a major force on the field.

Ravens: Courtney Upshaw/Ray Lewis/Josh Bynes/Paul Kruger/Terrell Suggs/Dannell Ellerbe (IR: Jameel McClain)

For a number of years, the Ravens had the most impressive linebackers, specifically Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.

Lewis may be considered one of the best LBs of all time and Suggs has had a successful career himself. Both players also came back from devastating injuries this season to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

Young players Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe were bright spots for the team in 2012. Ellerbe was second on the team in tackles, while Kruger led the team in sacks (via ESPN).

Winner: Cowboys

This is another close comparison, but the Ravens are passing the torch to the Cowboys. For years to come, the Cowboys linebackers are potentially the next group of superstars in the NFL.

9. CB

Cowboys: Brandon Carr/Morris Claiborne/Michael Jenkins/ (IR: Orlando Scandrick)

Dallas was last in the league with seven interceptions on the season (via ESPN). Brandon Carr was brought in to beef up the secondary, and he played above-average at best. The veteran totaled three interceptions in 2012 and was responsible for shutting down opponents' top receivers.

The Cowboys also traded up in last year's draft to select prospect Morris Claiborne. Claiborne struggled in his rookie campaign, but has incredible promise and talent to elevate his game.

Michael Jenkins' play has decreased since his Pro Bowl season in 2009.

Ravens: Corey Graham/Cary Williams/Jimmy Smith/ (IR: Lardarius Webb)

Baltimore's corners Corey Graham, Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb totaled seven interceptions this season. 

The loss of Webb early in the season hurt the Ravens' secondary, but the team was able to survive. Williams and Graham played superbly in the playoffs with two interceptions apiece (via ESPN).

Winner: Ravens

The Ravens were projected to be one of the strongest secondaries in the league and the Cowboys entered 2012 with many questions at the position. While the Cowboys show promise, the Ravens were the much stronger and deeper unit.

10. S

Cowboys: Danny McCray/Gerald Sensabaugh/ (IR: Barry Church)

Another position the Cowboys struggled with was at safety. Barry Church was injured early in the season and Danny McCray was unable to fill in for him.

Gerald Sensabaugh played decent football, but lacked the help from McCray and his corners. 

The Cowboys were constantly burned all season long, blowing coverage and missing tackles. 

Ravens: James Ihedigbo/Ed Reed/Bernard Pollard

The Ravens have are very strong at the position and have one of the best safeties in the league, Ed Reed, who was tied for team lead with four interceptions on the season.

The combination of Reed and Pollard made a hard-hitting tandem with the ability to shut down receivers. 

Winner: Ravens

Ravens in an easy decision. the Ravens have talented players at the position and the Cowboys are still scrambling for answers.

11. Special Teams (Returners)

Cowboys: Lance Dunbar (KR)/ Felix Jones (KR)/Dwayne Harris (PR)

The Cowboys were basically quiet on kickoffs, but Dwayne Harris displayed his talent on punt returns. 

Harris took his first punt back for a touchdown against the rival Philadelphia Eagles—securing an NFC East win. The young player should contribute more to the team in 2013.

Ravens: Jacoby Jones (KR, PR)/Deonte Thompson (KR)

Jacoby Jones was a threat on every punt and kickoff this season. He ran two kickoffs and one punt back for touchdowns in the regular season (via ESPN) and ran back a 108-yard kickoff in the Super Bowl.

Jones was instrumental in the Ravens' overall success this season.

Winner: Ravens

Even though Harris showed great promise, Jacoby Jones was incredible in 2012. The Ravens consistently had positive field position due to Jones' efforts in the return game.

12. K

Cowboys: Dan Bailey

The Cowboys have finally found a solid, consistent kicker. Dan Bailey converted 29 of 31 field goals in 2012 (via ESPN), and after only two seasons tied the club record with seven career game-winning field goals.

Ravens: Justin Tucker

Rookie Justin Tucker converted 30 of 33 field goals on the season (via ESPN) and nailed the game-winning field goal against the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional playoff game.

Winner: Cowboys

Tucker had a very solid rookie campaign, but Bailey has been clutch for the Cowboys for multiple seasons while tying team records. Both are important assets for their respective clubs and should continue to help their teams in the future.

13. P

Cowboys: Brian Moorman/ (IR: Chris Jones)

Brian Moorman was signed after Chris Jones suffered a season-ending injury. The Cowboys' punter averaged 44.6 yards per punt.

Ravens: Sam Koch

Ravens punter Sam Koch averaged 47.1 yards per punt while rattling up 17 rushing yards on the season. He also executed a planned safety at the end of the Super Bowl.

Winner: Ravens

Koch wins for the rushing yards and safety.

14. Head Coach

Cowboys: Jason Garrett

Jason Garrett was on the hot seat entering this season and leaves on an even hotter seat. His play-calling duties have been stripped for next season and owner Jerry Jones will be watching him closely. 

The Cowboys have a ton of talent on their roster, and coach Garrett has yet to put all the pieces together. 

Ravens: John Harbaugh

Coach John Harbaugh made the gutsy call to fire OC Cam Cameron in the middle of the season—a decision that wisely paid off. The offense caught fire after the move.

He is well-respected by his players and staff and now a Super Bowl champion.

Winner: Ravens

Coach Harbaugh has been with the Ravens since 2008 and led them to the playoffs in each season—as opposed to Jason Garrett, who has yet to reach the playoffs

Lastly, Harbaugh won the Super Bowl. Easy decision.

15. Overall

Winner: Ravens

It's not surprise the Ravens won the Super Bowl. They have a very balanced team and are extremely well-coached.

The Cowboys have bright spots but many unanswered questions. If they do not address their issues, it will be another mediocre season in 2013.

The Ravens win in the overall player-by-player comparison over the Dallas Cowboys.