The Dallas Cowboys will play their Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil on Sunday, a rare NFL matchup held outside the United States. Despite early doubts about the field conditions, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed the game will proceed as planned. Both teams enter the contest with a 1-1 record, making this a chance to secure a winning September and build momentum.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s quarterback, faces a depleted receiving corps. Star wide receiver Zay Flowers is questionable due to a hamstring injury, and rookie Ja’Koby Lane remains sidelined with a wrist issue. Flowers missed his second straight day of practice, adding uncertainty to his availability. If Flowers cannot play, the Ravens’ passing attack will rely heavily on Rashod Bateman, tight end Mark Andrews, and Chris Moore. Moore has caught just 35 passes in the last three years, and the rest of Baltimore’s receivers have a combined 11 career catches. This limited depth could ease pressure on the Cowboys’ struggling secondary, which has already faced challenges covering receivers through two games.
Baltimore’s offensive line also presents a concern. The Ravens lost center Tyler Linderbaum to free agency, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley is questionable with a toe injury. The replacement center, Jovaughn Gwyn, has not matched Linderbaum’s performance, and the line as a whole has struggled. According to Pro Football Focus, Baltimore’s pass blocking ranks worst in the league. The unit has allowed five sacks on Jackson in just two games. This matchup offers a chance for the Cowboys’ defense, led by Christian Parker, to increase pressure on Jackson. Dallas has managed only two sacks so far this season, and exploiting Baltimore’s vulnerable line could disrupt the Ravens’ offense.
Coaching experience adds another layer to the game. Baltimore’s new staff features first-year head coach Jesse Minter and rookie offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Last week, the Ravens blew a 14-3 lead against the New Orleans Saints, losing after being outscored 15-0 in the fourth quarter. Minter’s defensive background makes giving up 18 second-half points particularly disappointing, and Doyle’s offense produced only three points in the final two quarters. The loss was seen as a result of coaching inexperience, with both leaders still adjusting to their roles. The Cowboys hope this provides an edge as they face the Ravens in Week 3.
The game in Brazil offers an unusual stage for these two teams trying to find consistency early in the season. The Cowboys seek to leverage Baltimore’s injury issues, offensive line weaknesses, and coaching growing pains to improve their record. The latest update on Zay Flowers’ status remains uncertain, with his participation expected to be a deciding factor for Baltimore’s passing threat.
According to Yahoo Sports.
