Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson showed no concern about facing the Dallas Cowboys in front of a Brazilian crowd on Sunday. The NFL’s international game in Rio de Janeiro pits two teams with identical 1-1 records against each other, but Jackson dismissed any advantage the Cowboys might have from their nickname, “America’s Team.”
“This is America, that’s Brazil, so we’ll see. We’ll see,” Jackson said when asked if the Cowboys’ brand recognition could sway the crowd. The brief response underlined his focus on the game itself rather than the atmosphere surrounding it.
Jackson enters the matchup after a Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Through two games this season, the two-time NFL MVP has thrown for 559 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while rushing for 74 yards and scoring once on the ground. The Ravens will be looking to rebound quickly on foreign soil.
The Cowboys come into the Brazil game off a 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. Dallas’ offense, aiming to build momentum, will be tested by Baltimore’s defense. Both teams have shown flashes but also vulnerabilities in their opening weeks.
Playing in Rio de Janeiro marks a rare occasion for an NFL regular season game in South America. The league has sought to expand its international presence, and the stage is set for a unique environment as the Ravens and Cowboys prepare to face off thousands of miles from home.
Jackson’s remarks suggest he views the venue as neutral ground despite the fanfare. His focus remains on executing on the field and helping Baltimore recover from its early setback.
The game will be one of the NFL’s few opportunities this year to engage a global audience directly, with both teams eager to prove themselves in unfamiliar territory. The result will shape their early season trajectories and set a tone for the weeks to follow.
According to Yahoo Sports.