The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are preparing for a Week 3 regular-season matchup at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking the first time a regular-season NFL game will be played in the city. Both teams enter the contest with matching 1-1 records.
Field Conditions and Team Preparations in Rio de Janeiro
For over a week, discussion surrounding the game has focused on the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium, which has faced scrutiny following recent soccer matches. The NFL has assumed direct responsibility for managing the venue to ensure safe working conditions ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
Kenny Clark is returning to Brazil two years after playing for the Green Bay Packers on a muddy field during the league’s opener in São Paulo against the Philadelphia Eagles. Clark noted that dwelling on past field conditions serves little purpose.
“Quoi qu’il en soit, nous allons disputer un match dimanche,” Clark said, translated in wire reports as noting that complaining is senseless and that he is ready to play. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson expressed a similar view regarding the pitch, stating that his full focus remains on the game itself.
“Je suis concentré à fond,” Jackson said, emphasizing that he cannot worry about the state of the turf.
Logistical preparations for the international trip involved a 10-hour flight departing Thursday night for a Friday morning arrival in Rio de Janeiro. Jackson outlined the team’s travel routine, noting the importance of balancing physical movement with adequate rest during the long flight.
Containing Lamar Jackson and Defensive Adjustments
Beyond travel and field conditions, the Cowboys face a significant tactical challenge in containing Lamar Jackson, widely regarded as one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. Dallas struggled defensively against mobile quarterbacks during the first two weeks of the season, yielding rushing production to both Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants and Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.
In the 2024 matchup, Jackson recorded 182 passing yards and one touchdown alongside 84 rushing yards and another score, though the Ravens narrowly prevailed 28-25 despite a strong performance from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
With both squads looking to improve their standing in Week 3, Sunday’s international showcase offers a critical early-season test before teams return to standard scheduling next week.
Worth a look
