NFL intends to proceed with Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil, but field will look bad on TV
The NFL is preparing for its first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro, though concerns persist over the playing surface for the Cowboys-Ravens matchup.
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📍 How it ended
The NFL and NFLPA monitored field conditions at Maracanã Stadium, which the league stated passed required tests. The game proceeded in Rio, where the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys following a last second play.
Epilogue added 40d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
The NFL is moving forward with a Week 3 matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, marking the league's first-ever game in the city. The Baltimore Ravens have already arrived in Rio for the event, which is described by the team as a business trip. Despite the excitement of making NFL history, the game is framed as a significant challenge for the Dallas Cowboys defense. The league intends to proceed with the schedule, as reports indicate the NFL has full confidence that the field will be ready by Sunday. Coverage from multiple outlets emphasizes ongoing concerns regarding the playing surface. USA Today reports that the NFLPA has sounded an alarm regarding field conditions, while ESPN notes that both the NFL and NFLPA continue to monitor the situation in Rio.
NBC Sports reports that work on the field is still continuing. According to Bleacher Report, the NFLPA President stated that the Brazil field was upgraded to provide better stability and traction. These reports highlight a tension between the league's confidence in the venue and the players' union's concerns over safety and quality. Contextual analysis from The Baltimore Banner suggests the NFL views Brazil as a strategic opportunity for international growth. For the Dallas Cowboys, this game comes after a 12-year absence from the international stage, with Yahoo Sports suggesting they could become regulars in such events. The matchup itself is viewed as a difficult one; Jerry Jones has admitted the Ravens are a bad matchup for Dallas, and Sports Illustrated reports that Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has expressed frustration with a brutal schedule.
Pundits currently favor the Ravens to win the contest. Looking ahead, attention remains on the final state of the field before kickoff on Sunday. The league and the NFLPA will likely continue their monitoring of the surface's stability and traction. Additionally, team-specific storylines to watch include the performance of offensive and defensive impact players in Week 3, as well as the status of three Ravens players who Yahoo Sports identifies as being on the hot seat heading into the Rio game. Fans will be watching to see if the upgraded field meets the necessary standards for professional play.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 43d ago.
Quick answers
Where is the NFL's first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro taking place?
The game is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featuring the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys.
Why has the NFLPA expressed concern about the game?
The NFLPA sounded an alarm regarding the conditions of the field, although the NFLPA President noted the surface was upgraded for better traction and stability.
Who is favored to win the matchup?
According to pundit picks, the Baltimore Ravens are favored to beat the Dallas Cowboys.
Coverage (30)
- Dallas Cowboys fall to Baltimore Ravens after last second play in Rio matchup WOAI · 43d ago
- Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Week 3 game chat Yahoo Sports · 43d ago
- Close-up images of field at Maracanã Stadium, a day before Ravens-Cowboys NBC Sports · 43d ago
- Cowboys, Ravens strengths/weaknesses make for interesting matchup Yahoo Sports · 43d ago
- 5 things to watch when the Cowboys play the Ravens Yahoo Sports · 43d ago
- NFL says Maracanã Stadium field passed required tests before Cowboys-Ravens kickoff Yahoo Sports · 43d ago
- Cowboys conduct walk-around at Maracanã Stadium, get a feel for field conditions Dallas Cowboys | Official Site of the Dallas Cowboys · 43d ago
- Large percentage of Cowboys fans feel a big loss coming against Ravens Yahoo Sports · 43d ago
- NFL clears the air on field condition concerns for Ravens-Cowboys Week 3 matchup in Brazil CBS Sports · 43d ago
- Pundit Picks: Ravens Favored to Beat Cowboys Baltimore Ravens · 44d ago
- NFLPA President Says Brazil Field for Cowboys vs. Ravens Was Upgraded for Better Stability, Traction Bleacher Report · 44d ago
- NFL, NFLPA continue to monitor field conditions in Rio ESPN · 44d ago
- NFLPA sounds alarm on Brazil field conditions before Cowboys vs. Ravens USA Today · 44d ago
- Cowboys vs. Ravens: Offensive, defensive impact players in Week 3 Yahoo Sports · 44d ago
- Jerry Jones Admits Ravens Are 'Bad Matchup' For Cowboys & Dallas' Fatal Flaws Prove Why Sports Illustrated · 44d ago
- Everything You Need to Know: Ravens vs. Cowboys Baltimore Ravens · 44d ago
- Scenes From Rio: Ravens Arrive for Brazil Game Baltimore Ravens · 44d ago
- Here We Goooo: Another tall task awaits the Cowboys defense Dallas Cowboys | Official Site of the Dallas Cowboys · 44d ago
- Cowboys-Ravens: How to Watch, Listen, Stream in Week 3 Dallas Cowboys | Official Site of the Dallas Cowboys · 44d ago
- Why the NFL sees opportunity in Brazil The Baltimore Banner · 44d ago
- Ravens vs. Cowboys: Three must-know storylines for NFL's first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro NFL.com · 44d ago
- Brian Schottenheimer's Joke Shows Frustration With Cowboys' Historically Brutal Schedule Sports Illustrated · 44d ago
- Work continues on field for Ravens-Cowboys NBC Sports · 44d ago
- Cowboys vs Ravens: 2 players Dallas should use more in Brazil Blogging The Boys · 47d ago
- NFL Has ‘Full Confidence’ Brazil Field Will Be Ready by Sunday frontofficesports.com · 47d ago
- Cowboys vs Ravens: 2 players Dallas should use more in Brazil Yahoo Sports · 47d ago
- Week 3 NFL picks against the spread, predictions for every game: Cowboys and Ravens set for a great matchup in Brazil Yahoo Sports · 47d ago
- After 12-year absence, Cowboys could become regulars on NFL's international stage Yahoo Sports · 47d ago
- 3 Ravens on the hot seat ahead of Week 3 game in Brazil vs. Cowboys Yahoo Sports · 47d ago
- Baltimore Ravens feel prepared for Rio 'business trip' ESPN · 47d ago
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