Dallas heads to Rio de Janeiro for one of the most unusual games on its schedule, facing the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Rio. Both teams arrive at 1-1, but in very different moods after Dallas beat Washington 37-20 and Baltimore let a fourth-quarter lead disappear in a 24-17 loss to New Orleans. With injuries on both sides and questions surrounding the playing surface, this matchup could demand plenty of adjustment as the game develops.
When Baltimore has the ball
Baltimore’s
game-plan for Dallas should be straightforward. Derrick Henry has already rushed for 212 yards and four touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry, while Lamar Jackson adds another running threat to the Cowboys’ offence. This is a significant concern for Dallas, especially after allowing Washington to rush for 182 yards last week, with Jayden Daniels also gaining 69 yards before leaving the game.
Baltimore can exploit Henry’s strength between the tackles and then use Jackson’s play-action and option concepts to keep the Cowboys guessing. Dallas’s goal should be to control first downs and force Jackson into passing situations rather than allowing Baltimore to dictate the game through the running game.
When Dallas has the ball
Dallas found the passing offense it was seeking against Washington. Dak Prescott completed 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns, while CeeDee Lamb scored two touchdowns with 153 yards. This performance should serve as a starting point for their upcoming game against Baltimore.
Last week, New Orleans demonstrated their ability to attack against the Ravens, completing 27 of 34 passes for 252 yards and converting eight of 15 third downs. They eventually scored 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
Dallas has a strong trio of receivers – Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson – who can spread Baltimore’s coverage across the field. This should allow Prescott to make quick passes and intermediate routes, keeping the ball moving and avoiding holding it for too long.
Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (0-2)
Aren’t we a gloomy bunch? Or perhaps we’re just facing reality. Clearly if the Cowboys play defense the same way they have the first two games, they have little chance of winning. And I don’t think it will be close. Ravens 30, Cowboys 19.
Brandon Loree (1-1)
If this game were hosted by Baltimore, I’d pick the Ravens to win. If this game were at AT&T Stadium, I’d probably also pick the Ravens to win. But the fact that it’s on a neutral field in a different country certainly keeps things closer to 50-50.
The Cowboys offense is playing at a top-five pace right now, but the defense still hasn’t earned my trust yet to go against top-level competition and be dominant. The jump from week one to week two was certainly encouraging, but not enough for me to pick Dallas in this game.
I think it comes down to a last-second field goal or a touchdown drive that wins the game by Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens walk out of Rio with a 30-24 victory over Dallas
Dyllan Rivers (1-1)
The Cowboys have had a difficult time defending against mobile quarterbacks through two weeks. Now in Rio, they’ll face the king of mobile QBs in Lamar Jackson, paired with an elite runner in Derrick Henry. That does not bode well for this Cowboys defense.
This strength on weakness matchup is too much for Dallas to overcome. The Cowboys keep it close, but ultimately fall to the Ravens, 23-20.
Matt Holleran (2-0)
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry against the Cowboys spotty run defense is a recipe for disaster. I see this game playing out very similarity to Dallas matchup at Detroit last season. The Cowboys’ high-powered offense keeps them in this game for three quarters, but the defenses inability to get stops late sinks their chances. Give me the Ravens, 38-27.
Mike Poland (1-1)
There are plenty of reasons to be positive and believe Dallas can leave Brazil with another win. The biggest one is Dak Prescott. After the offense finally found its rhythm against Washington, Prescott looked completely in control, and when Dallas can protect him and allow CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Jake Ferguson to work across the field, this offense becomes extremely difficult to defend.
Baltimore has talent everywhere, but its defense has already shown that it can give up long drives and big plays. If Dallas starts quickly and keeps Prescott out of obvious passing situations, there should be opportunities all afternoon. Follow the Saints blueprint last week with quick passing and that keeps the chains moving. Dallas wins 34-28
