The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys enter Week 3 searching for momentum after very different Week 2 experiences. Dallas bounced back with a win over rival Washington, while Baltimore is trying to move past a frustrating home loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The international stage only adds to the intrigue. Before either team arrives in Brazil, several fascinating matchups are already taking shape.
Ravens offense vs. Cowboys defense
Baltimore's offense has shown flashes through two weeks, but consistency remains elusive. The Ravens moved the football effectively against theSaints before managing only three second-half points. Meanwhile, Dallas enters Week 3 allowing 24 points per game and 391.5 yards per contest. The latter ranks near the bottom of the league defensively.
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Cowboys have also struggled to get off the field on third down through two games. That creates an opportunity for Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman to reestablish Baltimore's offensive identity. This is especially intriguing because it also pits two first-time coordinators still trying to establish themselves.
Declan Doyle vs. Christian Parker
Coordinator battles don't usually make front-page headlines, but this one deserves attention. Declan Doyle's offense looked explosive in Week 1 and productive for stretches in Week 2 before stalling late against the Saints. Christian Parker's defense, meanwhile, is still searching for consistency after Dallas underwent major defensive changes during the offseason.
Several opponents have moved the ball effectively against the Cowboys, particularly on third down. Both coaches are early in their respective tenures, and both are still shaping their units' identities. Whichever coordinator makes the better in-game adjustments could determine the outcome.
Cowboys receivers vs. Ravens cornerbacks
Few position battles on the field carry more star power. Dallas features one of the NFL's most talented receiver groups, with CeeDee Lamb leading the way and the George Pickens-Ryan Flournoy combo providing other explosive targets. Dak Prescott showed how dangerous that group can be during a four-touchdown performance against Washington.
Baltimore counters with Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey, but another name bears watching. On Monday, Jesse Minter said the Ravens need to find ways to get Chidobe Awuzie on the field moreafter the veteran cornerback played only one defensive snap against New Orleans. Whether that results in a larger role this week remains to be seen, but Dallas presents a compelling argument for deploying additional cornerback help.
Bonus: Two great quarterbacks
Technically, they will never share the field at the same time. Practically, this is still one of the most fascinating quarterback matchups of Week 3. Jackson remains one of the league's most dynamic players and can take over a game with either his arm or his legs. Prescott enters the matchup fresh off a four-touchdown performance that helped Dallas rebound from an opening-week loss.
Both quarterbacks will be asked to carry significant responsibility. Jackson is attempting to push Baltimore back into the win column. Prescott is trying to prove Dallas can build momentum after an uneven start. In a game featuring international travel, playoff aspirations, and two talented rosters, it wouldn't be surprising if the quarterback who makes the fewest mistakes ultimately leaves Brazil with a victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Cowboys: Three early matchups to watch in Brazil
