TheBaltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys don't needmuch help generating headlines on their own. Now imagine the possibilities when they meet for a game in Brazil. When two teams loaded with star power meet on an international stage, mostattention naturally gravitates toward the biggest names.
Plenty of discussion will center on Lamar Jackson's matchup with the Cowboys' defense, Derrick Henry's workload, and whether Baltimore can slow one of the NFL's most explosive passing attacks. Those storylines deserve the attention they're receiving.
As is often the case in the NFL, though, games are rarely decided solely by the stars. Hidden beneath the obvious matchups are several lesser-known storylines that could significantly affect the outcome. Here are a few
under-the-radar developments to watch as the Ravens and Cowboys kick off in Brazil.
CeeDee Lamb has scored in each of the first two Cowboys games
CeeDee Lamb, after scoring three receiving TDs in 14 games last season, has already visited the end zone three times this season. He hopes to keep his scoring streak going. Baltimore hopes to end it. Something has to give.
Cowboys have allowed an average of 61.5 yards rushing to opposing quarterbacks.
If Lamar Jackson isn't hesitant about running, which he seemingly hasn't been this season, he can do work vs. the Cowboys' defense. They allowed 54 yards rushing to Jaxson Dart in the opener and 69 yards to Jayden Daniels. Next up is another of the game's top dual-threat QBs in the two-time MVP.
The Ravens aren't generating any interior pressure from their offensive line.
They say immediate pressure up the middle is the fastest and easiest way to unsettle quarterbacks. The New Orleans Saints did that to Lamar Jackson. Meanwhile, the Ravens, through two games, aren't producing very many hurries from the interior of their defensive line.
Aeneas Peebles, Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and Broderick Washington have combined for zero sacks. Calais Campbell has none either. Nnamdi Madubuike can't get back fast enough. He has produced 21 sacks in his last 36 games.
Perhaps the Ravens should rely on Devontez Walker more often?
Eight career receptions in three seasons... Four touchdown receptions... A 47-yard reception on one catch in Week 3... Sure, there's more to all of this, and the stats don't tell the entire story, but maybe the Ravens can afford to draw up a few more plays with Devontez Walker featured? Let's be honest. What do they have to lose?
Baltimore may be ignoring potential playmakers.
In keeping with the 'get more guys involved' theory, perhaps the Ravens could put more trust in Elijah Sarratt and Matthew Hibner. Hibner transferred from the Michigan Wolverines to the SMU Mustangs, became more of a receiving threat there, and racked up 804 yards and eight TDs on 55 receptions over 27 games.
Elijah Sarratt was a healthy scratch in Week 1. He didn't see any snaps on offense in Week 2 as Baltimore relied on veteran Chris Moore. Might a youth movement pay off? And might that youth movement ensure Zay Flowers returns to a better, more explosive offense when he gets back?
The beauty of NFL games is that they rarely unfold exactly the way anyone expects. A superstar can dominate and still watch the game swing because of a forgotten matchup, an unexpected contributor, or a trend that nobody discussed during the week.
Perhaps Lamb's touchdown streak continues. Maybe Jackson turns broken plays into backbreaking runs. The Ravens could find a spark in Walker, Sarratt, or Hibner, or they could finally get a much-needed boost from their interior pass rush.
Whatever happens, Baltimore's path to victory may depend on more than the marquee names that dominate the pregame conversation. These under-the-radar storylines might not receive top billing entering Week 3, but there's a good chance at least one of them plays a major role in deciding who leaves Brazil feeling good about the trip home.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Cowboys: 3 under-the-radar storylines to watch in Week 3
