The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Brazil carrying more than passports, equipment, and the expectations that come with one of the NFL’s most publicized games of the season. They will also carry questions about how they respond to adversity.
Baltimore surrendered an eight-point fourth-quarter lead in Sunday’s 24-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens will attempt to prevent that collapse from becoming a trend when they face the Dallas Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Baltimore must prove it can finish.
The Ravens led New Orleans 17-9 entering the fourth quarter but were outscored 15-0 over the final period. Baltimore produced only three second-half points, committed costly penalties and failed to capitalize on multiple possessions that reached Saints territory.
Lamar Jackson’s final pass was intercepted after the Ravens advanced to the New Orleans 37-yard line, ending their last opportunity to force overtime.
One loss does not define Baltimore’s season. How the Ravens respond could reveal much more about their direction under Jesse Minter.
Derrick Henry should lead the reset.
Baltimore handed Derrick Henry the football only 16 times against New Orleans despite playing with a lead for most of the afternoon. He finished with 68 yards and a touchdown as the Ravens ran just 22 times. Dallas enters Week 3 allowing 173.5 rushing yards per game. That creates an obvious opportunity for Baltimore to recommit to its most physical offensive player. A productive running game would keep the Ravens ahead of the chains while limiting possessions for Dak Prescott and Dallas’ explosive offense.
The defense faces a more dangerous challenge.
The Cowboys responded to their season-opening loss by defeating Washington 37-20. Prescott completed 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns, while CeeDee Lamb produced eight receptions for 153 yards and two scores. Baltimore’s secondary cannot afford the coverage breakdowns or extended drives that helped New Orleans complete its comeback. The Ravens must pressure Prescott without losing track of Lamb and Dallas’ other playmakers.
The international stage adds to the spotlight.
Sunday’s game will be the NFL’s first regular-season contest in Rio de Janeiro. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS at the historic Maracanã Stadium. The travel, unfamiliar surroundings, and heightened attention will test Baltimore’s preparation. The Ravens cannot allow those circumstances to become distractions. Baltimore is 1-1, and there is no reason for panic. A disciplined performance against Dallas would turn Week 2 into a correctable setback. Another late collapse would create more difficult questions heading into October.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Baltimore heads to Brazil with something to prove against Dallas
