The Baltimore Ravens enter Week 3 believing they can compete with anyone when they play their brand of football. They've already shown flashes of dominance this season, especially in an impressive Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. At the same time, their loss to the New Orleans Saints
reminded everyone that even talented teams can be undone by mistakes, inconsistency, and missed opportunities.The challenge awaiting them in Brazil is significant. The Dallas Cowboys possess one of the NFL's most explosive offensesand enough playmakers to punish opponents who leave the door open. If Baltimore wants to return home with a win, it will need to avoid the pitfalls that could turn a winnable game into a frustrating defeat.
Special teams issues have caused reason for concern
The kick return before
halftime and the blocked field goal are just two of the reasons why special teams has been an ongoing discussion this week. It's called the three phases of the game for a reason: offense, defense, and special teams.
Teams can survive a mistake in one area. Multiple mistakes are often far harder to overcome. Baltimore has spent much of the week addressing those issues, but concerns remain until it shows improvement on game day. It would be a painful way to lose if the outcome ultimately hinged on a special teams breakdown. A KaVontae Turpin punt return, a blocked kick, or a hidden-yardage battle that swings field position could quickly change the complexion of a competitive game.
One must ask if the Ravens can score with the Cowboys
If the Cowboys offense gets rolling, it can hum like a well-oiled machine. The Ravens' Week 1 performance was inspiring, but Week 2 left lingering questions.
Is Baltimore's offense closer to the group that overwhelmed Indianapolis, or the unit that struggled to sustain drives against New Orleans? The answer could go a long way toward determining the outcome in Brazil.
Fortunately for Baltimore, the Dallas defense has shown vulnerability in surrendering explosive plays. The opportunity to move the football should be there. The question is whether the Ravens can consistently capitalize on those opportunities if this game turns into a back-and-forth shootout. If Dallas reaches 30 points, Baltimore will obviously need to do the same.
An unfamiliar setting in unfamiliar territory
Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is mainly used for football matches involving some of Brazil's most recognizable soccer clubs, including Flamengo and Fluminense. Soccer and football are different sports, and while the venue's natural grass surface might appear to favor Baltimore, nothing is guaranteed. Field conditions, travel demands, crowd dynamics, weather, and routine disruptions all become variables when teams leave their normal environment.
Neither team has played in Rio de Janeiro. In fact, no NFL team has ever played there before. The Ravens are navigating unfamiliar territory, but so are theCowboys.
That reality serves as the great equalizer entering Week 3. Both organizations are preparing for circumstances they have never experienced. The team that adapts fastest, handles distractions best, and stays focused on the details may ultimately gain a valuable edge.
The Ravens have enough talent to beat Dallas. They also have enough concerns to understand why this matchup feels far from certain. Special teams consistency, offensive production, and the ability to handle a historic international setting all deserve attention.
Baltimore doesn't need perfection to win in Brazil. It just needs to keep those potential problem areas from becoming the story of the game. If the Ravens can do that, they'll have a strong chance to board the flight home with a much-needed victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 3 reasons Cowboys could make the Ravens’ trip to Brazil difficult
