The Dallas Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27, their first game in Brazil after beating the Washington Commanders 37-20 to reach 1-1. The stadium’s field has drawn attention after Agustin Rossi, goalkeeper for Flamengo Football Club, said the penalty areas contained numerous uneven spots and voiced hope that the surface would be improved.
The NFL said it has preparations for the international contest and a plan designed to provide a high-quality playing surface. Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ coach, said football operations personnel with the team have been in contact with the league. He said league officials anticipated that the field would satisfy the required standard and that he was not worried about the game going forward.
Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager, said Sunday evening that he was still looking for more information and ranked the field among the main priorities following the Washington victory.
CeeDee Lamb, who gained 153 yards and scored twice against Washington, responded briefly when questioned about the surface: “Let's play.” The article also noted that an earlier international matchup in São Paulo between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers concluded with no reported problems.
