The Dallas Cowboys are turning to their next international game after a 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders, a result that moved the team to 1-1. Dallas is scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27.
Field conditions have drawn attention after Agustin Rossi, goalkeeper for Flamengo Football Club, said the penalty areas contained numerous uneven spots. Rossi said he hoped the surface would be improved before the NFL matchup.
The Cowboys’ football operations staff has been in contact with the league about the field, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. He said league officials anticipated that the surface would satisfy the required standard and that he had no concerns about the game taking place. The NFL said it has a plan for a high-quality field, as it does for every international game.
Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager, said Sunday evening that he was seeking more information and identified the field as a top priority following the Washington game. CeeDee Lamb, who had 153 yards and two touchdowns against Washington, responded to a question about the surface by saying, “Let's play.” The game will be the first NFL contest at Maracanã.
A prior international game in São Paulo between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers was completed without reported problems.
