The Dallas Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium on Sept. 27, their next game after a 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders left them with a 1-1 record. The matchup will be the first NFL game played at the stadium.
Field conditions have drawn attention after Agustin Rossi, Flamengo Football Club’s goalkeeper, said the penalty areas contained many uneven spots. He said he hoped the surface would be improved before the football game. The NFL said preparations are underway to provide a playing surface suitable for the international contest.
Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ coach, said the club’s football operations personnel has been in contact with the league. He said league officials expected the field to satisfy the required standard and that he was not worried the game would be unable to go forward.
Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager, said Sunday evening that he was seeking more information and that the field was a top priority following the Washington game.
CeeDee Lamb, who gained 153 yards and scored two touchdowns against Washington, responded to a question about the field by saying, “Let’s play.” A prior international NFL game in São Paulo, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, was completed without reported problems.