Ravens Edge Cowboys 34-31 in Final-Play Thriller at Maracanã

Key points

• Lamar Jackson completed a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers on the final play, calling a timeout with one second left to set up Tyler Loop’s 56-yard field goal.
• The Ravens won 34-31 after a 7-second drive, capping a game that saw three lead changes in the final two minutes.
• Derrick Henry rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns, moving into ninth place on the NFL’s career rushing list.
• The game was played at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the NFL’s first event in the city, with an announced crowd of 72,792.
• The Cowboys tied the game at 31 with a 23-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey after a controversial pass interference call against Baltimore.

Background

This matchup was the NFL’s third international game in Brazil and the first held in Rio de Janeiro. Prior to the game, both teams expressed concerns about the Maracanã playing surface, which had undergone emergency repairs involving synthetic fiber stitching due to rain damage. The NFLPA had criticized the field’s traction, though the grass appeared to hold up during the contest. The Ravens entered the game seeking to bounce back from a loss, while the Cowboys focused on rest protocols after a long flight to Brazil.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports and the Associated Press emphasized the dramatic nature of the final play, highlighting Jackson’s quick thinking and Loop’s successful kick. NBC Sports noted the controversy surrounding the pass interference call on Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, which gave Dallas a chance to win in regulation. While all sources agreed on the final score and key plays, NBC Sports specifically pointed out that the Ravens lost their top two centers late in the game due to injuries, forcing a rookie to move to center. The outlets generally agreed that the game was one of the most exciting of the season, with CBS Sports focusing on the franchise-record short drive and NBC Sports highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the contest.

Why it matters

The game demonstrated the NFL’s ability to execute high-stakes international events despite logistical challenges, such as field condition concerns. It also highlighted the resilience of the Ravens’ offense and the competitive nature of the Cowboys’ defense, even in a loss. The result impacts both teams’ early-season standings, with Baltimore improving to 2-1 and Dallas falling to 1-2, setting the stage for their upcoming matchups against the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, respectively.

What to watch

The Ravens will host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday, while the Cowboys will travel to face the Houston Texans. Both teams will need to address injury concerns, particularly for the Ravens’ offensive line, and assess the impact of the international trip on their players’ performance.