Cowboys Blame Self for Rio Collapse as Ravens Win on Final Kick

Key points

• Brian Schottenheimer gave his offensive play-calling an 'F' grade following the 34-31 loss to the Ravens at Maracanã Stadium.
• Dak Prescott described the loss as 'embarrassed' and 'frustrated,' citing multiple self-inflicted errors on the final drive.
• Baltimore won 34-31 after Tyler Loop kicked a 56-yard field goal with one second remaining, following a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers.
• The Cowboys fell to a 1-2 record and will face the winless Houston Texans next week, while the Ravens improved to 2-1.
• Prescott admitted the offense 'got in its own way' on the final drive, including an incomplete pass to George Pickens and a false start.

Background

This loss follows a 1-1 start for Dallas, including a Week 1 defeat where Schottenheimer called the team 'pretty poor.' The team had previously expressed concerns about the playing surface in Rio but prioritized rest protocols. The Cowboys' offensive line struggles without All-Pro guard Tyler Smith have been a noted issue this season.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report highlights Schottenheimer's harsh self-criticism, noting he called the play-calling an 'F' and expressed disappointment in the locker room. DallasCowboys.com focuses on Prescott's emotional reaction, with the quarterback using the word 'embarrassed' and blaming the offense for 'getting in its own way' on multiple drives. The Baltimore Ravens' official recap emphasizes their redemption, highlighting Tyler Loop's clutch kick after missing a playoff-clinching field goal last season, and notes Derrick Henry's 89 rushing yards. ESPN's source was inaccessible, so no perspective could be extracted from that outlet.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Cowboys to 1-2 and exposes offensive execution issues in high-pressure situations. The game marked the NFL's first event in Brazil, and the outcome may influence how teams approach international scheduling and field conditions. The Ravens' win improves their record to 2-1, showcasing their ability to close out games despite earlier struggles.

What to watch

The Cowboys will return to Dallas and prepare for a Week 4 matchup against the Houston Texans, who are 0-3. The Ravens will host the Tennessee Titans, also 0-3, in Baltimore. Both teams will look to bounce back from their current records.