After a chaotic Week 3 international showdown in Rio de Janeiro, where defensive breakdowns ultimately cost the Dallas Cowboys the game, rookie safety Caleb Downs spoke to the media about a critical 27-yard dig route from Lamar Jackson to Zay Flowers that set up Baltimore's game-winning field goal. In a comment shared with Jon Machota on X, Downs said, “He had a 25- or 26-yard dig and caught the ball. That’s what it is.”
Downs acknowledged that there was much to improve upon, mentioning that the turf at Maracanã Stadium had degraded to “pretty much just dirt.” However, he refused to make excuses for the performance. Highlighting how thin the secondary was stretched on that crucial play, Joseph Hoyt noted on X that all three defensive backs in the vicinity, Alijah Clark, Reddy Steward, and Caelen Carson, were backups who did not start the game.
While the Cowboys were disappointed by their late-game collapse, the Ravens received a significant boost concerning the health of their dynamic pass-catcher. An encouraging update from Jamison Hensley on X revealed that Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is nearing full capacity after successfully testing his hamstring against Dallas, during which he played 21 snaps in his return.
Head coach Jesse Minter praised Flowers’ progress, noting that he is ready to push toward a full-time workload moving forward. This development provides major relief for Baltimore's aerial attack as they look to reintegrate their star weapon into the starting lineup without any restrictions.
As the Ravens prepare for their next matchup, having a healthy Zay Flowers anchoring the offense will be vital for maintaining their winning momentum.