Before facing a heartbreaking loss in an international thriller, the Dallas Cowboys received significant preseason recognition. ESPN insiders polled league executives and scouts, projecting standout rookie safety Caleb Downs to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and naming head coach Brian Schottenheimer as a contender for Coach of the Year following substantial defensive upgrades.
However, that early optimism was met with a harsh reality during their chaotic Week 3 loss in Rio de Janeiro, where defensive breakdowns ultimately cost them the game. Focusing on postgame accountability, rookie defensive back Caleb Downs addressed the media regarding an explosive 27-yard dig route from Lamar Jackson to Zay Flowers that set up Baltimore's game-winning field goal. He candidly told Jon Machota on X, “He had a 25- or 26-yard dig and caught the ball. That’s what it is.” Downs acknowledged that while the team had some positive moments, there was plenty to improve. He also remarked on the poor field conditions at Maracanã Stadium, stating that his seven-stud cleats worked at first, but by the end of the game, it was “pretty much just dirt out there,” although he refused to make excuses.
Highlighting how thin the secondary was during that final defensive sequence, Joseph Hoyt shared on X that all three defensive backs in the area, Alijah Clark, Reddy Steward, and Caelen Carson, were backups who hadn’t even started the game.
Reddy Stewart thought he had inside help on that last play that set up the Ravens field goal.
He did not, in fact, have inside help. pic.twitter.com/rLObEaASoT
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 27, 2026
Despite the late-game collapse and the growing pains on defense, the thrilling international matchup concluded with Lamar Jackson praising the incredible atmosphere in South America, declaring a powerful “no doubt” message of appreciation to the fans after securing a dramatic 34-31 victory.