Washington (United States) (AFP) – The Brazil-bound Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are confident in the quality of the grass for their Sunday clash in the NFL’s first game at Rio de Janeiro. The two clubs are 1-1 and desperate for a win on the third Sunday of the NFL season.
Players on both teams said they expected their league to ensure a good playing surface despite comments from soccer players about sub-standard field conditions in the wake of a match last week at the iconic Maracana Stadium. “I believe the NFL does a great job at having their specialists go out there and look over the fields. I can’t worry about that,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “We’ve played on bad fields plenty of times, so I cannot really dwell on that,” the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player added, saying he was focused on a win. “I just have to worry about getting us a ‘dub’ in Brazil.”
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Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said the issue “is not really in the forefront of my mind.” “Players are the product in this league,” Hamilton said. “I am sure the league knows that and they’re doing their best to put us in the position to be safe.”
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said officials had time to ensure field quality. “We talked a little bit with the operations people,” Schottenheimer said. “The league seems to feel like everything is going to be fine. I have no concerns. I’m aware of some of the quotes and stuff, but again, I trust that the league’s going to make the right decision and they’ll get the field up to standard.”
Even so, he said the team has asked players to use cleats with better traction. “We expect the field to be fine. We have backup plans in place,” Schottenheimer said. “These guys have to wear things that make them feel comfortable. If they’re slipping, that’s going to be on them.” Some players don’t care what they run upon. “Let’s play. I don’t have questions,” said Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb. “I’m going to be out there, so it is what it is.”
Added Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey: “If we got to play on some concrete, we will play on some concrete. I’m hoping those reports aren’t true.” With both teams needing a victory, it’s not just a relaxing stay after a 10-hour flight to South America. “I’m excited,” Jackson said. “But at the end of the day, it’s a business trip for us. It is not to go have fun, to sightsee, or anything like that.”
“I think our hotel is in a pretty cool place with a decent view. Get close to the beach, probably not go out on it, but it’s close enough,” Hamilton said. Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson said he was thrilled to be a global ambassador for the NFL but adopted the “business trip” approach as well. “To be able to take it all over the world is a beautiful thing,” he said. “We’re not going for leisure or for sightseeing. When you view it that way, it’s easier to lock in.”
Sunday’s other top NFL contests include the Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo, Kansas City at Miami, Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, Seattle at Washington, Minnesota at Tampa Bay, Arizona at San Francisco, Las Vegas at New Orleans, and the Los Angeles Rams at Denver, while Monday finds Philadelphia at Chicago.
© 2024 AFP
