Jerry Jones said Sunday evening that he was seeking updated information on the Maracanã Stadium field and called its condition a leading priority after the Cowboys’ 37-20 victory over Washington. The win moved Dallas to 1-1, and the team is scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens there on Sept. 27.
The field drew criticism from Agustin Rossi, Flamengo Football Club’s goalkeeper, who said the penalty areas contained numerous uneven spots and expressed hope the surface would be improved before the NFL game. The matchup will be the first NFL game at the stadium.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the Cowboys’ football operations staff has been communicating with the league. He said league officials expected the field to meet the necessary standard and that he had no concerns about the game proceeding. The NFL said it has a plan for a high-quality playing surface for the international contest.
CeeDee Lamb, who had 153 yards and two touchdowns against Washington, responded to questions about the field by saying, “Let’s play.” A previous international game in São Paulo involving the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers was completed without reported problems.
