Field survived Ravens-Cowboys, for the most part
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Ravens-Cowboys game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro raised concerns about the quality of the playing surface, prompting the NFL to intervene to improve it before the game.
- Despite initial worries, the turf held up reasonably well during the game, with less slipping and sliding compared to other recent NFL games played in wet conditions.
- Cowboys safety Caleb Downs noted that while the field was good early on, it deteriorated into mostly dirt by the end of the game, though he emphasized the team still needed to perform regardless.
- An on-site source described the field as "aesthetically unappealing" and "patchy," stating it posed no major health risks but did not meet the NFL's high standards for playing surfaces.
- The NFL aims for playing fields that are consistently reliable and safe, and while this field did not cause injuries or impact the game's integrity, its quality falling short remains a concern that should not happen at the professional level.
