Instant analysis: Ravens stun Cowboys in chaotic Brazil game

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RIO DE JANEIRO — Tyler Loop hit a 56-yard field goal to give the Ravens a 34-31 win over the Cowboys on Sunday with one second left in a dramatic introduction to American football for fans here.

After Dallas had kicked a field goal to tie the game, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson hit Zay Flowers for a 27-yard pass over the middle on a play that began with seven seconds left. Jackson called timeout with one second left to set up the deciding kick at Maracanã Stadium.

Trailing 28-24 with less than six minutes remaining, and finishing the drive with starting right guard Vega Ioane at center after injuries to Jovaughn Gwyn and backup Ethan Pocic, the Ravens took a three-point lead with 1:30 remaining after a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to tight end Matt Hibner.

The Ravens held the Cowboys to a field goal, even after Nate Wiggins was called for a controversial pass-interference near the goal line.

Dak Prescott went 25-for-40 for 276 yards and a touchdown, powering a Cowboys team that pushed the Ravens to the brink in the NFL’s first-ever game here. Jackson went 15-for-20 for 186 yards and had six carries for 50 yards as the Ravens delivered on head coach Jesse Minter’s promise that they would play their best when their best was needed.

With the win, the Ravens (2-1) moved past a difficult fourth-quarter Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints that evoked the worst of coach John Harbaugh’s late-career struggles.

The game appeared as if it would swing on a fourth-and-1 stop early in the fourth quarter. Leading 24-21, the Ravens had two opportunities to convert from close range. But running back Derrick Henry (25 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns) was stopped just short of the goal line on third down, and he was tackled for a loss on fourth-and-short.

The Cowboys (2-1) didn’t need long to take advantage. Dallas wide receiver KaVontae Turpin’s 9-yard touchdown run capped a 96-yard drive that covered just seven plays and 3:21.

The Ravens trailed 10-0 less than 11 minutes into the game, and they were perhaps lucky the hole wasn’t deeper. The Cowboys settled for a 28-yard field goal on their opening drive after an easy march to the goal line. Running back Javonte Williams capitalized on Dallas’ fourth-down stop of Henry with a 2-yard touchdown run four minutes later.

By the time Jackson crossed midfield for the first time, the Cowboys had won at least a few undecided fans here. But the Ravens answered with their own jogo bonito. They scored touchdowns on consecutive drives, covering 60 yards and then 89 yards in six-play possessions. Both ended with unsurprising hammers: Henry from 4 yards, then from 3 yards.

The Ravens led 17-13 at halftime, then pushed their advantage to 24-13 with a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Moore. Dallas responded quickly, going 67 yards in just 1:56 as Prescott found tight end Jake Ferguson for a 19-yard score. A 2-point conversion narrowed the Ravens’ lead to 24-21 late in the third quarter.

Here’s analysis from Banner staffers.

Redemption for Loop

What a swing for the Ravens’ most picked-over player. With 30 seconds left, it seemed the Ravens would never get a chance to win this in regulation. But the Ravens’ defense held strong, Lamar Jackson found Zay Flowers in the nick of time, and on came Tyler Loop. His game-winning 56-yard field goal as time expired not only ended the game, but it perhaps also closed the chapter on that season-ending kick he missed in Pittsburgh. This is the kick Ravens fans will remember.

— Jonas Shaffer, Ravens reporter

Unsung heroes come up clutch

The football fans in Rio were given a treat Sunday. Both teams threw haymakers all afternoon. Ravens stars Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers shined, but it was the non-household names who helped secure this win. Keondre Jackson’s blocked field goal attempt in the third quarter kept three points off the board. Rookie tight end Matt Hibner gave the Ravens the lead in the fourth quarter. And, of course, Loop quieted the haters with a walk-off field goal. Don’t be surprised to see Loop jerseys in the stands next time a game is played in Brazil.

— Paul Mancano, “Banner Ravens Podcast” co-host

That’s how you finish

Not sure I’ve ever seen a more ludicrous end to a football game. It all feels a little fluky, honestly, in the immediate aftermath, but you can’t take anything away from the Ravens. They fought through injuries and setbacks (including bizarre penalty calls) to nab this win and prove (mostly to themselves) they can deliver in the fourth quarter.

— Chris Korman, editor