Ahead of Week 3 in Rio, the Cowboys’ main challenge is containing Baltimore’s run game: Dallas has allowed 347 rushing yards in its first two games, while Derrick Henry has 212 yards and four touchdowns and Lamar Jackson 74 rushing yards on 11 carries.
The article identifies second down as a key to Dallas’ third-down problems. The Cowboys have allowed a league-worst 68% third-down conversion rate and rank 32nd in second-down EPA per play allowed (0.35). Against Washington, opponents converted 5 of 6 short-yardage third downs, versus 3 of 8 from four or more yards out.
On kickoffs, Baltimore ranks 29th, surrendering an average of 32 yards per return through two weeks; Dallas ranks second in kickoff coverage, allowing 20.56 yards per return. The preview says the potentially rough Maracanã field could make good field position especially valuable.
