The Dallas Cowboys' loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3 in Brazil came down to critical mistakes in the game's closing moments. Tyler Loop's 56-yard field goal gave the Ravens a 34-31 victory with no time remaining, but the outcome hinged on Dallas' execution in the final moments.
Multiple outlets identified the Cowboys' clock management and special teams decisions as decisive factors. Per Yahoo Sports' Eric Edholm, Dallas "mismanaged the final 20 seconds of the game." CBS Sports reported that "a touchback and questionable timeout usage gave the Ravens precious seconds," while Yahoo Sports noted the team's "baffling special teams decision" and "terrible Cowboys clock management" allowed Baltimore to set up the winning kick.
The loss carries broader implications for Dallas' season. Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports wrote that while "the Cowboys' season isn't over after falling to Baltimore," the team "lost the benefit of the doubt, the faith of any remotely impartial observer and any expectation that this defense is going to get it together soon." Busbee also noted that while Dak Prescott and the Cowboys deserve scrutiny for failing to score a touchdown late, the defense's inability to protect a lead in the final seconds was equally problematic.