NFL in Rio: Cowboys coach on Flamengo-like pressure: “They expect more” | OneFootball

Brian Schottenheimer highlighted fan pressure and Flamengo’s structure before the game against the Baltimore Ravens

The Dallas Cowboys’ time in Rio de Janeiro put Flamengo at the center of head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s attention. Before the game against the Baltimore Ravens, the coach compared the pressure surrounding the NFL franchise to the expectations that follow the Rubro-Negro in Brazilian football.

— Since I arrived, I realized it is a well-structured club. People watch what we do, they look at us and demand results. They are fans who love, care about their team, and know what we are capable of doing. It’s something all of us are used to and, to be honest, we like to put that level of demand on ourselves — Schottenheimer said at a press conference.

COACH HIGHLIGHTS PRESSURE TO WIN TITLES

Like Flamengo, the Dallas Cowboys have a massive fan base and a far-reaching brand. In addition, the American franchise ranks among the most valuable teams in the NFL.

However, their sporting moment presents an important difference. While Flamengo has won major titles in recent years, the Cowboys have not lifted the Super Bowl trophy since the 1995 season, with that title coming in January 1996.

Even so, Schottenheimer sees the pressure as fuel for the squad. In that sense, the coach said the team’s goal is precisely to compete for the NFL title next season.

“We talk here within our group about wanting to win a Super Bowl. We expect to be in Los Angeles, the site of the final, on February 14, 2027,” the coach added.

COWBOYS PLANNED TRIP TO RIO

In addition to the external pressure, Brian Schottenheimer also commented on the challenges of playing an international game. After all, the Cowboys are not used to playing outside the United States in regular-season games.

The franchise’s last and only experience in that setting came in November 2014. On that occasion, Dallas faced the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London and won 31-17.

That is why the coaching staff prepared specific details for the trip to Brazil. The planning covered everything from sleep routines to the players’ diet.

“How much they’ll sleep, what they’ll eat, how they’ll prepare... We started discussing that as soon as the players returned from vacation. There are certainly challenges in an international game,” Schottenheimer explained.

In addition, the coach considers it important for the players to get to know the stadium that will host the game in advance. “We’ll be at the stadium tomorrow. I think that’s important. They’ll be able to understand what the locker room is like and what it’s like to go out onto the field. That’s important in NFL stadiums,” he added.

SCHOTTENHEIMER PLAYS DOWN CONCERNS ABOUT THE PITCH

The condition of the Maracanã pitch also came up during the Cowboys’ preparation. In recent days, American media outlets have reported on the field conditions after Flamengo players criticized the pitch.

Schottenheimer, however, appeared calm. According to the coach, the team is prepared to deal with different conditions at the venue. “It’s all part of the process. I have no doubt that the field will be great. They’re working on it. Our players will be ready,” he said.

COWBOYS TRAIN AT NINHO DO URUBU

After the press conference, the Dallas Cowboys held their first training session at Ninho do Urubu. Flamengo’s training center hosted the team’s only practice on Rio soil before the matchup.

Now, the American team has one more commitment before the oval ball flies at the Maracanã. On Saturday (26), the Cowboys will hold their final training session directly at the stadium that will host the clash against the Baltimore Ravens. The game takes place on Sunday (27), in Rio de Janeiro, and marks another chapter in the NFL’s time in Brazil.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.