Ravens Edged Cowboys on Last-Second Field Goal
Baltimore secured a 34-31 victory in Rio de Janeiro following a clutch 56-yard kick at the final whistle.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should NFL teams always opt for a touchback in the final seconds of a close game?
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in a dramatic game held in Rio de Janeiro. Tyler Loop clinched the win by hitting a 56-yard field goal as time expired.
Why it matters
The Cowboys strategy to kick a touchback and force a short gain backfired, as the Ravens successfully utilized the final seven seconds to position themselves for the winning kick. The result highlights the high-stakes execution required in end-of-game scenarios when facing elite playmakers.
Lamar Jackson completed 6 of 7 passes for 72 yards during the fourth quarter, setting up Tyler Loop for the game-winning 56-yard field goal. The Ravens started their final drive at their own 35-yard line with seven seconds remaining.
The players
Lamar Jackson
He is a star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens known for his dual-threat ability.
Tyler Loop
He is the placekicker for the Baltimore Ravens who successfully converted the winning field goal.
Zay Flowers
He is a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who secured the critical 27-yard reception.
Baltimore Ravens
The professional football team representing Baltimore that competes in the AFC North division.
Dallas Cowboys
The professional football team representing Dallas that competes in the NFC East division.
The details
After the Cowboys kicked a touchback with seven seconds left, Lamar Jackson completed a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers to set up the decisive kick. The win marked the latest start to a game-winning drive recorded since 1978.
Timeline
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys on September 27, 2026.
Tyler Loop missed a field goal during last season's finale.
The latest start to a game-winning drive was set as a reference point in 1978.
Season Trajectory
This victory mirrors the intensity of the 1978 NFL record for the latest start to a game-winning drive. The outcome forces both franchises to re-evaluate late-game defensive packages as the season progresses.
The game-winning 56-yard field goal provides a critical boost to the Ravens win-loss standing while placing significant pressure on the Cowboys secondary. Fantasy managers should monitor the Cowboys special teams assignments after they surrendered a final-second scoring opportunity.
The takeaway
Effective time management and aggressive play-calling remain the most critical factors for securing wins in the final seconds of a game. Coaches should note that reliance on touchbacks in late-game situations may grant high-caliber offenses too much control over the final possession.
Further reading
For more analysis on current league performances, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Should NFL teams always opt for a touchback in the final seconds of a close game?
