The rookie defensive back has been one of the few bright spots on the Dallas defense.
The Dallas Cowboys have a bit of problem in the secondary going into their Week 3 game in Rio against the explosive Baltimore Ravens.
Not among them, however, is rookie nickelback Caleb Downs.
The No. 11 overall pick out of Ohio State is leading the Dallas defense in tackles through two weeks with 17. There is history on the line for Downs in his first-career international game this weekend.
Downs needs at least five tackles against the Ravens to record the most takedowns in Cowboys history for a defensive back through their first three career games.
Against the NFC East rival New York Giants in Week 1, Downs posted his first career sack and finished with eight tackles in a Cowboys loss. His competitiveness was evident in his postgame remarks.
"Did some good things. Some things to clean up. That's how I'm always looking at it," Downs said. "Made a couple plays, a couple plays I wish I had back."
It was some of the same against the Washington Commanders in Week 2. Downs co-led the team in tackles with nine, along with a pass breakup. He was also burned in the flat by veteran receiver Stefon Diggs as he was late recognizing Diggs' motion to the left flat, which ended in him walking into the end zone for a short touchdown.
Nonetheless, it was a favorable result in the end for the Cowboys. Downs also played every single defensive snap, showing just how valuable the coaching staff knows he is in his rookie year.
That will remain the case as Dallas struggles with injuries in the secondary. Cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) and safety P.J. Locke (foot) are expected to miss time with injuries sustained last week.
On if they'd suit up in Rio, head coach Brian Schottenheimer hesitated to give a definitive answer.
"Got to get through the week. Could be tough just because it's a shorter week for us, but not saying no." Schottenheimer said, implying the altered practice schedule that comes with travel for an international game.
Locke is dealing with a plantar fasciitis tear, and Durant has a strain, which is always tricky to navigate early in the season. Additionally, safety Malik Hooker remains out with a forearm injury suffered in the season opener.
"Next man up," Schottenheimer added about the defense. "That's real. I thought we used the elevations well for the linebackers. I think we're working some things potentially on defense, maybe in the secondary. We've got some guys there that might step up and help us in a couple different roles. But as we get into the plan, I think it's going to be what this league is about, is next man up."
Downs is among those who will need to step up.
So far, the rookie has done so at a record pace.
