Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images It is game week for the Dallas Cowboys! Dallas Cowboys newcomers to watch in 2024: Tyler Guyton, Marshawn Kneeland and more – Chris Amaya, DMN Amaya offers a mix of veteran and rookie newcomers to keep an eye on, among them Tyler Guyton and Marshawn Kneeland. 1. LT Tyler Guyton Dallas has high expectations for the rookie first-rounder out of Oklahoma. After impressing coaches in training camp, Guyton could start his professional career as Dak Prescott’s blindside protector at left tackle. He’ll have big shoes to fill, taking over a spot that eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith previously manned. Guyton, a Manor native, was behind Chuma Edoga on the first team in training camp until an injury in the team’s first preseason game changed everything. He won’t be the only Cowboys rookie looking to impress on the offensive line. 4. DE Marshawn Kneeland When Sam Williams went down with a season-ending ACL injury, an opportunity opened up for Kneeland. The 2024 second-round pick out of Western Michigan is now expected to contribute significantly at defensive end. Like Guyton and Beebe, Kneeland has received a fair share of praise from the Dallas coaching staff. Kneelend’s strength is stopping the run, which is part of the reason why the Cowboys drafted him. In five seasons, Kneeland had 13 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and 149 tackles at Western Michigan. He spent much of camp learning from DeMarcus Lawrence. Caelen Carson ‘ready’ for Cowboys debut vs. Browns, speaks on No. 21 change – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com The Cowboys may be breaking in Caelen Carson a bit earlier than expected because of DaRon Bland’s injury, but the rookie out of Wake Forest has no shortage of confidence. “I’m more than prepared,” said the level-headed 22-year-old cornerback. “I wouldn’t say that I expected it, but I’m ready. … If you make it bigger than what it is, then it’s gonna be a big moment for you. It’s gonna be [like] any other game. I’ve been playing football all my life, so I feel like nothing changes. “It’s just more people and you’re on television but, at the end of the day, I’ve been doing it since I was five years old.” Carson also has reason to be confident, seeing as he’s not only coming off of a stellar training camp and preseason, but also in the fact he’s been in a similar situation previously — when he didn’t expect to be named starter as a freshman for the Demon Deacons before they decided he was indeed ready for the task. And then came the moniker “Seat Belt”, a nickname earned during that very season, and one that’s already followed him to his Cowboys’ uniform. Speaking of uniforms, Carson also made headlines over the past several days by approaching the Cowboys to request they change his jersey from No. 41 to No. 21 ahead of the 2024 season though, as he explained, it’s not tied to Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. NFL names Cowboys’ Cooper Beebe among 10 most overlooked rookies – Reid Hanson, The Cowboys Wire Cooper Beebe won the starting job in his first offseason with the team, beating out Brock Hoffman. While looking through a list of NFL rookies hoping to make splash in their first season in the league, Brooks named a Cowboys rookie as one of 10 overlooked rookies who have “showed serious flashes” this preseason. The player he mentioned was aspiring starter, Cooper Beebe. The Cowboys took a gamble when they selected Beebe in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. It’s not that the Kansas State guard was a poor prospect because he was actually very well regarded in the draft community. Dane Bruglar at The Athletic even slotted him in as the No. 3 guard in the class rating as his 38th ranked prospect in the draft. What made Beebe a gamble was role the Cowboys were going to ask him to play. Drafted as a center, Dallas wanted Beebe to play a position he wasn’t acquainted with in the past. In his 48 collegiate starts, Beebe played at left tackle, right tackle and left guard, but never center. The Cowboys strategy was a rebuttal for what scouts perceived to be Beebe’s biggest weakness, arm length. 7 players who exceeded expectations and could be Week 1 difference-makers – Jon Machota, The Athletic Add LB Marist Liufau to the long list of young players facing high expectations. Linebacker hasn’t exactly been a strength recently in Dallas. From what was on display at camp, it appears it could be headed that way. Eric Kendricks and DeMarvion Overshown are the expected starters, but Liufau showed he can be counted on in Year 1. Like Carson, he’s been a player who has repeatedly shown up even when not looking for him. Last year’s rookie class didn’t contribute much in Year 1. This year’s rookie class looks much different. Expect several first-year players to make a positive impact this season. Dallas Cowboys rookie class expectations for the 2024 season – Tony Catalina, Blogging The Boys The two players drafted ahead of Beebe will also see the field right away, having earned plenty of trust from the coaching staff this preseason. Round 1 • Pick 29 (29) • OT Tyler Guyton There isn’t a rookie, or perhaps a young player altogether, on the Cowboys roster with more pressure and hope resting on his shoulders. Tyler Guyton is expected to be the Day 1 starter at left tackle, tasked with protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside and filling the vacancy left by future hall-of-fame player Tyron Smith. He is expected to be a good player early on, but the hope is that he can also be a cornerstone player in a reasonably quick timeframe. How good and how fast he can achieve this will be crucial for this team’s success. Round 2 • Pick 24 (56) • EDGE Marshawn Kneeland While Guyton was being thrust into a situation from
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns, 2024 NFL Week 1
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns, 2024 NFL Week 1 Keep track of everything related to Cowboys at Browns in NFL Week 1 as Dallas visits Cleveland on Sunday afternoon. Contributors: At long last we have made it to Week 1. Congratulations everybody. The Dallas Cowboys will visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon to kick off their 2024 season. It is the 65th campaign in Dallas Cowboys franchise history and the 29th in a row that they are looking to add to their collection of five Vince Lombardi trophies. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs and the rest of the Cowboys roster have the responsibility of trying to do it. Mike McCarthy will lead them in his fourth season in charge of the team. McCarthy is entering a contract year with the club which is a cloud that hangs over everything. If McCarthy’s contract status is a cloud then Dak Prescott’s is a brewing storm. As of Monday in Week 1 his situation is still not resolved which casts the future of the franchise into relative uncertainty. But none of that will matter on Sunday as Dallas faces a Browns team with Deshaun Watson at quarterback, not exactly an advantage based on his play since the team acquired him. Nick Chubb will miss the contest due to being on the PUP list to start the season, but Myles Garrett will play in his first regular season game since winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and will present all sorts of problems for Cowboys rookie Tyler Guyton. Here’s our stream for everything you need to know about it all. We will update it throughout the week to include all relevant news regarding the game, injuries and everything else.
2025 NFL Draft: 3 standouts from the NCAA opener Cowboys should keep tabs on
Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images Never too early to start thinking about potential prospects for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft. Football is back! While we still wait for the NFL season to officially get underway this week, the NCAA season is already in full swing with Week 1 (plus Week 0) almost fully in the books. There are a lot of talented players doing their best to catch the the attention of scouting departments around the league, and others who are just trying to cement themselves as the best of the best this season. Today, we are going to take a look at a few players who really stood out in the NCAA season opener, players the Dallas Cowboys should keep tabs on the remainder of the year in the possibility of selecting them in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Each player listed below potentially plays a position of need in the next year for the Cowboys. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images Whether the Dallas Cowboys decide to extend Dak Prescott or not, they should be deep diving into each and every one of these QB prospects expected to be available in next year’s 2025 NFL Draft. Either as a starter or a developmental project, it’s probably past time to start planning for the future beyond Dak and it’s doubtful Trey Lance is the answer. Jalen Milroe started his Heisman candidacy off with a hot start in the NCAA opener against Western Kentucky. He completed seven of nine passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns through the air and also added 79 yards and two touchdowns on the ground with his legs. He finished with the best QBR (98.7) and passer rating (374.44) of any QB in the opener. He’s somewhat similar to Dak in size (6’2″, 225), but is much more athletic and explosive as a dual threat QB. He’s currently projected to be a Day 2 or early Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, but may see his draft stock rise significantly if he continues to play the way he did in the season opener. He’s definitely someone to keep an eye on for Dallas next year. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images There is absolutely nothing about the Cowboys running back situation that suggest anyone really has a future with the team beyond the 2024 season. And despite the need they pretty much bypassed the position in the NFL Draft. Sooner or later they will strike and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if that happened in 2025. Ashton Jeanty made sure he’s at the top of the Heisman watchlist after he completely dominated on the ground in the season opener against Georgia Southern. The Boise State RB rushed for 267 yards on 20 carries on the ground and scored a jaw-dropping six total touchdowns. His 267 rushing yards and six rushing TDs were both school records. It’s common knowledge the Cowboys haven’t shied away from drafting players from Boise State and Ashton Jeanty could be the next to join the long list. The 5’9″, 215-pound may be just a little bit undersized from what they typically look for in their RB1, but there’s no doubt he has game, should be monitored closely the rest of the year. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images Given the state of the Cowboys current roster and the positions they could be targeting next year in the 2025 NFL Draft, they could be once again looking for more cornerback and wide receiver help next year. Both positions go early and often when the draft gets underway, so spending a first-round pick at either position is plausible. Right now, Travis Hunter is probably the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year. As a two-way player at CB and WR, his elite athleticism and skill set are on full display each and every week. In the NCAA opener against North Dakota State he caught seven passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns and was equally effective on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately for the Cowboys though, Travis Hunter is projected to be a Top 5 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Unless they completely collapse this year or if he happens to take a historic slide, he’s probably out of their reach. But, given the fact he’d be a significant upgrade at either CB or WR in Dallas he’s still someone to continue to watch closely.
NFL insider on Dak Prescott: ‘He has all of the leverage… and the clock is ticking’
Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images We are in the middle of an important week for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott and a would-be contract extension. This is a butterfly effect week for the Dallas Cowboys. One flap of things sees them extending quarterback Dak Prescott and committing to a future with him under center. Another flap will cast the immediate future of the franchise into serious question at the most important position in the game. Again, an important week. It is assumed that this week carries extreme significance because it is officially a game week for the Cowboys and the rest of the NFL. We have indeed arrived at Week 1 and if the Cowboys do not sign Prescott to an extension before its end. it stands to reason that they won’t at all throughout the season, at least that is what NFL history suggests. Brace yourselves. As of Monday things still seem as they always were with this situation It is hard to know or predict when news of a Dak extension will begin to percolate, assuming it happens. This is the case because these matters are always unpredictable, but the Cowboys have managed to up the ante a bit with how they have approached extensions for their superstars, Dak included in the past, over the last decade or so. As of Monday morning things seem to be the same. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport took to the television airwaves to let us know that Dak is either going to become the highest-paid “everything” in NFL history (with the Cowboys if that is not obvious) or the highest-profile free agent in league history. From @GMFB: It’s a game week! And Week 1 serves as a deadline for some big-time contractual issues. Let’s take a look… pic.twitter.com/8LsEH273fW — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2024 “The two sides have been working, there have been active conversations, for about the last month or so, and the stakes are as high as they get.” “If Prescott does do a deal… which of course would make him the highest-paid quarterback, player, everything in NFL history… then he will remain with the Cowboys this season and beyond.” “If he does not do a deal then the likelihood is he will be a free agent, the highest-profile free agent we have ever seen. He has all of the leverage you could possibly get and the clock is ticking.” The term leverage has been thrown out a lot throughout the course of this subject/situation, and if it is not clear, it all resides in the hands of Dak Prescott. With the Cowboys unable to place the franchise tag on him or trade him without his consent. they risk losing him for absolutely nothing next offseason, save for what would likely be a third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if you do want the Cowboys to move on from Prescott, this entire saga is an indictment on their contractual handling of the most important player in the game. It is extraordinarily rare for a franchise quarterback of Prescott’s caliber to reach a contract year with a team as doing so offers enormous leverage to the player in question. The Cowboys have painted themselves into this corner on three different occasions over the last six years. It is extraordinary mismanagement. They may very well lock him down to an extension this week and if they do then part of their future will be established. But they simply cannot continue to work like this as doing so creates an unnecessary and untenable situation for proper roster management.
Cowboys vs Browns: Dallas enters the week as underdogs on the road
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The Cowboys are officially underdogs in Week 1. The Dallas Cowboys are now into Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. The team is prepping for the Cleveland Browns, a game that will be played on the road for the Cowboys. This offseason has been a divisive one for the fanbase as the team did not do all the things that were hoped. They just recently closed a contract deal with CeeDee Lamb, but have yet to reach a deal with Dak Prescott. The longer this goes the more likely Prescott could end up as a free agent at season’s end. They also haven’t started any real efforts toward extending Micah Parsons. The good news is that all three will be playing this season, and that gives the Cowboys a foundational base to build on for the year. And while the Cowboys were slow to sign new additions, by the end of their offseason they actually brought in quite a few free agents or players via trade. Eric Kendricks, Dalvin Cook, Carl Lawson, Linval Joseph, Jordan Phillips, Ezekiel Elliott and Andrew Booth, among others, signed with the squad. The front office just did most of their roster work later in the offseason. That brings us to Week 1. Despite much frustration among the fanbase, the Cowboys possess one of the top rosters in the league, and their rookie class is showing promise already, especially with Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe. This is a team that has won 12 games three seasons in a row and should not be underestimated heading into the regular-season. That regular season kicks off with a tough opponent. The Cleveland Browns went 11-6 last year, making the playoffs, but were wiped out by the Houston Texans in the first round. They have Myles Garrett who will give the Cowboys’ offensive tackles fits, including rookie Tyler Guyton. They hope that QB Deshaun Watson shows the promise that led the team to give up so much to get him. They also have plenty of weapons, including old friend Amari Cooper. The current line set by our partners at FanDuel have the Browns as 2.5 point favorites. How do you feel about this game? Is the line where you would expect it to be? Join our partners at FanDuel for your 2024 betting needs.
5 bold predictions for the Cowboys 2024 season
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports It is finally football season. The 2024 season is closely approaching and we can already feel the expectations climbing for the Dallas Cowboys. We’ll see plenty of the same things we’ve seen in past seasons. Dak Prescott will be great, CeeDee Lamb will be great, and Micah Parsons will be great. Those things are expected, but what about the things we don’t expect? Here are five bold predictions for the Cowboys 2024 season. 1. Tyler Guyton will contribute more than Tyron Smith Smith’s departure was sad as he had done so much for the team over his career. And it was even sadder when you consider he’s coming off one of his best seasons in recent memory. As good as that was, it’s well-known that Smith struggles to stay healthy. The odds aren’t in his favor that he’ll be able to play a full season, and who’s to say the Cowboys didn’t just cash in on his last good year? Of course, swapping that out for a brand new rookie seems like a raw deal, unless that new rookie ends up being one of the best prospects in his draft class. A few months ago, one could say that’s the blue and silver Kool-Aid talking, but after what we’ve seen in training camp and preseason, the table is set for the rookie to make his mark. Don’t be surprised if we’re sending out apology letters to the front office come December. 2. Dalvin Cook will be the team’s leading rusher The running back group is a bit of a mess as we have no idea what will happen. Will Ezekiel Elliott go back to doing Zeke things? Or is it finally time for Rico Dowdle to shine? Those seem like the two most likely players to lead the team in rushing, but don’t be surprised if last-second signee Dalvin Cook is the guy. Before last year when he shuffled around between the Jets and Ravens, Cook was coming off four straight seasons where he had over 1,100 rushing yards, making the Pro Bowl each season. With Zeke having over 50% more mileage and Dowdle yet to show he can handle the workload, it’s not the craziest thing in the world to think Cook could be doing the heavy lifting this season. 3. Ryan Flournoy will be the team’s WR3 We’ve heard good things about the Cowboys’ young receivers over the last two years. First, it was Jalen Tolbert, then it was Jalen Brooks. And even this year, we are hearing positive things about both of them again. Of course, talk is cheap and we want results on the field. Fast forward to this season where there is once again another young wide receiver everyone is excited about. But there are reasons why this one might mean something. You might say, it’s the trifecta of earning reps. Number one, he’s flashed brilliance. Some of the plays he’s made are quite impressive. But so what, anyone can flash, which brings us to number two, he’s been consistent. He’s stringing together more and more good reps, signaling things are clicking for him. Finally, he contributes as a blocker. Ryan Flournoy isn’t challenging targets from CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, but if a receiver contributes in other ways, he’ll see the field more. 4. Malik Hooker makes the Pro Bowl All eyes have been on the “other guys” as we try to decipher which safety will start opposite Hooker. Who is that smart field general who can step up in coverage and excel in Mike Zimmer’s system? Well, as it turns out, they already have that guy in Malik Hooker. It’s not talked about very much, but Hooker has been one of the best free agent signings the team has had in a while. In every season he’s been with Dallas he’s played in more games than his best season in Indianapolis. Harrison Smith had his first All-Pro season at 28 years of age. Guess who’s 28 this year. Yep, Hooker. The Cowboys’ veteran free safety is a former 15th overall pick who gets better every year. Add in a defensive coach known for turning smart, talented safeties into studs and you could see a career year for the eight-year veteran. 5. KaVontae Turpin takes it to the house, twice!! Okay, this might not seem like a bold prediction because every year we expect this to happen. Now, 33 games later, Turpin has yet to return a regular-season kick for a touchdown. He’s been close a few times, but something always gets in his way (usually one of his own blockers). This year will be different, and we’re not just saying that. It will be different because the new kickoff rules are designed to have teams kick the ball into the landing zone to encourage returns. There will be plenty of opportunities for Turpin to take one the distance and just to be fair and qualify as bold, we’re saying he does it twice. After that, expect more touchbacks. What are your bold predictions for the 2024 season?
Cowboys uniform schedule release garners mixed reactions from fans
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s game week for the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL. We have been waiting for this week since February after suffering a shocking loss to the 7th-seed Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Cowboys Nation is brimming with anticipation, hoping that a new season brings better results for America’s Team. Rosters are just about set, the Browns are on deck for this coming Sunday, and the fanbase is ready to cheer. A new season also brings new opportunities for the players to look like their best selves on the field while they strive for victory. The Cowboys released the uniform schedule this past weekend, but it has garnered mixed results from fans who want a change from the classic (traditional) white jerseys. What’s With All the White? I know that the Cowboys’ white jerseys are considered classic, but the word I would use is traditional. It’s old and boring, and we will have to see those jerseys 11 out of 17 games this regular season. 16 seasons and 4 live games, and I finally get to see the primaries with my own eyes this year🫡 — Tuck (@TuckerArmen) September 1, 2024 At least one person is excited to see the Primary White uniforms. Twitter/X user @TuckerArmen gave his opinion on the uniform schedule release. One of the only positive comments, this Twitter/X user says “16 seasons and four live games, and I finally get to see the primaries with my own eyes this year”. Why so much traditional white?? Navy and artic…cmon — A-A-Ron from 561 (@hitstickmaster2) August 31, 2024 Another user shows us the other side of the coin, and likely gives us the true temperature of Cowboys Nation regarding the Primary Whites. Twitter/X user @hitstickmaster2 asks “Why so much traditional white? Navy and arctic…come on”. Don’t worry, sir. We are all thinking the same thing. We Need More Navy I can’t be the only person out there that wants to see more Navy Blue jerseys on Sundays this season. One of the few jerseys I purchased over the past few seasons is my Navy Blue #21 Ezekiel Elliott jersey that I still wear proudly, despite the fact Elliott wears #15 now. Why so much white I want more navy — Josephdagoat6 ✭ (@JosephGiaimo8) August 31, 2024 As it turns out, I’m not the only person out there wishing the Cowboys would don the Navy Blue uniforms more often. Twitter/X user @JosephGiaimo8 says “Why so much white (?) I want more navy”. Me, too, Joseph. Me too. According to the schedule, the Cowboys will wear the Navy Blue jerseys just three times. At home versus the Detroit Lions in week 6, at Carolina in week 15, and they will close out the regular season in Navy Blue at home versus the Washington Commanders. There is a slight variation in the traditional Navy Blue jerseys with the silver pants. That combo will only be worn on the road in Carolina. The other two games (Detroit, Washington) will have the Cowboys use white pants instead, a welcome change aesthetically. Looking Electric in White The Primary White aren’t the only white jerseys the Cowboys have. Released a few years ago, the teams started using the Arctic White uniform combos. These uniforms are mostly used in primetime for Sunday night or Monday night games. This season, the Cowboys will don the Arctic White (also known as Color Rush) for two games: Week 4 at the New York Giants (Thursday Night Football on Prime Video) and week 14 versus the Cincinnati Bengals (Monday Night Football on ESPN). I enjoy seeing the Cowboys in the color rush uniforms. Especially because they finally broke from tradition a bit and also designed the all-white helmet. We Don’t Like the Stripe There is one variation of the Cowboys uniform that nobody ever wants to see. For a week 10 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys will wear the Primary White uniforms, but they will use helmets with the red stripe. Those helmets have been heavily scrutinized because of the ineptitude of the offense the first time they wore them in a game versus the Denver Broncos. It became known as “The Blueprint Game” because then Broncos’ DC Vic Fangio claimed to have established the blueprint on how to stop the Cowboys offense. Fangio is now the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia, so using the red stripe for this game will draw ire from the fanbase if the Cowboys can’t escape with a victory.
Truth learning of Trey Lance among 5 things Cowboys accomplished in 2024 camp
Extended CeeDee Lamb Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images It took much longer than expected, but the wide receiver finally got his extension. Lamb’s massive deal came in right where everyone thought it would, just under Minnesota Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson’s deal in terms of total money and average annual salary, although Dallas’ WR got more for his signing bonus. The work on the field is important, but locking Lamb in was one of the biggest things the team needed to do before the season began. Without Lamb, the passing game would be anemic, and the offense would lack punch, so the extension had to get done. Now the eyes of the football world are on quarterback Dak Prescott, but at least the Cowboys completed one of their goals, which was working out a new deal for their superstar WR. Mission accomplished. Found WR depth Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Heading into camp, the Cowboys lacked quality depth at receiver, especially with Lamb not guaranteed to be in the fold. The expectation was that Lamb’s deal would get done, but without him, the team got a long look at some of the other options to fill out depth at the position. Those first team reps were now available to a host of WRs, and the Cowboys found a few to step up at the position. The hope was that third-year WR Jalen Tolbert would improve, and he had a great camp to earn the WR3 role. Pint-sized WR and return man KaVontae Turpin was also expected to have a role, but beyond that, the Cowboys were searching for WRs to turn into quality options. Jalen Brooks showed a second-year leap that saw him win a job convincingly and rookie Ryan Flournoy impressed after he returned from an early camp injury. Flournoy scored in each of the team’s final two preseason games and found his way comfortably onto the 53-man roster. The size and athleticism for Flournoy showed up on tape and he’s picked up the nuances of the game to match his physical gifts. It remains to be seen how big of a role he’ll have as the fifth or sixth WR on the roster, but the Cowboys might have found something special. Dallas came into camp with a bunch of guys at WR, but they go into the regular season with six quality options. The team found good depth at the position this summer. Improved the offensive line Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports One of the big goals for the Cowboys heading into training camp was about remaking their offensive line. The team had lost two starters, one of them an All-Pro and a 13-year starter, and needed to usher in a new group. Early returns weren’t positive when first-round selection Tyler Guyton wasn’t starting at left tackle and third-round pick Cooper Beebe was the second-team center. Veterans Chuma Edoga and Brock Hoffman held down those jobs initially, which wasn’t a sign of an upgraded offensive line. Things turned around quickly as Guyton showed rapid improvement and Beebe settled down to make progress with his biggest weakness, shotgun snaps. Both rookies didn’t take long to work their ways into the starting lineup. The original starting five the Cowboys began camp with on the offensive line is not who they are heading into the regular with, and that’s a good thing. Guyton and Beebe showed they were worthy of their selections and the unit is a much better group now than they were when they arrived in Oxnard. Both rookies are ready to play large roles, which was the goal when they were drafted. Eventually created defensive line depth Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images It was evident heading into training camp just how thin the defensive line was for the Cowboys. There were a few starters and a small group of veteran backups, but the team needed to find some depth at defensive tackle. The team let competition for the younger guys go on for almost the entirety of camp before eventually finding some quality help. The Cowboys traded for veteran DT Jordan Phillips and signed Linval Joseph in late August to give the defense some more beef in the trenches. Neither are full-time players anymore, but they do give Dallas a better group at DT. Depth wasn’t good for the defensive line when camp began, and the Cowboys set out to find some. It took looking into veteran options and swinging a trade with a division rival to find some help, but it eventually got done. The team accomplished their mission of finding depth on the interior of their defensive line. Find out if Trey Lance can play Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Finding out if Lance was a capable QB was one of the more difficult things the team had to do heading into training camp. If he got the reps and couldn’t play, the Cowboys would be mocked for the trade that brought him to Dallas and they’d lose an option at quarterback if Prescott doesn’t re-sign. Jones and McCarthy knew the team needed to see more and unfortunately, they probably didn’t like the results. For a team that likes sure things, this was a gamble they had to see play out. Lance was a mixed bag of results, but it’s evident he still needs more time to develop. That’s time the Cowboys no longer have. The former third overall pick has the ability to make plays with his athleticism and legs but struggles in the passing game and reading defenses. Lance flashed some potential, but he also threw five interceptions in an ugly Week 3 preseason performance. The results of the summer were clear, Lance couldn’t overtake primary backup QB Cooper Rush and isn’t ready to start games if needed. Dallas had to find out if Lance could be a option to play in meaningful games, or possibly start in 2025, and they found out that isn’t likely. The result is disappointing, but the team accomplished the goal
3 Dallas Cowboys that will be better than expected in 2024
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Who are some Cowboys you think will surprise in 2024? The stars of the Dallas Cowboys are well-known. With the top-end talent on the roster being looked upon to bear the brunt of the load in 2024, it will still take a full-team approach if they are going to be considered a real threat this season. While there are varying expectations for players up and down the roster, here are three players who have a chance to be better than expected, and perhaps have a bigger impact than some originally thought. Three Cowboys primed to be better than some think in 2024 Israel Mukuamu Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images When it comes to versatility and the ability to be a plus player on the roster, not many provided more upside than defensive back Israel Mukuamu. The now veteran secondary player has played all over the defensive back end, and with new leadership under control this year, he has a chance to be used perhaps in the manner he should have been all along. It’s clear that he has a unique skill set that Dallas should be taking advantage of. From his long and athletic frame to his ability to play safety, nickel corner, and boundary corner, there isn’t much that he can’t do in the secondary. With DaRon Bland’s absence, we may get a chance to see Izzy play cornerback on the outside more than we initially thought. That being his more natural position, where he played in college, it could be good for the Cowboys and their depth. Chauncey Golston Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images When you think of Dallas pass rushers, the first name that comes to mind may not be Chauncey Golston. However, the former EDGE-turned-defensive tackle is now once again being called upon to line up out wide. With Sam Williams gone for the season, the Cowboys have been scrambling to find pass rush depth, and while they have added pieces to the mix to help, one of the main keys was on the roster all along in Golston. Don’t be surprised if he is able to show production both in the pass rush and in the run game, as Golston is a big, physical player who has shown quality ability in limited action. Luke Schoonmaker Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images This will be a controversial one, but something that is very possible to happen. Luke Schoonmaker is coming into his second season with many within the fan base ready to, if they haven’t already, write him off. With other weapons on the roster, he has become a forgotten man, and that’s something you may want to rescind before it’s too late. Schoonmaker has talent and the ability to produce in the NFL. It will take him staying healthy and making the most of his opportunities to do so. He’s under the microscope this season, and that’s okay as the fanbase opts for a show me, don’t tell me approach to last year’s second-round pick. He may never be a high-end piece for this team, but that doesn’t mean he can’t exceed expectations this season. Look for Schoonmaker to surprise some people this year, even if it is only marginally.
How to buy Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns NFL Week 1 tickets
How to buy Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns NFL Week 1 tickets Nick Wojton The Dallas Cowboys’ regular season begins in less than one week! The Cowboys and Cleveland Browns will kickoff their respective regular seasons with a Week 1 matchup on Sept. 8, 2024, at 4:25 p.m. at AT&T Stadium. This opener features two teams from different conferences that will have high expectations heading into the 2024 NFL season. That will make for an exciting matchup. Limited tickets remain for this first game in Cleveland. SHOP: Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns tickets In terms of the Cowboys, a big year awaits the names at the top: Quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy. Is this their last chance in Jerry World? On the flip side, the Browns will have their front office brass, head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry, around for awhile after their offseason extensions that were signed. But can DeShaun Watson solidify himself as their starting quarterback after recent injury struggles? Will the Cowboys or Browns take this Week 1 battle between two teams that want to start off on the right foot? Tickets for this contest start as low as $185. Shop Cowboys at Browns Week 1 tickets We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Cowboys Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.