This simple coverage change could boost Cowboys’ sacks, turnover numbers – Reid Hanson, Cowboys Wire How the Cowboys need to cover. The Cowboys’ pressure-to-sack rate has consistently lagged this season and it’s reasonable to assume their poor coverage in the secondary is a big reason why. That’s because under Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys secondary has […] This simple coverage change could boost Cowboys’ sacks, turnover numbers – Reid Hanson, Cowboys Wire How the Cowboys need to cover. The Cowboys’ pressure-to-sack rate has consistently lagged this season and it’s reasonable to assume their poor coverage in the secondary is a big reason why. That’s because under Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys secondary has taken a zone-heavy approach. Cornerbacks have been asked to play off in coverage, providing large cushions thereby gifting short passes. Eberflus’ scheme is a solid strategy for a standard bend-but-don’t-break defense, but not very fitting for a defense that’s producing a league-leading pressure rate. Details matter in tracking pressures, and in the case of the 2025 Cowboys, those details make the case for a specific scheme change. Many times, the type of pressures the Cowboys are getting are categorized as quick pressures. They are situations in which pass rushers are beating their man early, thus impacting the quarterback within 2.5 seconds. With a 21.8% quick pressure rate, the Cowboys are top five in the NFL. In quick pressures without blitzing, Dallas ranks No. 2 in the NFL. In other words, the pass rush is getting there early but the secondary isn’t making opponents pay for it because they’re always in off coverage. Given the high degree of quick pressures, Eberflus should have his cornerbacks in more press coverage situations. Suddenly those quick passes under duress won’t be so easy for opposing QBs to complete. Press coverage plus quick pressures should equal more sacks and more turnovers. It’s a complementary approach that will work in Dallas’ favor. Granted, if the Cowboys play more odd man fronts and move more players into the box there will be less protection on the back half with safeties. More man press could also result in more big plays against the Cowboys. But since that’s happening already why not mix things up and try to produce big plays the other way as well? The timing seems to be ideal, with DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson getting more comfortable, Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson returning to the field, and the rookie Shavon Revel ready for his debut, the Cowboys are locked and loaded to play more press man in the secondary. Cowboys risk repeating costly Dak Prescott mistake with George Pickens – Sayre Bedinger, The Landy Hat The Cowboys cannot afford to picky about paying George Pickens. If there’s one prospective 2026 NFL free agent who has substantially increased his value in the 2025 season, it’s Pickens has been outstanding for the Cowboys since coming over in the trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s poised to get paid a lot of money on the open market…if he gets there. The Cowboys obviously balked at a big-money contract for pass rusher Micah Parsons before the start of the 2025 season, but that’s not the mistake they are poised to potentially repeat with Pickens. According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are keeping the idea of franchise tagging Pickens in their back pocket with free agency looming, which would doom them to repeat a similar mistake they made once upon a time with Dak Prescott. Cowboys dooming themselves to repeat Dak Prescott history with George Pickens “The Pickens experiment in Dallas has gone swimmingly. He is pacing for 1,400-plus yards and more than 10 touchdowns as the ideal counterpart to CeeDee Lamb. His immense talent — and the number of teams starved for receiver help — will drive his value. Multiple league executives believe the inconsistency will be a factor to consider in free agency, but Pickens’ results with capable quarterback play around him are undeniable. (The franchise tag — which would be around $29 million — could be a backup option for Dallas.)” The situation with Micah Parsons was a little different because the Cowboys were not going to pay two players quarterback-type money unless it was on their terms. But they were willing to pay Parsons an exorbitant amount, which now they could justify spreading to Pickens and others. The idea that this franchise would franchise tag Pickens is extremely underwhelming, because the franchise tag is only good for keeping a guy around in the short term. It’s bad for pretty much every other reason. Cowboys vs. Raiders: Matchups to watch in Week 11 – Brian Martin, Blogging the Boys These matchups will decide if Dallas can beat the Raiders. The Dallas Cowboys hit the road this week to play their first ever regular-season game in Las Vegas against the Raiders. This Week 11 matchup is one that favors the Cowboys, but we’ve already witnessed this year that being favored doesn’t always equate to victory. In order to walk away with the “W” this week, the Cowboys need to win certain matchups to help sway the game in their favor. Today, we’re going to share the ones we will be paying particularly close attention to. Cowboys’ defense vs. QB Geno Smith The Cowboys defense should be licking their chops to play against QB Geno Smith. Smith has thrown the second most interceptions (12) so far this year and has been sacked 27 times (fourth-most). This Week 11 matchup is one that should heavily favor the Cowboys. Despite their woes in the secondary, DaRon Bland and Company have a good chance to add to their INT total this year and don’t be surprised if Donovan Ezeiruaku and the rest of Dallas’ pass rusher’s add to their QB sacks total. This matchup could very well decide the outcome of the game. DT Quinnen Williams vs. Raiders’ OL Quinnen Williams probably couldn’t ask for a better matchup

At 3-5-1, the Dallas Cowboys are being served a golden opportunity to change the course of their season on Monday night versus the Las Vegas Raiders. With that should come the debut of some notable players.  DeMarvion Overshown (knee) and Shavon Revel (knee) had been full participants all week and will travel to play against […] At 3-5-1, the Dallas Cowboys are being served a golden opportunity to change the course of their season on Monday night versus the Las Vegas Raiders. With that should come the debut of some notable players. DeMarvion Overshown (knee) and Shavon Revel (knee) had been full participants all week and will travel to play against the Raiders. Safety Malik Hooker (toe) is listed as questionable to play this week. Hooker has been on injured reserve, but has been seen looking pretty mobile at practice and was a full participant Saturday. We’ll have to wait and see if the team activates him. Donovan Wilson (elbow/shoulder) also upgraded to full and does not have an injury designation for Monday. Dante Fowler (shoulder) will play, also not having an injury designation. Finally, Solomon Thomas (calf) has been ruled out this week. With the addition of Quinnen Williams, Dallas should have more than enough at defensive tackle if Thomas misses extended time. See More: Dallas Cowboys Injuries

We are almost past the full bye for the Dallas Cowboys in terms of playing a game. Monday night, the Cowboys take on the Las Vegas Raiders. In preparation for the game, we asked five questions about the Raiders, and our sister site, Silver and Black Pride, answered. Blogging The Boys: Obviously Geno Smith has […] We are almost past the full bye for the Dallas Cowboys in terms of playing a game. Monday night, the Cowboys take on the Las Vegas Raiders. In preparation for the game, we asked five questions about the Raiders, and our sister site, Silver and Black Pride, answered. Blogging The Boys: Obviously Geno Smith has struggled so far this season. What is the problem and will they just continue to stick with him? Silver and Black Pride: In my opinion, Geno is playing like a rookie quarterback. He’s been staring down receivers and struggles to adjust when defenses roll their coverages post-snap, leading to the 12 interceptions that are the second-most in the NFL. He’s also been holding onto the ball too long and taking too many sacks. Granted, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly isn’t helping Smith out, as Kelly is running a college-style offense that is predictable. As far as whether the Raiders will make a quarterback change, that’s a big question right now and I lean toward no. Geno is Pete Carroll’s guy, and Carroll has shown that he’s pretty loyal to Geno. I think if the coaching staff were going to make a change under center, they would have done it by now. BTB: How would you have felt if the Raiders had traded Maxx Crosby? Would you have wanted the high picks, or to keep your best defender? SABP: I’ve gotten to a point where if Crosby wanted and asked for a trade, I’d understand it and be willing to get some draft picks for him. He’s put up with a lot of losing and has played for five head coaches in seven seasons, if you count Rich Bisaccia’s interim stint in 2021. Then again, Crosby brings a lot to the team both on the field and as a leader. So, I never was and I’m not going to pound the table that he should be traded. But if he asks for a trade in the offseason, I think it’d be time for the Raiders to say their goodbyes and get draft picks for the upcoming rebuild. BTB: Tell us everything we need to know about Ashton Jeanty and his rookie season. SABP: Jeanty hasn’t put up the eye-popping numbers a lot of people were hoping for, but he’s been playing behind a bad offensive line, and he’s been better than what the box scores show. Through the first four games of this season, 101 percent of Jeanty’s rushing yards came after contact. I will say that he needed to be more patient to begin the year, and now, he’s kind of overcorrected and can afford to be more decisive/aggressive. But for the most part, the No. 6 overall pick has been good this year and is far from the biggest problem in Las Vegas. He just needs better or more consistent blocking to improve his stat line. BTB: What’s the mood around Pete Carroll? Does his reputation buy him time, or are people already grumbling? SABP: There’s a good portion of the fan base that wants to see Carroll be a one-and-done head coach. That’s understandable because he talked all offseason and training camp about how he expects to win and has won 10 games several times throughout his career, only for this season to be an absolute dud. As bad as the Raiders were last year under Antonio Pierce, they’ve regressed and are now facing a total rebuild while the head coach is 74 years old. I think Carroll’s reputation will buy him another year in Las Vegas, though, partly because I’m sure Mark Davis doesn’t want to fire another head coach. The franchise has been in Las Vegas since 2020 and has already had five head coaches: Jon Gruden, Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, Pierce and Carroll. That being said, it also wouldn’t surprise me if Pete steps down at the end of the season. His comments during recent press conferences suggest this has been a bigger project than he thought when taking the job, and he’ll be halfway to 80 in September. BTB: How do you see Monday night’s game going and what’s your final score prediction? SABP: I’ll go 35-24 Cowboys. The Cowboys’ defense is bad, but the Raiders’ offense might be worse, seeing as they haven’t scored 30 points in a single game this season. The closest they’ve gotten to that figure was a 29-point performance in a loss to the Jaguars, and that game went into overtime. On the other side of the ball, I don’t trust Las Vegas’ secondary and pass rush to keep Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in check. Outside of Crosby, the Silver and Black lack a lot of talent defensively. Thanks for the knowledge, Silver and Black Pride. See More: Dallas Cowboys Roster

The Dallas Cowboys hit the road this week to play their first ever regular-season game in Las Vegas against the Raiders. This Week 11 matchup is one that favors the Cowboys, but we’ve already witnessed this year that being favored doesn’t always equate to victory. In order to walk away with the “W” this week, […] The Dallas Cowboys hit the road this week to play their first ever regular-season game in Las Vegas against the Raiders. This Week 11 matchup is one that favors the Cowboys, but we’ve already witnessed this year that being favored doesn’t always equate to victory. In order to walk away with the “W” this week, the Cowboys need to win certain matchups to help sway the game in their favor. Today, we’re going to share the ones we will be paying particularly close attention to. Cowboys’ defense vs. QB Geno Smith The Cowboys defense should be licking their chops to play against QB Geno Smith. Smith has thrown the second most interceptions (12) so far this year and has been sacked 27 times (fourth-most). This Week 11 matchup is one that should heavily favor the Cowboys. Despite their woes in the secondary, DaRon Bland and Company have a good chance to add to their INT total this year and don’t be surprised if Donovan Ezeiruaku and the rest of Dallas’ pass rusher’s add to their QB sacks total. This matchup could very well decide the outcome of the game. DT Quinnen Williams vs. Raiders’ OL Quinnen Williams probably couldn’t ask for a better matchup to make his debut with the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders offensive line is currently pretty banged up, especially along the interior. RG Jackson Powers-Johnson was recently placed on IR with an ankle injury and OG Dylan Parham is also dealing with an ankle injury. These two injuries create a favorable matchup for Dallas’ new All-Pro DT. He has a chance to be a true difference-maker in his first ever game with the Cowboys and prove why Dallas paid such a hefty price to acquire him via trade. RT Terence Steele vs. DE Maxx Crosby Maxx Crosby’s name floated around as a potential trade candidate prior to the deadline, but despite the rumors the Raiders decided to keep him around, even with the offers they likely received. Now, the Cowboys have to figure out some way to block him in this Week 11 matchup. Crosby is one of the top pass rushers in the league and will likely try to take advantage of RT Terence Steele, who we all know has his fair share of struggles in pass protection. This is a matchup that favors the Raiders, and one, that could spell trouble for the Cowboys if not handled properly. See More: Dallas Cowboys Roster

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would make a few trades before the NFL deadline to improve the team’s defense. He did so by trading for linebacker Logan Wilson using a seventh-round pick and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for a first- and a second-round pick. Wilson has a long history of being a leader […] Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would make a few trades before the NFL deadline to improve the team’s defense. He did so by trading for linebacker Logan Wilson using a seventh-round pick and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for a first- and a second-round pick. Wilson has a long history of being a leader and defensive playmaker during his time in Cincinnati, something Dallas has lacked at linebacker all season. Williams is one of the top five players at his position and gives the Cowboys defense a fortified look at defensive tackle for the first time in over a decade. As both players get ready for their debuts on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, their arrival might not be enough to save the 2025 season, but their presence creates massive hope for what’s to come next season and beyond. First point: A mentor at linebacker Before Dallas made any trades, we noted five ways they could improve their defense, either by adding or subtracting at certain positions. One of the areas of focus was at linebacker, where getting a proven veteran to help stabilize the position should have been a priority. Initially, that player was supposed to be Kenneth Murray, whom the Cowboys traded for in the offseason and has been in the league for six seasons. That plan has not worked out, as Murray’s flashes on the field have not outweighed his low moments. Enter Logan Wilson. Over the course of their careers, Wilson has proven to be the more productive player and has shown better instincts, especially in defending the run. Above the improved play at linebacker fans should expect from Wilson, his most significant impact on the team might be what he does for the locker room and the position group. On his way out of Cincinnati, rookie linebacker Barrett Carter posted on social media that Wilson took him under his wing and showed him “what it looks like to be a pro in all areas of life.” That same leadership is what Dallas hopes Wilson can bring to the team. Last year, when Eric Kendricks was with Dallas, his mentorship greatly benefited younger players, including Marist Liufau. The former third-round pick seemed ready for a breakout sophomore season based on his performance in the second half of last season. However, this year, Liufau has regressed and no longer appears to be the same player. It’s probably not a coincidence that it’s happened with Kendricks out of the picture. Although there are just eight games remaining in the season, Wilson’s contract extends through 2027, providing ample time for him to mentor both Liufau and Shemar James, both on and off the field. With a healthy DeMarvion Overshown joining forces with Wilson, Liufau, and James, the future looks bright for all four players as they remain together for the next few seasons. Second point: Figuring out the future at DT If the Cowboys can’t figure out a way to stop the run with all three men clogging up the middle, then things have to be stripped down to a fundamental level next offseason, starting with letting go of Matt Eberflus. For right now, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator gets to scheme up a game plan with the best defensive tackle unit Dallas has had in a long time. All three men are expected to have significant roles despite Clark and Williams playing the same one-technique position. Even Solomon Thomas can’t be forgotten as a rotational piece with Osa Odighizuwa. However, looking ahead to 2026, it’s difficult to see a world in which all four defensive tackles remain with Dallas. There is too much invested in Williams for him to be the odd man out. Thomas is under contract for another year with a favorable salary, so his dollar-for-dollar value is too good to pass up on. That leaves just Odighizuwa and Clark. The Cowboys signed Odighizuwa to a four-year deal before free agency and named him a defensive captain this year. His dead cap hit would be over $30 million if he were released in 2026. The upside of his age and production history remains, allowing him to continue as a key part of the defense. Following the money, Clark looks like the odd man out if everything remains the same. Despite being under contract through the 2027 season, the former Green Bay Packer is no longer owed any guaranteed money after this year. If Dallas released him before March 13, they would save over $21 million against the salary cap. The Cowboys could approach Clark about restructuring his contract, but would a veteran player like him be open to that when he’s trying to capitalize on his career earnings? And would Jerry Jones really release the player who was the linchpin in ensuring the Micah Parsons trade went through after one season? Third point: Zeroing in on key positions in the draft Heading into 2026, the Cowboys will have almost all 11 of their starters on offense under contract. George Pickens is the only glaring free agent they would need to re-sign. Terence Steele, who is battling for his job in practice this week, could also be replaced in 2026. When the Parsons trade was made, Dallas had four first-round picks over the next four years, and with the way the defense has played this year, the hope was that all four would be used on replenishing the talent on that side of the ball. So far, one of the first-round picks has been used on defense and put toward the Williams trade. Defensive tackle was a massive need for Dallas heading into 2026, but now with Williams,