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.
Cowboys, NFL looking to add to their ‘Scoragami’ numbers in 2024
If you’re a regular viewer of NFL Redzone, you’ve probably heard the term “Scoragami” from the show’s host, Scott Hanson. Here’s the concept. Out of the 17,665 professional football games played in the United States – excluding spring football but including regular season and playoff games — there have been 1,084 unique final scores. There were nine new unique final scores record in the NFL last year. The most recent one was Baltimore’s 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 31, 2023. The lowest score, a 0-0 tie, has been recorded 73 different times. The last time came in 1943 when the New York Giants and Detroit Lions battled to a scoreless draw in Detroit. The lowest possible score in a game with a winner at the end is 2-0. That score has been reached just five times. The last time a 2-0 final hit the record books was all the way back in 1938 when the Bears edged the Packers in Green Bay. The game-winning safety was courtesy of a bad snap on a punt in the fourth quarter. The highest scoring game came 23 years later when the Washington Redskins routed the Giants 72-41in D.C. Cowboys Scoragami Dallas has played a total of 1,048 games in their 64 seasons — 981 coming in the regular season and 67 in the playoffs. They have recorded 416 unique final scores in those games. The Cowboys’ highest-ever final score total came on Oct. 6, 2013, against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Tony Romo and Peyton Manning combined for 99 points in a 51-48 Broncos victory. The game featured 12 touchdowns and five field goals. The most memorable highlight from that game was Peyton Manning’s bootleg touchdown run. It wasn’t the Cowboys defense’s finest moment. It took Manning so long to run for that one-yard score that a calendar was used to time him instead of a stopwatch. The Cowboys’ lowest-ever combined final score came in a divisional round game against the Lions on Dec. 26, 1970. Mike Clark booted a field goal in the first quarter of the game played at the Cotton Bowl. Geroge Andrie and Jethro Pugh sacked Detroit quarterback Greg Landry for a safety in the fourth quarter for the 5-0 Dallas victory. Over the next two days we’ll look at some of the more memorable games – among the higher and lower scores – across Cowboys’ history. Here’s a complete list of the 416 final scores, how many times the Cowboys have finished a game with that score, and Dallas’ record in those games. Single Digit Finals Dallas has played nine games that have finished with neither team scoring more than nine points in the game. The Cowboys are 6-3 in those games overall. Score – Games (Record) 5-0 – 1 (1-0) 6-0 – 1 (1-0) 6-2 – 1 (1-0) 7-6 – 1 (1-0) 9-3 – 1 (1-0) 9-5 – 1 (0-1) 9-6 – 1 (0-1) 9-7 – 2 (1-1) The Teens Dallas has played in 165 games where neither they, nor their opponent, scored 20 points in the contest. The Cowboys record in these games stands at 82-81-2. Score – Games (Record) 10-0 – 1 (1-0) 10-6 – 5 (2-3) 10-7 – 3 (1-2) 10-9 – 1 (1-0) 10-10 – 1 (0-0-1) 12-0 – 1 (0-1) 12-6 – 1 (1-0) 12-7 – 1 (0-1) 12-10 – 3 (0-3) 13-0 – 2 (2-0) 13-3 – 2 (1-1) 13-6 – 1 (0-1) 13-7 – 5 (2-3) 13-9 – 4 (2-2) 13-10 – 9 (3-6) 13-12 – 4 (0-4) 13-13 – 1 (0-0-1) 14-3 – 4 (2-2) 14-6 – 2 (1-1) 14-7 – 4 (2-2) 14-9 – 1 (1-0) 14-10 – 4 (4-0) 14-12 – 1 (0-1) 14-13 – 3 (2-1) 15-0 – 1 (0-1) 15-10 – 2 (0-2) 16-0 – 1 (0-1) 16-3 – 1 (1-0) 16-6 – 3 (1-2) 16-8 – 1 (0-1) 16-10 – 5 (4-1) 16-13 – 7 (4-3) 16-14 – 4 (2-2) 17-0 – 1 (1-0) 17-3 — 6 (5-1) 17-6 – 1 (1-0) 17-7 – 5 (2-3) 17-9 – 2 (1-1) 17-10 – 12 (6-6) 17-13 – 6 (4-2) 17-14 – 14 (10-4) 17-15 – 1 (1-0) 17-16 – 2 (1-1) 18-7 – 1 (1-0) 18-10 – 1 (1-0) 18-16 – 1 (1-0) 19-3 – 3 (2-1) 19-7 – 1 (0-1) 19-9 – 1 (0-1) 19-10 – 3 (0-3) 19-12 – 2 (1-1) 19-13 – 4 (1-3) 19-14 – 4 (2-2) 19-15 – 1 (0-1) 19-16 – 3 (1-2) 19-17 – 1 (0-1) The Twenties Dallas has played 443 games in its 64 seasons where neither team scored in the 30s in the contest. The Cowboys are 250-191-2 in those games all-time. Score – Games (Record) 20-0 — 2 (1-1) 20-3 – 2 (0-2) 20-6 – 2 (1-1) 20-7 – 11 (6-5) 20-8 – 1 (1-0) 20-10 – 8 (5-3) 20-12 – 1 (1-0) 20-13 – 8 (5-3) 20-14 – 4 (2-2) 20-15 – 1 (1-0) 20-16 – 5 (2-3) 20-17 – 22 (11-11) 20-19 – 4 (3-1) 21-0 – 1 (1-0) 21-6 – 2 (2-0) 21-7 – 5 (5-0) 21-10 – 5 (2-3) 21-12 – 2 (1-1) 21-13 – 2 (2-0) 21-14 – 5 (3-2) 21-16 – 3 (2-1) 21-17 – 8 (2-6) 21-18 – 1 (1-0) 21-19 – 3 (2-1) 21-20 – 7 (4-3) 22-3 – 2 (1-1) 22-6 – 1 (0-1) 22-9 – 1 (0-1) 22-10 – 2 (2-0) 22-13 – 2 (1-1) 22-19 – 2 (1-1) 22-20 – 1 (0-1) 22-21 – 2 (1-1) 23-0 – 1 (0-1) 23-3 – 1 (0-1) 23-6 – 2 (2-0) 23-7 – 4 (2-2) 23-9 – 2 (1-1) 23-10 – 3 (3-0) 23-13 – 2 (1-1) 23-14 – 4 (3-1) 23-16 – 2 (1-1) 23-17 – 9 (4-5) 23-19 – 3 (1-2) 23-20 – 4 (3-1) 23-21 – 3 (1-2) 24-0 – 3 (2-1) 24-3 – 4 (4-0) 24-6 – 4 (3-1) 24-7 – 4 (4-0) 24-9 – 1 (0-1) 24-10 – 6 (5-1) 24-12 – 1 (1-0) 24-13 –
NFL names Cowboys’ Cooper Beebe among 10 most overlooked rookies
NFL names Cowboys’ Cooper Beebe among 10 most overlooked rookies reidhanson NFL.com scout and occasional Cowboys contributor, Bucky Brooks, knows a thing or two about college players transitioning to the NFL. The former player turned writer and scout, makes a living breaking down film while explaining and projecting player performance. He’s a draft expert and someone many people turn to for informed and insightful takes. 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. For as much as Brugler liked Beebe as an NFL prospect he did admit his 31.5-inch arms could be a dealbreaker for some team scouts. Interestingly enough, the Cowboys are one of those teams who value arm length to an extremely high degree. They just found a way to work around the issue. At center arm length isn’t as much of a factor as it is at other spots along the line. Center is often seen as an extra blocker who either takes part in a double-team, picks up blitzes, or slices the defense in half getting up to the second level. They aren’t susceptible to long-armed defensive lineman like the other linemen are. The reason all dominant short-armed guards don’t make the transition to center is because the center position is challenging in its own way. NFL centers are required to be one of the smartest players on the field. Based on previous Wonderlic scores, center ranks as the second highest scored position in the NFL. The Wonderlic test, designed to measure a number of items up to and including intelligence, has been widely used in the NFL for years. Center falls just one point behind offensive tackle and one point ahead of quarterback in average scores. Tasked with recognizing defenses and calling blocking assignments, center plays a vital role in both phases of the offense. It’s why many (this writer included) thought Beebe might struggle as a rookie and Brock Hoffman could possibly start. Low and behold, when the pads came on and the contact was real, the cream rose to the top and Beebe, not Hoffman, stood out as the man to beat. “Obviously, once you get in a game it’s easier,” Beebe said. “The playbook shortens down and it gets easier, but I think I’ve been doing well. There are some weird looks here and there that I’ve got to continue working on but, overall, I think I’m doing pretty well.” Brooks at NFL.com sure thinks so. He saw Beebe flash signs of dominance saying, “the rookie has shown impressive skills controlling the point of attack from the pivot.” Brooks even doubled down saying that playing between Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, Beebe could play like an all-star as a rookie. For as bold at that is to say about a third-round rookie, it’s hard to find a Cowboys fan or media member who disagrees. It’s hard to tell where the 2024 season will take the Cowboys, but most believe the success of the team hinges on the Cowboys’ ability to replace two-fifths of their offensive line with a pair of rookies who came into the summer with major question marks. By all accounts Tyler Guyton at LT and Beebe at center have answered those questions by exceeding all immediate expectations. The Cowboys organization was hoping for it, Cowboys fans were seeing it and now the national media is predicting it. Beebe is going to make some waves in Dallas. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys news: NFL Analyst names three Dallas players to the ‘All-22 NFL team’
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images Notable headlines surrounding America’s team. 2024 NFL All-22 roster: Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Sauce Gardner lead way – Bucky Brooks, FOX Sports There is no shortage of talent on the Cowboys’ roster. Wide receiver: CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys The All-Pro pass catcher landed a blockbuster deal after posting ridiculous numbers as the Cowboys’ No.1 option. Lamb topped the 1,700-yard mark in 2023, exhibiting the route-running skills and playmaking traits that made it a no-brainer for owner Jerry Jones to break the bank to keep the receiver in the fold for the next five years. With Lamb entrenched as WR1 for the foreseeable future, fantasy geeks and Cowboys fans alike should salivate over No. 88’s potential as a prolific point scorer on the perimeter. Offensive guard: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys The All-Pro guard is an athletic freak with exceptional balance and body control. Smith shadowboxes like a heavyweight champ, delivering punishing body blows that stop defenders in their tracks. As a natural tackle playing inside, Smith’s athleticism, balance, and agility make him a nightmare to deal with in the trenches. Linebacker: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The two-time All-Pro defender is revolutionizing the game as a hybrid pass rusher with a unique ability to rush from anywhere on the frontline or second level. Parson has tallied 40.5 sacks, 51 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles in 50 career starts, displaying an explosive combination of speed, power, and pop rushing from a three-point stance or standup position off the edge. With the third-year pro also excelling at whipping interior blockers on A-gap blitzes, the Cowboys’ designated defensive playmaker is a rare find as a traditional inside linebacker with elite pass-rushing skills. 24 intriguing players for the 2024 NFL season – Mike Jones, The Athletic Three players made the FoxSports list above, two make this list of the most intriguing players. 7. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys The 31-year-old Prescott is coming off the finest statistical season of his career and consistently ranks among the most effective passers in the NFL. Yet team owner Jerry Jones has yet to reward him accordingly. For now, Prescott is set to enter 2024 playing in the final year of his contract. In Dallas, the expectations always center on a Super Bowl hunt, and until Prescott delivers, he’ll be viewed as lacking. Is this the year he finally satisfies his owner and his critics, or is this his Dallas farewell tour? 20. Micah Parsons, OLB, Dallas Cowboys Parsons has dominated in his three NFL seasons, lining up all over the Cowboys’ defensive front and averaging 13.5 sacks per year. He’s in the discussion as the most dominant defensive player in the league, yet the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker remains in search of a long-term contract extension. It’s only a matter of time before Jerry Jones has to finally open up the checkbook and make Parsons the highest-paid defensive player in the league. Meanwhile, Parsons will work to ensure the Cowboys don’t miss a beat without former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (now coach of the Commanders) and help Dallas finally get over the postseason hump and to the Super Bowl. Jerry and Stephen very specific when hiring McCarthy that it was done with Super Bowl expectations. You have to get in the playoffs to do that. He’s done the playoffs routinely but too many postseason failures – especially at home. https://t.co/cKmPgKmwQm — Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) August 31, 2024 Mike McCarthy is miffed about this detail during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys – Mac Engel, Star-Telegram Too much talk about the postseason for McCarthy, not enough talk about the regular season? On a conference call with the local media on Monday, I asked McCarthy a question about developing young receivers so they would not have to rely so heavily on the newly signed CeeDee Lamb “into December and January.” “We keep talking about playoffs and things like that, but I don’t know when the hell it became easy to win 12 games in a season. So we really got to get back to winning week in and week out,” he said. He was waiting to say that. It’s a completely fair response. The fan base, and some of us media horde that covers this team, too, has overlooked those 12 wins in a season. […] The Cowboys are 42-25 in his tenure. They have finished 12-5 with playoff appearances in each of the last three years. We have not seen stats like this since the days of Jimmy Johnson. These records should be worth something, but around here they are worth nothing because we have no memory of the Dave Campo era. This is also symptomatic of North America pro sports, where regular season accomplishments are degraded, and usually mocked. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys look increasingly like his teams with the Green Bay Packers. He is certainly guilty of some in-game decisions that make you want to throw your remote control into the Trinity River, but overall this is a well coached team that wins. We have now arrived to the point in the McCarthy discussion about the playoffs; 1-3 with two of the losses coming at home doesn’t look great on the LinkedIn profile. That playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers in January left a lasting impression on the front office. It’s one thing to lose, and it is quite another to get historically embarrassed in your own building. Insider gives Cowboys fans PTSD with possible Mike McCarthy outcome- Austen Bundy, FanSided How successful does McCarthy need to be to keep his job in 2025? Fans of the Dallas Cowboys have been asking themselves if things will ever get better under head coach Mike McCarthy — or if a change at the helm will finally come. NFL insider Ed Werder suggested to a fan on X/Twitter that history could repeat itself in Jerry World this season. Citing the fate of the previous regime, Werder suggests that even if McCarthy doesn’t
One thing you should know about each NFL team heading into the 2024 fantasy season
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports How many fantasy drafts have you done this year? The new season is almost upon us, and with it will be a new cast of fantasy studs that help people take home the championship trophy. A new year brings a new outlook and it’s important to know where the meaningful opportunities will be for each team. Before the season starts, here is one critical piece of information for each of the 32 NFL teams. (Note: all stats/rankings mentioned below are based on a half-point-per-reception scoring system.) Arizona Cardinals – When healthy, RB James Conner is a top-10 fantasy back. Since joining the Cardinals, he and Christian McCaffrey are the only RBs to finish in the top 10 in points/game in each of the last three seasons. Atlanta Falcons – Everyone talks about how the slight upgrade at quarterback will help WR Drake London, but Kirk Cousins has also helped some tight ends have big seasons (Jordan Reed and T.J. Hockenson). This could mean big things for TE Kyle Pitts. Baltimore Ravens – Before last year, RB Derrick Henry averaged at least 19 points/game in each of the four previous seasons. Don’t let recency bias hold too much water. He should return to greatness on a high-scoring offense where defenders can’t focus on him. Buffalo Bills – TE Dalton Kincaid is a talented space tight end who just became a target machine. Carolina Panthers – Low-cost investments RB Chuba Hubbard (early season) and RB Jonathan Brooks (late) are a cheap way to steal some easy fantasy points. Chicago Bears – QB Caleb Williams would have to be terrible not to benefit from such a deeply talented WR group. Cincinnati Bengals – RB Zack Moss will be a quiet, but consistent fantasy producer. Cleveland Browns – A recovery season for RB Nick Chubb makes RB Jerome Ford a sneaky good buy. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys have no threat of a running game. Don’t be surprised if QB Dak Prescott once again has large passing yards and touchdown totals. Denver Broncos – Full health and less competition should finally set the table for RB Javonte Williams to have a strong season. Detroit Lions – In a vacuum, RB David Montgomery is a good fantasy player, but if RB Jahmyr Gibbs re-aggravates that hamstring, he becomes fantasy gold. Green Bay Packers – QB Jordan Love is a good quarterback who has four good receivers. He’s going to light it up. Houston Texans – QB C.J. Stroud has three really good receivers. He’s also going to light it up. Indianapolis Colts – WR Michael Pittman Jr. has been good with Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Gardner Minshew. Imagine how good he can be with QB Anthony Richardson. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence has weapons galore, including the underrated target monster TE Evan Engram. Kansas City Chiefs – QB Patrick Mahomes will be a league winner this year. He’s never had an offensive supporting cast this good. His weapons are too many to list. Los Angeles Chargers – RB Gus “Bus” Edwards is the lead dog in a run-heavy Jim Harbaugh offense. Los Angeles Rams – RB Kyren Williams averaged 19.9 fantasy points a game last season, trailing only Christian McCaffrey. No other RB last year averaged over 17 pts/game. Only bad health can prevent him from another monster season. Las Vegas Raiders – With Josh Jacobs gone RB Zamir White’s volume will keep him fantasy relevant. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have an uncanny knack for turning RB3s into fantasy studs. Rookie RB Jaylen Wright is their RB3. Minnesota Vikings – WR Justin Jefferson is quarterback-proof. He has elite separation and hands. Be prepared to pounce if people are scared of Sam Darnold. New England Patriots – In a terrible offense, points will be scarce, but RB Rhamondre Stevenson should still see a good amount of work. New Orleans Saints – For the first time in his career, RB Alvin Kamara won’t have a veteran RB2 eating into his volume. New York Giants – Daniel Jones is just good enough to allow rookie WR Malik Nabers to be impactful. New York Jets – WR Garrett Wilson has been waiting for a decent quarterback and now he finally has one in QB Aaron Rodgers. Philadelphia Eagles – There are so many mouths to feed on this offense, but we know that QB Jalen Hurts will be the one feeding them. Pittsburgh Steelers – The departure of Diontae Johnson gives WR George Pickens a bump in targets that could push him into the top 20. Seattle Seahawks – Don’t be surprised if WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and not D.K. Metcalf leads the team in receiving. San Francisco 49ers – As unsexy as he is, QB Brock Purdy has too many weapons around him to keep him out of the top 10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – RB Rachaad White has no competition and sneaky-good receiving volume to not be on your wishlist. Tennessee Titans – The Titans are loaded at WR, making QB Will Levis a late-round superflex candidate. Washington Commanders – All hype is around QB Jayden Daniels, but don’t forget about his number one target, WR Terry McLaurin. He’s going to eat.
