Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images Eric Kendricks was brought in to be a leader and it looks like he has accepted the challenge. When new coaches are hired in the NFL, they typically bring their ‘guys’ with them, whether it is coaches on their prior staff they’re familiar with or players they know and trust. The Dallas Cowboys‘ new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, is certainly no different. With coaches like Jeff Zgonina and Greg Ellis coming to mind, Zimmer has officially had his hands all over the makeup of this defensive unit. However, one of the most important additions Zimmer has made is not a coach but a player—Eric Kendricks. The long-time Minnesota Viking and Zimmer confidant was brought in to lead this defense, and as he settles into that role, his message this week needs to be understood by all. Kendricks’ message and leadership will be put to the test on Sunday By now, we have all attempted to turn the page from the abysmal effort that was the Cowboys Week 2 showing against the Saints. However, as the Cowboys prepare for the Ravens in Week 3, it is that performance and that taste in the mouths of the NFL world that has made this a much more contentious third game than many had initially thought it would be. With Micah Parsons talking in the media about leadership and the need to step up, some may look at Kendricks, the man who was brought in from the outside, to do just that this week. At every step of the way, Kendricks has been an excellent addition to this Cowboys team in 2024. From being a friendly face in the locker room to having an infectious personality among fans and his teammates, it’s easy to see why Zimmer sees him as his guy. However, beyond likability and the off-the-field stuff, Kendricks’s main purpose in being here is to help transition this group into the new scheme and lead the unit while doing so. Unfortunately, by all accounts, last week appeared to be an epic fail for not only Kendricks, but the entire unit. With a new week and a fresh opportunity, Kendricks understands that the opportunity to be better is there. “Man, this is a great opportunity we have. We’re playing the Baltimore Ravens, you know what I mean? So it’s like, this is a team we’ve known these past couple of years to be a serious contender, and this is a huge opportunity for us to show what we’re made of as a linebacker group.” Kendricks was speaking about his position group specifically, but the message resonates all over the roster. “So, have a smile in your face when we’re preparing. This is a great opportunity. This is what we love doing. This is what we want to do. Let’s go out and do it. You’re going to get hit in the mouth, but wipe the blood off and get going. Let’s go.” There is no bigger opponent this week for the Cowboys than the man in the mirror. How does this group respond to a historically bad performance? What do they do with their opportunity to rectify it? All the answers provided to us this Sunday will go a long way in telling us just what this team is made of. Either way, Kendricks appears to have the right message for his team, and it would behoove them to listen to his words.
‘Wipe the blood off’: This Cowboys defender eager to turn page, excited to face Ravens run game
‘Wipe the blood off’: This Cowboys defender eager to turn page, excited to face Ravens run game Todd Brock The opening chapter in the Cowboys’ 2024 story was a thriller, with the larger-than-life heroes mopping the floor with the enemy forces and setting the stage for a season-long epic adventure. Week 2, though, brought a major plot twist, proving that nothing will come easy for our star-clad protagonists. Now with a new foe waiting in the wings, Eric Kendricks is ready to turn the page. “We can sit here and talk about last week, but I am so over that,” the Cowboys linebacker told media members this week. “We’ve got a great opportunity. I’m ready to move on.” Exorcising the demons of last Sunday’s 44-19 blowout loss at the hands of the Saints- and doing so quickly- will be paramount. The Baltimore Ravens come to town with a shocking 0-2 record and their fans already talking about must-win games. So after a thoroughly disappointing performance of their own, with their own unit’s leader calling effort into question, Kendricks knows this weekend’s contest will be a fierce battle. “This is what we love doing. This is what we want to do. Let’s go out and do it,” he said. “You’re going to get hit in the mouth; wipe the blood off and get going.” The Cowboys were left plenty bloodied by a Saints attack that saw Alvin Kamara rip off 115 rushing yards and score four total touchdowns, a top-5 all-time day for the five-time Pro Bowler. Now comes Derrick Henry, four inches taller and 30 pounds heavier. The two-time rushing champ has just 130 yards in two outings, so he’s likely salivating over the thought of gashing the team that most observers- not to mention Henry himself- thought would sign him during free agency this offseason. King Henry will instead face a Dallas defense he’s logged just six career carries against, his fewest against any team in the league besides Tennessee, where he spent his first eight seasons. But he’s no unknown commodity. Just ask Kendricks, who squared off against him in Henry’s very first game as a pro- he gained just three yards on five carries in his 2016 NFL debut- and then again in 2020, when Henry rolled for 119 yards and two scores. (Kendricks was inactive when the Chargers played Henry last year, watching him go for another 80 yards and a touchdown.) “He’s a veteran,” the linebacker explained. “He knows what he’s seeing on the other side of the ball. He runs the ball hard, and he has those big jump cuts. And once he gets those going, he’s hard to stop. We have to get our weight behind our pads and we’ve got to bring it.” [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] And it’s not just Henry. The Ravens also have a speedy change-of-pace back in Justice Hill as well as the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in the sport, Lamar Jackson. “You know what you’re going to get,” Kendricks said. “Baltimore is downhill. Lamar is going to be running the ball like a running back… Lamar is a running back.” But don’t mistake any of that buildup from Kendricks for intimidation. Talking about Week 3’s late-afternoon tilt against Henry, Jackson, and the formidable Ravens- who have averaged 11 wins per season over the past six years- Kendricks was visibly beaming. “This is a great opportunity we have. We’re playing the Baltimore Ravens, you know what I mean? This is a team that we’ve known these past couple years to be a serious contender, and this is a huge opportunity for us to show what we’re made of as a linebacker corps. So have a smile on your face when we’re preparing.” He was, in fact, smiling, having put last week’s “good piece of humble pie” behind him, but Kendricks assured reporters that he’ll be in the proper mindset when the teams take the field on Sunday. “You’ve always got to play a little bit pissed off, man. That’s defense.” Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Position battleground (offense): Cowboys vs Ravens head-to-head breakdown
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Which offense do you believe in more… Dallas or Baltimore? This week the Dallas Cowboys return to AT&T Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys are coming off a huge loss to the New Orleans Saints while the Ravens have yet to place a notch in the win column this season. So how do the offenses stack up against each other? Let’s battle it out by position and find out. QUARTERBACK Dak Prescott vs.Lamar Jackson Dak Prescott didn’t have his sharpest game last week; however, he performed okay given the circumstances, as his defense permitted a touchdown on every possession by the New Orleans Saints offense until the fourth quarter. In the upcoming match against the Baltimore Ravens, Prescott will contend with a defense that has so far surrendered the highest number of passing yards in the first two games. This defense has also recorded a passer rating of 98.5, placing it among the bottom nine in the league. For Cowboys supporters concerned about the team’s run defense, it is essential to prepare for Lamar Jackson. He is currently averaging 83.5 rushing yards per game, the highest among quarterbacks. While the Cowboys defense has faced challenges in containing the run during the first two games, they will be tested by Jackson, whose primary strength aligns with the defense’s most significant vulnerability: mobile quarterbacks. Conclusion:This matchup features last year’s top MVP contenders, with Jackson having a slight advantage in this contest. While the Ravens’ defense has been underperforming against the passing game, the Cowboys’ defense appears disorganized following their recent performance, particularly in defending against the run. Jackson is poised to exploit the vulnerabilities of a Cowboys defense that is likely to be demoralized and recovering from last week’s defeat.Win: Ravens Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images RUNNING BACK Rico Dowdle/Ezekiel Elliottvs.Derrick Henry/Justice Hill The running back committee of the Cowboys is averaging 85 rushing yards per game, which ranks as the eighth-lowest in the league. Both Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott have each accumulated 56 rushing yards, placing them just outside the top 50 among running backs in terms of rushing yards. Despite the Ravens’ difficulties in defending against the pass, they lead the league in allowing the fewest rushing yards. This presents a complex situation, as teams tend to pass more frequently against them, resulting in fewer rushing attempts. Consequently, there are uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of the Cowboys’ running back duo in the upcoming game. Additionally, Dalvin Cook is still waiting for his call up. The Ravens are positioned fifth in terms of average rushing yards per game, a statistic that incorporates Jackson’s contributions. Jackson is currently ranked tenth among all rushers for total rushing yards, while Derrick Henry follows closely in the 19th position with 130 rushing yards. Additionally, Henry has recorded two rushing touchdowns, resulting in an average of one rushing touchdown per game. Conclusion:The Ravens are currently averaging 168 rushing yards per game, while the Cowboys’ defense permits an average of 141 rushing yards per game. This presents an unfavorable matchup.Win: Ravens Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images WIDE RECEIVERS CeeDee Lamb/Brandin Cooks/Jalen Tolbertvs.Zay Flowers/Rashod Bateman/Nelson Agholor The Cowboys faced challenges on offense last week, primarily due to the one-dimensional nature of the game, a consequence of the substantial lead established by the Saints. This receiving group is expected to perform well against the Ravens’ secondary, although similar expectations were set prior to last week’s game. The touchdown connection between Prescott and Lamb provided a significant morale boost; however, incidents like Jalen Brooks’ slip leading to an interception raise concerns. Currently, the Cowboys rank ninth in passing yards, which is promising when considering that the Ravens have conceded the most passing yards this season. The main issue lies in the Cowboys’ ability to score, as their offense tends to stagnate and relies on the “Aubrey Coast Offense” in an attempt to salvage the situation. If there are concerns regarding Jackson’s rushing ability, it is noteworthy that he currently ranks fifth in total passing yards, demonstrating proficiency both on the ground and in the air. Despite their achievements in the passing game, the team has recorded the same number of receiving touchdowns as Dallas. Zay Flowers leads the team with 128 receiving yards, and the matchup between him and the secondary will be crucial this week. On the other side of the field Rashod Bateman excels at breaking into his routes and possesses an impressive release. The Cowboys secondary will need to recover from the challenges faced in the previous week. Conclusion:It can be argued that Lamb is such a significant influence that he single-handedly wins the competition for Dallas within this position group. The concern lies in the Cowboys’ offense in general, which exhibits a lack of tempo and efficiency, leading to uncertainty. Conversely, the Ravens have also faced challenges in their passing game, rendering their projections equally questionable for this game. For the time being, the benefit of the doubt is extended to CeeDee Lamb, particularly given his ability to take control of a game when he is in form.Win: Cowboys Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images TIGHT END Luke Schoonmaker (pending resolution on Jake Ferguson’s injury)vs.Mark Andrews Luke Schoonmaker made a notable impression with an impressive catch and run at the beginning of the Saints game. In last week’s matchup, he successfully caught all six of his targets, accumulating 43 yards. He did have some struggles with the blocking support, which was not entirely adequate. On a positive note, Schoonmaker benefits from the fact that the Ravens defense has permitted the second-highest number of receiving yards to tight ends, as well as the second-highest number of receptions. In Week 1, Mark Andrews recorded a mere 14 yards, while Isaiah Likely excelled with over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. The following week, Likely was targeted only three times, resulting in a significant drop in his production, while Andrews managed four receptions for 51 yards. This inconsistency renders Andrews a frustrating element
Cowboys news: Injuries hit the defensive line, new player signed
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The latest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys. DT Carlos Watkins signed; Jordan Phillips to IR – Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com The Cowboys brought in a familiar face to add D-line depth. The Cowboys have made a change in the middle of their defensive line, adding defensive tackle Carlos Watkins off the Commanders’ practice squad. Watkins, who played for the Cowboys in 27 games from 2021-22, replaces Jordan Phillips, who was moved to IR with a wrist injury. Phillips would be eligible to return after four games (Oct. 27 in San Francisco) if he’s cleared to play. The Cowboys have not determined how serious the injury is to Phillips, who was acquired by trade back in August during the middle of training camp. The addition of Watkins brings a familiar face to the defense, although he played in Dan Quinn’s defensive system. Watkins left for Arizona in 2023 in free agency and spent one season with the Cardinals before rejoining Quinn in Washington. He was placed on their practice squad but did play last week against the Giants. Overall, Watkins has played seven years, including the first four in Houston. With the Cowboys, Watkins had his best year of his career in 2021, where he had a personal-best 32 tackles, including 17 solo. He also recorded his only career interception and touchdown with a pick-six against the Saints. He left for the Cardinals in 2023 but a biceps injury required season-ending surgery, cutting his season to just two games played. Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith leaves practice with athletic trainer – Griffin McVeigh, On3.cm The issues kept piling up for the Cowboys on Wednesday. Wednesday has not been good for Dallas Cowboys defensive tackles. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced Jordan Phillips would be put on Injured Reserve after just two weeks, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. Not too long after, once on the practice field, an injury occurred to Mazi Smith. No specifics regarding the injury are known at the time of publishing. Smith was seen walking off with the Cowboys’ head athletic trainer. Not what Dallas needed just a few days before the Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. “Cowboys DT Mazi Smith is leaving practice with head athletic trainer Dr. Jim Maurer,” Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said via X. “This comes after the Cowboys had to put fellow defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on the injured reserve list this morning with a wrist injury.” “He lost a lot of weight when he got here,” Zimmer said before the season. “He was trying to be an attacking 3-technique to get up the field. We’re gonna probably play blocks a little bit more, and try not to get reached so linebackers know where they’re supposed to fit — so forth and so on. That’s the biggest thing. … Yeah, it’s what he did in college.” Now, there might be an injury for Smith to work through early in the season. An injury report should be released later Wednesday, likely giving more information and the status of Smith moving forward. Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle among NFL’s least efficient through Week 2 – RJ Ochoa, BloggingTheBoys.com Let’s talk about the Week 2 disaster just one more time. A lot of things went wrong for the Dallas Cowboys last week. Picking and choosing just one thing to focus on would be like asking the kids to select a single candy out of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. There are too many options, but unlike there, none of these are delicious. Losing 44-19 (a scorigami, at least) forces you to reevaluate anything and everything in the name of never letting it happen to you again. We needn’t assume everything will be broken forever and ever, but with two games now played this season we can start to draw legitimate conclusions about the 2024 edition of this club. Obviously with Dallas getting boat-raced on Sunday the opportunities for running the ball, establishing your will and all that jazz, were far and few in between. But it does not take any level of advanced analysis to see that neither Ezekiel Elliott nor Rico Dowdle have set the world on fire through two games. But it is only two games. The most recent performance from Elliott and Dowdle is what has people wondering whether a change is necessary. Consider that Jerry Jones was asked during his Tuesday appearance on 105.3 The Fan about whether or not the team was considering promoting Dalvin Cook to the roster from the practice squad this week. That sounds unlikely. It is unfortunate that this is the case because Elliott and Dowdle both appear to be hard workers who will do more than is asked of them, but the data shows that they do not have the same sort of juice that other running backs in today’s NFL do. They are running quite literally uphill in many senses. Trey Lance could be Cowboys secret weapon against Ravens in Week 3 – Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated Trey Lance looks to do his best Lamar Jackson impression in practice this week. Mike McCarthy held a press conference on Wednesday as the Dallas Cowboys prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens. Heading into Week 3 feels early to break out the ‘must-win’ label but this one feels like a contest the Cowboys have to pull off. It won’t be easy, especially for a defense that was picked apart by the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Their confidence took a hit in the 44-19 defeat and now, they have to face the reigning NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson. The good news, at least according to McCarthy, is that Dallas has a secret weapon to help them prepare — Trey Lance. “Well, he’s dynamic, No. 1. We feel really good about what Trey [Lance] can give us there as far as running those scout teams reps, and Cooper [Rush] will handle some of the other
Cowboys traded for DT who’s now hurt, here’s who they replaced him with
Cowboys traded for DT who’s now hurt, here’s who they replaced him with angeltorres The Cowboys interior defensive line woes have taken another hit as the team is placing tackle Jordan Phillips on injured reserve with a wrist injury. Phillips will miss at least the next four weeks of the season. Dallas acquired the 11th-year defender from the division rival New York Giants for a 2026 sixth-round pick. In return, Dallas received Phillips along with a 2026 seventh-rounder. The Cowboys next four opponents are the Ravens, Giants, Steelers, and Lions. Phillips could be eligible to return prior to the Cowboys October 27 game against San Francisco. Phillips was supposed to shore up the Cowboys run game woes yet his 26.1 PFF grade against the New Orleans Saints was among the many things that went wrong for Dallas in the blowout home-opener loss. The Cowboys worked quickly to fill his roster spot, bringing back a familiar face in defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. Watkins played for Dallas from 2021 through 2022. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Texans. After Dallas suffered an exodus of free agents leaving for Washington to follow their new head coach Dan Quinn, Dallas struck back, poaching Watkins off the Commanders practice squad. Questions about the Cowboys run defense will continue to be asked until the team can consistently find a way to slow opponents down.
Travis Frederick among former Cowboys nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its list of Modern-Era Players nominated for inclusion in the Class of 2025. Of the 167 players up for a bronze bust this year, 16 are eligible for the first time, including one Cowboys great. Center Travis Frederick is in good company, with Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Marshawn Lynch, and Adam Vinatieri among the other first-time nominees. A screening committee will pare the list down to 50 names in mid-October before 25 semifinalists (and then 15 finalists) are named ahead of the selection meeting that will determine next year’s class. Of the 167 nominees, only three to five will be chosen for enshrinement, as per Hall of Fame bylaws. Here’s a look at the former Cowboys who have taken a first but important step toward Canton. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] QB Tony Romo LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 22, 2013 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) The undrafted free agent out of Eastern Illinois didn’t get a combine invite and did nothing more than serve as the holder for placekicks for his first three pro seasons. But after a Week 7 game in 2006 when he replaced an ineffective Drew Bledsoe, he quickly became one of the most beloved Cowboys ever. Over the next 11 seasons, he would amass more than 34,000 yards, throw for 248 touchdowns, and lead 28 fourth-quarter comebacks- all franchise records- en route to four Pro Bowl nods and six playoff appearances. OC Travis Frederick HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Travis Frederick #72 of the Dallas Cowboys calls the offensive line reads during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Aloha Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) Frederick was a first-round draft selection in 2013. Considered by some draft analysts to be a reach at the time, the Wisconsin native started every game over his first five seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod in the last four of them. He met with considerable adversity in 2018, though, when a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome cost him the entire 2018 campaign. Frederick returned in 2019, once again starting every game and being named to the Pro Bowl, before announcing his retirement in spring of 2020. OT Erik Williams Jan 30, 1994; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Erik Williams (79) in action against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports “Big E” was on track to be perhaps one of the greatest offensive linemen in Cowboys history until a serious automobile accident sidelined him for the back half of his fourth NFL season. He returned to the field in 1995 and played another six seasons, although most believe he was never the same player. Nevertheless, Williams helped the dynasty teams of the ’90s win three Super Bowls, and he personally earned four Pro Bowl nods and was named a first-team All-Pro three times. DT La’Roi Glover HONOLULU – FEBRUARY 12: La’Roi Glover #97 of the NFC looks on during the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl against the AFC on February 12, 2006 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC won 23-17. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) A onetime fifth-round draft pick by the Raiders in 1996, Glover really earned his reputation during a five-year stint in New Orleans before joining the Cowboys in 2002. He played for Dallas for four years- appearing in every single game over that time- and was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his seasons in Dallas. LB Ken Norton Jr. Dec 16, 1989; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Ken Norton Jr. (51) tackles New York Giants running back Maurice Carthon (44) at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports The son of a former heavyweight boxing champ, Norton was a second-round pick out of UCLA in 1988. He proved to be an instrumental part of the team’s turnaround from 1-15 doormats to back-to-back Super Bowl winners, earning two rings with the Cowboys before moving to San Francisco to claim another. Norton went on to a second career in coaching and is currently the Commanders’ linebackers coach. Safety Darren Woodson 7 Sep 1997: Defensive back Darren Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Cardinals won the game, 25-22. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport Woodson is a Hall of Fame nominee for an incredible ninth time, even though his achievements over his 12-year career should have punched his ticket to Canton long ago. The franchise’s all-time leading tackler. Three-time Super Bowl champ. Five-time Pro Bowler. Four-time first-team All-Pro. Ring of Honor member since 2015. Woodson is a two-time finalist for Canton. Others with notable Cowboys experience DALLAS – AUGUST 31: Kicker Mike Vanderjagt #13 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to the scoreboard during the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2006 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) RB Eddie George LB Keith Brooking Kicker Mike Vanderjagt
Cowboys Week 3 position power rankings: Running backs still far behind
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The Cowboys run game is holding the offense back. It’s hard to come away from Dallas’ Week 2 loss to New Orleans with many positives. The Cowboys were beaten on both sides of the ball, so adjusting the power rankings this week isn’t easy. But there were varying degrees of failure, so a little movement might be justified. All in all, no position did enough to earn resounding praise. And remember, these rankings are based on the entire season, not just the last game. So with the Saints loss burned into our memories, here’s the updated list going into Week 3. Guard (Last Week: 1st) – While the offensive line struggled on the whole, things were much worse on the edges than in the interior. Seeing Zack Martin go down was scary but he returned to the game, so hopefully he’ll be okay for another tough test coming up against Baltimore. Quarterback (LW: 3rd) – Dak Prescott did throw two picks, but one was because his receiver slipped and the other came when the game was already out of hand in the fourth quarter. Overall, Prescott was the least of Dallas’ worries as he managed missing TE Jake Ferguson and still put up 293 on 27-of-39 passing. Defensive End (LW: 2nd) – While QB1 could’ve done more, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence did nothing. Saints OC Klint Kubiak schemed Parsons right out of the game and forced the rest of the Cowboys’ defense to try to stop his offense. Obviously, they didn’t. Wide Receiver (LW: 7th) – CeeDee Lamb got the sole touchdown against double coverage and Jalen Tolbert made an impressive catch against what should’ve been called interference. We already know Lamb’s good so Tolbert’s 6 catches for 82 yards receiving line was a rare silver lining to this game. He needs to keep stepping up as this Cowboys offense is desperate for firepower. Linebacker (LW: 4th) – After a great debut in Cleveland, this group looked like 2023 all over again. It isn’t all their fault as they got no help up front and DeMarvion Overshown received oddly few snaps. But if their play is going to be dependent on what the defensive line is doing, that’s going to be easily exploited by quality offenses. Cornerback (LW: 6th) – The damage was mostly done away from them, but the Saints’ top receivers still produced 177 yards on just 10 targets. New Orleans’ dominance on the ground helped set up the pass, so we won’t slam the CBs too badly here. Tight End (LW: 8th) – Luke Schoonmaker had six catches for 43 yards, including an impressive one-handed catch. While he looks more like Dalton Schultz than Ferguson in terms of explosive ability, he at least provided a safe target for Prescott. It was a good sign for the second-year prospect. Center (LW: 10th) – Cooper Beebe is holding his own as a starter. We’re still waiting on more impact in the run game, but Dallas’ backs may make it harder to notice when the blocking is sufficient. Safety (LW: 5th) – When was the last time these guys made a play? Donovan Wilson’s interception was a gift off a deflected pass. Overall, there’s been surprisingly little impact from this position so far this year. And on Sunday they gave up a long touchdown bomb. Offensive Tackle (LW: 9th) – Guyton looked more like a rookie this week and Terence Steele was struggling. The Saints’ defense is probably better than we realized but it’s hard to fathom how they gave Dallas more trouble than Cleveland’s. Defensive Tackle (LW: 11th) – Right now we can barely even say nice things about Osa Odighizuwa, let alone the rest of the group. New Orleans controlled the game up front and it starts right here. Running Back (LW: 12th) – If things hadn’t gone sideways on the other side of the ball, Dallas’ run game might’ve had a chance to look better. Rico Dowdle did get 30 yards on just seven carries. But there wasn’t enough opportunity here to change perceptions.
Dallas Cowboys 2024 opponent preview: 2 Ravens to keep an eye on
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images There are a couple of Ravens players who present greater challenges than others. 2023 Overview For much of the 2023 season, the Baltimore Ravens looked to be one of the best teams in the NFL. A team filled with offensive playmakers, tough defensive talent, and a veteran coach, they looked like a juggernaut at times. They finished 13-4 in the regular season, quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second MVP award, followed by playing in the AFC Championship Game, It was a bit of a surprise that Jackson and Co. weren’t able to get over the hump and make the Super Bowl. Ravens File 2023 Record: 13-4 (AFC Championship Game appearance) Last Meeting: 12/8/2020 – 34-17 Ravens win. (Baltimore leads all-time series 5-1) Head Coach: John Harbaugh (172-111 as head coach) Key Additions: RB Derrick Henry, WR Deonte Harty, OT Josh Jones Key Departures: LB Patrick Queen, S Geno Stone, RB Gus Edwards Player to watch… Roquan Smith Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images Over the last few years, we have seen high-level linebacker play disrupt the Cowboys’ offense and completely throw them off track in a game. San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner comes to mind most frequently, but Ravens’ LB Roquan Smith also has that ability. Smith is smart, athletic, and plays the game fearlessly. He plays the run physically and can make plays in the passing game. In a lot of ways, he is this NFL’s version of a textbook linebacker. Dallas will need to be aware of his presence throughout the afternoon. As they try to get back on track after a tough Week 2, finding a way to neutralize Smith on Sunday could be a massive key to the outcome of this game. Don’t forget about… Isaiah Likely Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images As far as budding stars go, Isaiah Likely is almost in full bloom early in 2024. The young tight end from Coastal Carolina has done nothing but make plays when given the chance and looks to be a true highlight for this Ravens offense that already features Mark Andrews at the position. He’s outstandingly athletic, but plays physically and with a mean streak in the run game. When he has the football in his hand, he is always looking to score and can do so from anywhere. Dallas will have their hands full with Jackson and Derrick Henry, but they cannot afford to lose sight of Likely on Sunday, or it could get ugly for this Cowboys defense once again.
Cowboys DT Jordan Phillips claims ignorance about wrist injury, move to IR
Cowboys DT Jordan Phillips claims ignorance about wrist injury, move to IR Todd Brock The NFL mandates that teams release practice reports that chart which players are limited by injury and to what extent. To those outside the building, an appearance on the report by a player can cause some confusion, especially if that player seemed fine during the most recent game and there were no reports of an injury suffered during practice. But it seems one Cowboys defender’s inclusion on first injury report of Week 3 is coming as a surprise, even to him. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who was just acquired by the team a month ago, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with what the Cowboys have identified as a sprained wrist. Phillips says that’s news to him. “I don’t know,” he answered when asked how the injury came about, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “That’s above my pay grade. You have to ask the people making the decisions.” The former second-round draft pick did have surgery last season while with the Bills to repair a dislocated wrist suffered in a win against Dallas, but when asked by reporters midweek if his wrist was “good,” Phillips responded “yes.” “It is what it is, I guess,” he continued. One official said the team is being cautious with Phillips. Phillips played 19 defensive snaps Sunday versus New Orleans but did not record any official statistics. He assisted on a lone tackle and logged one quarterback hit in the season opener at Cleveland. His PFF grade stands at 29.6, among the lowest grades in the league among defensive linemen. One play from the Week 2 loss showed the 330-pound Phillips being pushed around badly and ultimately getting flung into the feet of both safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Trevon Diggs nearly ten yards downfield. Another replay showed Phillips getting away from his blocker on a pass play, but instead of going after Saints quarterback Derek Carr, he inexplicably turned around and re-engaged with New Orleans offensive tackle Trevor Penning, who was still on the ground. Clarence Hill Jr. and Joseph Hoyt of DLLS Sports point out that Phillips was acquired in a trade that also netted the Cowboys a 2026 seventh-round draft pick, but only if Phillips played two games for Dallas. His appearance on the field Sunday officially checked that box. And now Phillips will miss at least four games with a wrist injury that he claims not to know anything about. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Carlos Watkins, who played defensive tackle with the Cowboys in 2021 and 2022, was signed off the Commanders’ practice squad as a likely replacement. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys injury report: Trevon Diggs, CeeDee Lamb miss practice with injury
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Here is the Dallas Cowboys injury report for Wednesday. As the Dallas Cowboys pick themselves up from the rubble after a demolition by the New Orleans Saints, the team looks introspectively for answers to some of their biggest questions: How did the defense, led by Micah Parsons, allow five consecutive scoring drives by halftime? How did Dallas surrender a QBR of 99.4 to Derek Carr? Or how did the Cowboys allow 22.1 yards per reception? The Cowboys will now face a Baltimore Ravens team this Sunday. Before we dive into the injury report, Dallas made one injury transaction this morning. #Cowboys roster transactions: Jordan Phillips to IR (wrist) and will miss a minimum of four games. Carlos Watkins signed to the active roster as a replacement, returning to Dallas, poached from the Commanders practice squad. — Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 18, 2024 Carlos Watkins should step in and provide the team with support in stopping the run better than what happened against New Orleans. Here is the Wednesday practice report for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens: – It’s a back injury for Cowboys DT Mazi Smith who was seen walking off the practice field – CB Trevon Diggs (foot) and WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle) DNP – Multiple key Ravens defenders listed as DNP pic.twitter.com/jABvrjZqab — Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) September 18, 2024 Defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice today with an injury that was characterized as a back injury. Trevon Diggs (foot) and CeeDee Lamb (ankle) did not practice today. The severity of injury for Diggs and Lamb has not been released, but at this point there doesn’t seem to be a lot of worry. Jake Ferguson worked into team activities still nursing a knee injury suffered in the home opener against the Cleveland Browns and earned the limited designation; a great sign for Ferguson. As for John Stephens Jr., he’s was limited with a hamstring injury. Hopefully, one of them can be healthy enough to return this week against Baltimore. The Ravens have allowed the second-most yards to tight ends (90). For the Ravens, offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (personal) were absent from Baltimore’s practice. Their secondary was also without a few notable names. Safety Kyle Hamilton (back) did not practice nor did cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (personal). Coach Jon Harbaugh says that he expects Stanley to play although he did not practice Wednesday. Finally, versatile linebacker Kyle Van Noy was also not at Ravens practice.
