Last week, before the Dallas Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles, we asked fans for their view on whether Dallas is headed in the right direction. At the time, only 35% of fans had confidence in the direction of the team. That was certainly understandable with a new coach and staff participating in their first real […] Last week, before the Dallas Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles, we asked fans for their view on whether Dallas is headed in the right direction. At the time, only 35% of fans had confidence in the direction of the team. That was certainly understandable with a new coach and staff participating in their first real game, and the shocking trade of Micah Parsons. That last event caused a lot of negative feelings among Cowboys fans. Then the team went to Philadelphia and almost pulled off the upset. If not for some very uncharacteristic drops by CeeDee Lamb, Dallas might have been sitting at 1-0 with an NFC East win over the reigning Super Bowl champions. Instead, they are 0-1 and desperately need to beat the New York Giants to avoid a major hole early in the season. Given all that, it is time to check in on your confidence with the direction of the team this week. Did the Eagles game give you more confidence, less confidence, or are you still the same as before Week 1? Vote in the poll then hit the comments. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cowboys fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. 0 CommentsSee More: Dallas Cowboys Roster

The first week of the NFL season is in the books, and the Cowboys are 0-1 despite a very entertaining opener in Philadelphia. The shocking trade of Micah Parsons didn’t stop them from playing surprisingly competitive football and having a shot to win right until the final minute.  As such, many have come away from […] The first week of the NFL season is in the books, and the Cowboys are 0-1 despite a very entertaining opener in Philadelphia. The shocking trade of Micah Parsons didn’t stop them from playing surprisingly competitive football and having a shot to win right until the final minute. As such, many have come away from the game with a sense of optimism, despite the loss. Brian Schottenheimer’s offense looked promising, and the defense rebounded after a rough first half. But moral victories don’t actually count, and not everyone is sold on the warm fuzzies right now. Our own David Howman and Tom Ryle have opposing views on where the team stands right now, one game into the year. David: This game reminded me of the 2021 season opener, also the NFL’s kickoff game on the road against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Dak Prescott, fresh off a season-ending injury, was cooking against the Buccaneers and went toe-to-toe with Tom Brady in a game the Cowboys were supposed to lose by more than the two points they actually lost by. I walked away from that game feeling as positive as I ever have about a loss, and the Cowboys wound up winning the next six games en route to a 12-5 season and the division crown. I’m not saying the Cowboys are about to win six straight, but I saw enough in this game to make me feel they’re at least capable of doing exactly that. Tom: I’m thinking more about another season opener, last year’s big win over the Cleveland Browns. Spirits were sky high after that, and we remember how things wound up. Obviously there is little comparison between last year’s Browns and the defending champion Eagles. What is common to both situations is the tendency to read too much into week 1 of the long NFL season. It is quite possible Philadelphia was still getting their legs under themselves and were just not quite up to their usual standards. The bizarre ejection of Jalen Carter before the first play from scrimmage also had to have had some impact. I will freely admit that I was favorably impressed at the job Brian Schottenheimer did getting this team ready to play and how the offense came out strong. This could easily have been a win if CeeDee Lamb had not had a string of drops. But let’s see how things go this week before we start planning for the playoffs. Schotty has to keep them focused and not expecting to just walk over the New York Giants after their desultory showing against what appears to be a very good Washington Commanders squad. David: Yeah, there’s a gaping difference between the Browns and Eagles, but there’s also a big difference between last year’s offense and what we saw on Thursday. The Schottenheimer offense was basically everything we’ve been asking for. They used motion at the snap on 42% of their plays – that would’ve been fourth-most in the league last year – and made extensive use of condensed formations to help create separation for receivers. They also ran the ball well all night despite all our collective belly aching about relying on Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Even without Jalen Carter, the Eagles have plenty of big bodies – ever heard of Jordan Davis? – on the defensive line, and Dallas was moving them off their mark all night long. For the first time in a long time, the Cowboys offense looked fresh and innovative. The only thing that ended up stopping them in the end was, well, themselves. Tom: I agree there are some positive signs, but as for optimism about the season? In the words of Chris Stapleton, I ain’t there yet. There have been a lot of teams that can rise to the occasion against good opponents only to fall flat when facing less formidable foes. If you want to get my blood pumping, let’s see some consistency. Keep the offense rolling, especially as the other teams in the league get a chance to study what Schotty is doing. Get Jaydon Blue on the field to see if he can be a further boost to the running game. Find an old bucket of Stick’um for CeeDee. And have the defense play the way they did in the second half against Philly for the full 60 minutes. Maybe it’s more fear than anything. I’ve been burned by this team so many times before, and the scar tissue is getting pretty thick after the last 30 years. I’m not going to start feeling truly optimistic over one game. What I really want to see is clear evidence that Schottenheimer has really improved the culture in Dallas. If that part carries through the season, we may indeed have more than we expected this year. David: To quote another Chris Stapleton song, why you got to be so cold? Sure, the Cowboys have burned us before, but this is a new year and a new staff. It’s easy to say “let’s see if they can do it again” but how far does that go? Beating the Giants this week will hardly grant any added credibility, so how long do we pump the brakes? Should we wait until they win a Super Bowl to start getting excited? All we have right now is one game against arguably the best team in the conference on the road, and the Cowboys looked about as good as you could hope for from a loss. Obviously, a sloppy performance against the Giants – or an outright loss – would be a massive fraud alert, but right now, based on all

The Dallas Cowboys could use some help at running back and help may be on the way. Jerry Jones said Tuesday morning on 105.3 The Fan that things could be different for Blue this week (he was inactive last week). It is important to note that Jerry did not explicitly say anything. For context, he […] The Dallas Cowboys could use some help at running back and help may be on the way. Jerry Jones said Tuesday morning on 105.3 The Fan that things could be different for Blue this week (he was inactive last week). It is important to note that Jerry did not explicitly say anything. For context, he was asked about both Blue and Mazi Smith being inactives for Dallas in the season opener last week and to offer what he could. Jones noted that Blue “may” be ready to go this week, and he also suggested Smith will be inactive once more. The Cowboys got some solid production out of veteran Javonte Williams last week and some that was okay from Miles Sanders. Unfortunately Sanders had a critical fumble which has people wanting to see Blue as soon as possible. Dallas drafted Blue in the fifth round this year out of the University of Texas and his speed is something that the offense could certainly benefit from. It will be interesting to track all week long how he is trending with regards to playing. 0 CommentsSee More: Dallas Cowboys Roster

Javonte has strong start: ‘Cowboys offense is gonna be scary’ – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com If the Cowboys offense is going to find another gear, the home opener against the Giants would be a great time to do so. The 25-year-old didn’t miss a day of practice in his first camp with the Cowboys, and is […] Javonte has strong start: ‘Cowboys offense is gonna be scary’ – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com If the Cowboys offense is going to find another gear, the home opener against the Giants would be a great time to do so. The 25-year-old didn’t miss a day of practice in his first camp with the Cowboys, and is as healthy and determined as he’s ever been to make an impact in the league — for a Cowboys’ team that was wildly deficient on the ground last season. “… Overall, Javonte played the game the right way. If you watch him, he showed how physical he is as a runner, but also ran a speed sweep and [his blocking prowess] — I’m excited about what Javonte brings to our offense.” Not so long ago, Williams flew out of the NFL gates as the second-round pick of the Denver Broncos that earned PFWA All-Rookie Team Honors in 2021, but his trajectory was all but halted due to injury. “It felt real good,” Williams said of his maiden voyage against the Eagles. “I wish we could’ve come away with the win. I feel like we were right there. A couple more plays and we could’ve pulled it out but we’ve gotta forget about that one and move on to the next.” Next is the home opener at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, and against a second NFC East rival in as many weeks. “I’m excited,” said Williams. “We’ve gotta win, [especially] for the fans.” A first look at Schottenheimer’s offense revealed plenty of unpredictability, great clock management and discipline, and the potential to score a lot of points against some really good defenses — uncharacteristic drops and a lost fumble notwithstanding. So while the Cowboys are sitting at 0-1 to start the season, it’s also true they were scathingly close to hanging 40 points on the defending champs, if they would have fine tuned a couple items. “I like the offense,” Williams said of the potential in Dallas’ offense, particularly. “We got playmakers at every position. So, I mean, it’s gonna be scary.” The Cowboys need to make 3 personnel changes, and Brian Schottenheimer already hinted at one that could happen soon – Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports Veteran running back Miles Sanders made an explosive play followed by a fumble against the Eagles, which might open the door for rookie Jaydon Blue to see the field for the first time in week two. RB Jaydon Blue needs to be active over Miles Sanders Ninety minutes before gametime, the Cowboys surprised fans when they announced rookie running back Jaydon Blue was a healthy scratch. Following a standout training camp, Blue appeared poised for an important role on offense, especially because he brings the explosiveness and speed that his veteran teammates lack. Javonte Williams looked good as the offense’s RB1 in his Cowboys debut, but Sanders’ up-and-down performance should open the door for Blue to play more. Sure, Sanders had a 49-yard gain. However, that big play would have been a touchdown had he not been caught by Eagles linebacker Zach Baun, who was out of the box at the snap. Later, Sanders fumbled. Keep in mind, Sanders played zero special teams snaps, so activating Blue over him next weekend would be an easy fix. We’ll see how quickly the Cowboys react to the RB situation. Marist Liufau needs more than 6 defensive snaps – Shane Taylor, Inside The Star Marist Liufau asserted himself early in the preseason and looked like a key player for the defense, but didn’t play a key role in the loss at the Eagles. Still, the linebackers for the Dallas Cowboys and the secondary played well, but one name that should be earning more snaps is second-year guy Marist Liufau. He got most of his run on special teams, but I saw nothing but good things and he is clearly earning his chance. A Lot Of Bodies The Cowboys line backing core has a lot of bodies, so I get it may be hard to get the snap count up, but still, Liufau is the most athletic guy they have at that spot. Get him on the field! Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer was asked about LB Marist Liufau playing only six defensive snaps. “Marist is earning those rights to play more.” I think the issue maybe he is still understanding the defense completely, a little like Jalen Tolbert went through even though that was his rookie year. They see him in practice every single day. There is a reason for it, just like when Mazi Smith was a healthy inactive. They know more than we do. Cowboys roster move: Dallas placing DT Perrion Winfrey on injured reserve – RJ Ochoa, Blogging The Boys Winfrey is another player that had a strong preseason, but his regular season debut is on hold with a back injury. Winfrey was inactive for the Cowboys last Thursday night in Philadelphia after missing practices with injury. Clearly he has some sort of back issue that the team believes merits missing time. Per the NFL’s rules involving injured reserve, Winfrey must now miss at least four games. Given that he was on the team’s active 53-man roster they now have a spot available to do with as they please. For what it’s worth safety Malik Hooker was not seen by members of the media in attendance at The Star on Monday. Performance Improvement Plan: 5 Cowboys who must step up Wk 2 vs Giants includes $7.4M LB – K.D. Drummond, The Cowboys Wire The Cowboys defense still needs more support against the run, but has the players capable of stepping up to

Three Dallas Cowboys rookies got on the field during the season opener and got their NFL debut game under their belt. How did the rookies handle the pressure of their first professional game? Let’s dive in and find out. OG Tyler Booker  (Game stats- Snaps: 61, Pressures Allowed: 2, Sacks Allowed: 0, Penalties: 0) Of […] Three Dallas Cowboys rookies got on the field during the season opener and got their NFL debut game under their belt. How did the rookies handle the pressure of their first professional game? Let’s dive in and find out. OG Tyler Booker (Game stats- Snaps: 61, Pressures Allowed: 2, Sacks Allowed: 0, Penalties: 0) Of all the rookies this week, Booker was the star of the show. The Eagles defensive line came inside to try and deliver as much pressure on Dak as possible, and although they came close, the Eagles never actually registered a single sack. Against a pass rush and defensive line as capable as the Eagles this is a huge statement from Booker in terms of his pass blocking. His run blocking looks as though it could do with some more mentorship but overall it was still solid. Booker helped the Cowboys establish a strong run game, contributing to a team total of 119 rushing yards at a 5.4 yards-per-carry clip. Booker ended the game allowing zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and surrendered just one pressure across 41 pass-blocking snaps. That’s an impressive display of poise under pressure against a championship-caliber defense, and should give Cowboys very high optimism going forward. DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Game stats- Snaps: 22, Total Tackles: 1, Pressures: 1, Sacks: 0) Ezeiruaku was the subject of a controversial no-call when a big running play went outside to the left and he couldn’t disengage from the block and turn to make the play. The Eagles offensive line had a number of penalties that never got flagged which makes judging the defensive line a little tricky overall. But in Ezeiruaku’s debut he saw 22 defensive snaps and recorded one solo tackle. While his box score may seem quiet, he delivered a memorable moment in the fourth quarter, using a smooth swim move to bypass Eagles All-Pro Jordan Mailata and nearly forced a sack on quarterback Jalen Hurts. It wasn’t just flash, either, the play offered a promising glimpse of the burst and technique that made Ezeiruaku one of college football’s most decorated pass rushers last year. CB Shavon Revel Jr. Non-Football Injury list RB Jaydon Blue Inactive LB Shemar James Inactive OT Ajani Cornelius Inactive DT Jay Toia (Game stats- Snaps: 20, Total Tackles: 1, Pressures: 0, Sacks: 0) Toia also made his NFL regular-season debut this week. The UCLA product played a limited but noticeable role on the defensive line, recording one assisted tackle. Unfortunately, the Cowboys couldn’t slow down Philadelphia’s running game, they rushed for a solid 158 yards getting 14 first downs on the ground. While Toia flashed occasionally, he struggled to consistently maintain gap discipline or impact the interior rush. It is his first game, however, and was far from the issue in stopping Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts from running so freely. RB Phil Mafah Injured reserve WR Traeshon Holden Practice squad TE Rivaldo Fairweather Practice squad LB Justin Barron Practice squad CB Alijah Clark Practice squad CB Zion Childress Practice squad 0 CommentsSee More: Dallas Cowboys Roster

The Dallas Cowboys will have their home opener on Sunday at AT&T Stadium and will host the New York Giants. Both teams lost their first games of the season, New York was on the road as well, and both lost to division rivals. Obviously this means that whoever loses this game will be 0-2 overall […] The Dallas Cowboys will have their home opener on Sunday at AT&T Stadium and will host the New York Giants. Both teams lost their first games of the season, New York was on the road as well, and both lost to division rivals. Obviously this means that whoever loses this game will be 0-2 overall and 0-2 within NFC East play on top of that. Saying there are high stakes in Week 2 feels silly, but tell that to the team who walks off of the field as a loser on Sunday afternoon. The Cowboys and Giants may be in similar places from a record standpoint, but the former has a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer and is clearly beginning a new era. New York is in a position where they could make a change at head coach if the season doesn’t go according to plan which means that Brian Daboll may have to get creative. This could be what was in the back of Daboll’s mind when he spoke to the media after the Giants lost to the Washington Commanders on Sunday. When he was asked if Russell Wilson would remain New York’s starter, he was noncommittal. “We’re going to get home and look at our game,” Daboll said when asked if he would consider starting Dart next week. The Giants selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with their second selection in the first round (they traded up to do so). It has always felt like a matter of when and not if Dart will start this season, but Week 2 would mean a pretty short bit of patience from Daboll. Speaking Monday, Daboll confirmed this line of thought when he said that Russell Wilson will be the team’s starter. Truth be told this, famous last words I know, probably works out better for the Cowboys. Wilson is no longer the player he was at his peak, part of that peak involved Brian Schottenheimer as his offensive coordinator, and Dart represents a great unknown. Prepare for Russell Wilson. 0 CommentsSee More: Dallas Cowboys News