Tim Heitman-Imagn Images Brandon Aubrey picked up top NFC Special Teams honors after a huge game against Tampa Bay. The Dallas Cowboys had perhaps their best performance of the season last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That it came just a few hours after finding out that they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention made it all the more impressive. It was the kind of game in which Dallas had to play complementary football all the way until the final whistle. Early on the offense took advantage of just about every opportunity and scored on almost every possession they had in the first half. As the game wore on the defense took over and ultimately came away with the turnover that won the game. Throughout all of that though one thing remained constant and that was special teams. With all due respect to the entire special teams group, it was Brandon Aubrey who was the steady beat of the metronome. Aubrey nailed four field goals throughout the game, three of which were beyond 50 yards out. The fourth was 49, so just out of that particular range. On Tuesday, it was announced that Aubrey was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week as a result of his efforts. have a week, brandon @Brandon_Aubrey has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week! : https://t.co/4L71UiJDqL pic.twitter.com/PvAzKe0LRT — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 24, 2024 All told Aubrey nailed (in order) field goals from 58, 49, 58 and 53 yards out. He has become absurdly reliable from beyond the arc and on Sunday night he showcased who he was to the entire world and was a big reason that his team went home a winner. What the Cowboys have discovered in Aubrey is truly remarkable. It will surely be a priority (one would think) to make sure he is around long-term.
Micah Parsons joins rare company in Cowboys win vs Buccaneers
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images Micah Parsons joined some elite company on Sunday night. Micah Parsons came into Week 16 on an incredible hot streak after returning from his ankle injury that forced him to miss four games. The three-time All-Pro registered 7.5 sacks over a six game span with three multi-sack performances. “The Lion” as Parsons is called, simply went away for a while to patrol the borders of the land for unwanted guests, and now he’s returned to reestablish his spot as king amongst the pride. Speaking of being a king, Parsons put his name alongside some royal figures on Sunday night. Parsons recorded another sack in the Cowboys win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving him 9.5 on the season in the 11 games that he’s played in. That brings his total to 50 sacks for his career, making him the sixth player to reach that total in his first four seasons. Parsons joins Hall of Famers Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, DeMarcus Ware, Dwight Freeney, and also J.J. Watt as the only players to achieve this particular milestone. Also, Parsons has reached 50 sacks in 61 games, which is tied for the fifth fewest amount of games played to get that many sacks. The former first-round pick is now a half sack away from recording 10 or more in each of his first four years, which is an incredible start to a career. Parsons is the type of player that gets game-planned for weekly by opposing offenses. Teams use double teams, chip blocks by running backs, and tight ends, you name it. No matter what he faces, Parsons continues to be the ultimate wrecking machine when it comes to sacking the quarterback or at least getting pressure on them. There have been rumblings from Cowboys fans and even the media about the organization moving on from Parsons due to being an outspoken guy, which gets highlighted by his podcast. The dedication aspect when it comes to Parsons has come into question as well because he has some many things going on outside of football. However, when he suits up and it’s go time, Parsons sets himself a part not only from other defensive players around the NFL, but also from any player at any position. He’s a rare breed type of talent that can completely turn the momentum of a game single-handedly, and he’s flipped the entire Cowboys defense around since he came into the league. With all that being said, Parsons isn’t going anywhere, and he shouldn’t. Guys like him don’t grow on trees. In fact, players like Parsons have to be created inside a lab because he can’t be human.
Jerry Jones, NFL plotting on NBA’s turf, Christmas games just the beginning
Jerry Jones, NFL plotting on NBA’s turf, Christmas games just the beginning angeltorres Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is already in the Hall of Fame for turning millionaires into billionaires with his business acumen and branding, but it looks like he may add another achievement under his resume with his latest proposal. On his weekly radio interview on 105.3 The Fan, Jones hopes the NFL will make the NFL Christmas Day games a permanent fixture no matter the day of the week. The NBA has traditionally showcased its best slate of the year on Christmas with some anticipated matchups yet it looks like they might get Scrooge’d by the NFL on one of the year’s highest “households using television” or HUT-level days of the year. Jones and the NFL struck a deal with powerhouse streaming provider Netflix on a three-year deal that will show two Christmas games for the cool price of $150 million. The $75 million per game price tag must mean the Cowboys are on a short list of teams that would generate enough viewership to make it worthwhile. Christmas lands on a Thursday in the 2025. This may not be the finish line for Jones and his 31 colleagues. If the league plans to market the game globally, an 18-game season may provide the NFL a reason for adding two bye weeks, giving players enough time to rest after playing in a different country. The extra regular season game could hypothetically push the Super Bowl a week allowing it to land on President’s Day providing viewers the opportunity of a day off the following Monday. That’s more bad news for the NBA as that holiday had become the date they used to host their All-Star weekend and festivities. With the NFL eyeing a move towards a global product, Jones may have inadvertently revealed the NFL’s long-term plans. Follow all of your favorite Texas teams at Cowboys Wire, Longhorns Wire, Texans Wire, Rockets Wire and Aggies Wire!
2024 NFL Week 17 Power Rankings: Cowboys rise after dramatic win
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys are proving to be a respectable team after all. The Dallas Cowboys have won four of their last five games which is pretty unbelievable given that they were 3-7 when the time period began. Everybody wrote them off and they have proven that they are a respectable team after all. Sunday night offered the latest Cowboys win, and with it the good vibes continue to swirl far as how people are evaluating the team. It is time to see where Dallas stacks up with the other teams in the NFL through our latest batch of power rankings, and as always we have gathered where outlets across the internet have the Cowboys ranked. You can view last week’s rankings right here. 1 – Buffalo Bills (LW: 1) The Super Bowl belongs to them in my opinion. It is their time. 2 – Baltimore Ravens (LW: 3) I’d offer that we would be foolish to count out Baltimore, though. 3 – Detroit Lions (LW: 4) It is going to be fascinating to see what they look like without Ben Johnson in the future. 4 – Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 2) If I had to pick right now I would take the Eagles to beat the Lions. I am not any more happy about it than you are. 5 – Minnesota Vikings (LW: 5) They feel like they fly so close to the sun every week. Still, they could be the one seed! 6 – Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 7) Obviously it would be stupid to count them out, but wow they are just not the same level of intimidating that they have been in years past. 7 – Green Bay Packers (LW: 8) They have become such a machine with another new quarterback. It must be so nice. 8 – Washington Commanders (LW: 9) Dan Quinn is the first person to lead their franchise to 10 wins in his first season with the team. He has done a tremendous job and it is fun that the rivalry appears on the way back. 9 – Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 6) It is starting to feel like they are losing a bit of steam. 10 – Los Angeles Rams (LW: 11) Here though it seems like they are really figuring things out at the right time. 11 – Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 15) I’m not going to be the person to bet on the Chargers, but they do appear a different type of dependable relative to years past. 12 – Denver Broncos (LW: 10) Thursday night’s loss was tough, but it is hard to deny that Sean Payton has turned the ship around. 13 – Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 16) I think I speak for everyone in saying that the best playoff field possible features the Bengals. Hopefully we get it. 14 – Houston Texans (LW: 13) They are a division winner and so it is strange to have them so low, but they are very clearly the weakest team in the AFC who is going to get in. 15 – Seattle Seahawks (LW: 14) They went toe to toe with the Vikings which is commendable, but overall they are just a bit shy of being able to fully be a solid team. 16 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 12) Sunday night was really difficult for them. They rallied, but just couldn’t get it done. Shame! 17 – Atlanta Falcons (LW: 19) Perhaps the Falcons are going to be able to properly capitalize. Sunday night between them and Washington will be so much fun. 18 – Dallas Cowboys (LW: 18) They are not going out in poor style. It is commendable. 19 – San Francisco 49ers (LW: 12) Here on the other hand… they appear very ready to take their ball and go home because they are not bullying anybody anymore. 20 – Arizona Cardinals (LW: 17) What a shame that they threw away a chance to make a run at the division. I regret buying all of the stock here that I did. 21 – Indianapolis Colts (LW: 21) It is hard to tell if they are really turning it around or if they are just treading water in a more entertaining way. They almost blew a massive lead to the Titans. The Titans! 22 – Miami Dolphins (LW: 22) I will continue to note that nobody is paying any attention to how bad and boring Mike McDaniel’s team is. 23 – Carolina Panthers (LW: 25) It is really nice to see Bryce Young starting to find himself a bit. The Panthers will be a popular pick for the NFC South next August. 24 – Cleveland Browns (LW: 23) The Browns have been through all sorts of things over the last few years, but we are so close to another offseason centering on how they are going to handle the quarterback position. 25 – Tennessee Titans (LW: 28) I’ve said it several times this season, but are the Titans not the least interesting team in the NFL? Does anybody seriously care about them one way or another? It is strange. 26 – New England Patriots (LW: 30) They fought hard and made Sunday a game, but it is difficult to hold on too long against Buffalo. 27 – Chicago Bears (LW: 26) How do they manage to get so much worse all of the time? 28 – Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 27) At no point have the Jaguars ever been a serious organization. 29 – New York Jets (LW: 29) Who do we think will be their quarterback next year? 30 – Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 31) I understand that some people push back on tanking, but my goodness the Raiders caused significant damage to the future with their win on Sunday. 31 – New Orleans Saints (LW: 24) They were the first team to get shut out this season. It is so bad. 32 – New York Giants (LW: 32) Some things never change. NFL.com: 20 (LW:
Cowboys Reacts Survey: Dallas gives the gift of wins, finally
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Are you feeling any better about the Cowboys franchise? Once it became the holiday season, the Dallas Cowboys got in the the gift-giving mood. They decided to present their fans with wins, as in four out of their last five games. It could have been five out of five if not for their pesky botched punt block, a giant piece of coal in our stockings. While it has been enjoyable winning again, the team started their run just a little too late. They were looking for a Christmas miracle, but that dream came to end on Sunday when they were officially eliminated form the NFC playoff chase. So what does it all mean? Is Mike McCarthy coming back? Will Jerry Jones see the error of his ways like the Grinch and become a free agency believer? Just what will the Cowboys final draft position be after the season ends? These are all questions that will be answered in the 2025 offseason. But one question we want you to answer right now is your confidence that the team is finally headed in the right direction. Vote in the poll then hit the comments and let us know where you think things are headed for the Dallas Cowboys. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Dallas Cowboys fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Please take our survey
Good, Bad, Ugly: Back to run-game drawing board for Cowboys can’t dim defensive effort
All three Cowboys units put on a show Sunday night in their 26-24 win over Tampa Bay. For the offense, it was Cooper Rush’s red-hot start and CeeDee Lamb’s courageous battle through a painful injury. Defensively, a long list of standouts brought the lumber and delivered big hits throughout the game. And on special teams, kicker Brandon Aubrey continued his assault on both the NFL and Dallas Cowboys franchise record books. But with the good always comes at least little bit of bad and usually a smidgen of ugly. The Cowboys let Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers work their way back into the game on multiple occasions, usually at the end of a half when they could have just as easily kept their foot on the gas. And the recently-revived rushing attack suffered a serious setback that now makes the success of the past three weeks look more like a bad-opponent blip than a true turnaround. But a win is a win, and although the Week 16 victory is bittersweet in light of the team’s official ouster from playoff contention, there’s still plenty of good, bad, and ugly to be found once you look past the final score. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Good: Defense delivering the lumber Mathematically eliminated from postseason contention several hours before kickoff, the Cowboys could have been excused for simply going through the motions Sunday night. But the defense chose instead to take out their frustrations on anyone wearing pewter-colored pants. Marist Liufau, Micah Parsons, Donovan Wilson, C.J. Goodwin, and Amani Oruwariye were among the Cowboys who made sure they got in a few good swings of the hit stick during the Week 16 win, delivering dynamite blows and flying all over the field. Several supporting-cast defenders also stood out; Nick Vigil led the unit in tackles, while Chauncey Golston, Linval Joseph, and Carl Lawson all made significant contributions in shutting down the Tampa Bay attack. Bad: Letting Mayfield march downfield late in both halves The Dallas defense didn’t break Sunday night, but they sure got bent over a couple times, letting the Bucs sneak back into the game late in both halves. Up 20-7 with under two minutes to play before intermission, the Cowboys let Mayfield go 71 yards in less than 60 seconds for a key touchdown. (All but four of the yards on that drive came through the air.) Late in the fourth quarter, it happened again: the Cowboys couldn’t stop a nine-play, 87-yard TD march that never even reached third down. (Mayfield was a perfect 8-of-8 passing on that drive… and ran the other 12 yards himself.) If not for that crazy strip by DaRon Bland with 1:40 to play, the defense’s habit of collapsing when it mattered most would have been the story of the night. Ugly: Run game regressing ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 22: Rico Dowdle #23 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) Rico Dowdle came back to down earth in a big way against the Bucs defense. After three straight 100-yard games and back-to-back-to-back career highs versus weak defenses, the new workhorse managed just 23 rushing yards on 13 attempts, averaging a meager 1.8 yards per carry. Tampa Bay’s stingy run-stop unit kept the Cowboys bottled up for 31 total yards on the ground and one touchdown, a one-yard plunge scored by Ezekiel Elliott on his only tote of the contest. The next team on the docket, the Eagles, are statistically about the same this year (if not slightly better) against the run, so the sledding could be tough again in Week 17. Good: Cooper cooking early Some wondered if the Cowboys would turn to Trey Lance in an essentially meaningless game, but Cooper Rush had other plans. He went 6-of-6 passing on his first drive and finished the first half having completed 75% of his 24 throws for 226 yards and a score. (That half alone would have been an all-time top-five outing for him.) Rush and the Cowboys slowed in the second stanza, but the hot start proved enough for the team to just squeak by with a two-point win. The veteran finished with a 108.3 passer rating, tied with two other games for the fourth-best of his career. (And two of those higher-rated games have come in the last four weeks.) Bad: Instead of burning clock, Cowboys nearly blow game When Jourdan Lewis’s incredible goal-line interception gave Dallas the ball with 6:22 to play and a nine-point lead, the thoughts of Cowboys Nation had already turned to milking the clock. The offense’s first possession of the night had eaten up 5:54, and an early fourth-quarter drive killed another 3:53. That kind of time-consuming keep-away effort (i.e., “running the damn ball”) could have ended the drama early, but Dallas chose to come out passing instead. Rush’s surprising first-down attempt to Hunter Luepke instead went right into the bread basket of Tampa Bay linebacker J.J. Russell. What should have been an interception instead stopped the clock and set the tone for a failed drive that ended in a punt just three plays later, having chewed up just 1:39. It’s what- completely unnecessarily- gave Mayfield and the Buccaneers the opportunity to make things interesting at the end. Ugly: CeeDee’s shoulder saga Lamb showed himself to be a true warrior as he continues to play through the AC joint sprain he suffered back in Week 9. Explaining that it’s not the hits from defenders that aggravates the injury as much as hitting the ground, Lamb is putting on a week-to-week show that has become downright painful to watch. Even at less than full strength, he finished with seven catches on eight targets for 105 yards. Many fans were critical of Lamb during his training camp holdout over a new contract, but seeing him literally put his body on the line in games that now mean nothing
5 plays that led Cowboys to victory over Buccaneers
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Sunday night was intense. The Cowboys did it again, notching their fourth win in five games despite learning they had been eliminated from the playoffs earlier that day. They played a physical, gritty game against a Buccaneers team that entered on a four-game winning streak. This one came down right to the end, and there was a long list of big plays all throughout the game. But these five plays, in retrospect, seem to have been the biggest ones. Brandin Cooks’ big catch flips field The Cowboys got the ball to start the game and they moved down the field quickly before settling for a field goal. Then, the Dallas defense forced a turnover on downs, when the Bucs dropped a fourth and short pass. The Cowboys had a chance to go up by multiple scores early, and they didn’t pass up the opportunity. KaVontae Turpin took a first down carry for 12 yards, and then Cooper Rush took a deep shot to Brandin Cooks. n target @rush_cooper finds @brandincooks for 29! : #TBvsDAL on NBC : Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/RoErsl4e3J — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 23, 2024 Cooks got free and made some moves after the catch to reel in 29 yards in total. That play took Dallas from near midfield to well inside the red zone at the Tampa Bay 11. Just like that, a touchdown seemed a near certainty, and three plays later Jalen Tolbert was dancing in the endzone. Jake Ferguson’s catch-and-run sets up field goal The Buccaneers got a touchdown with just 48 seconds left in the first half to cut the Cowboys lead to 20-14. But Dallas had all three timeouts and a real opportunity to get some points before the break, aiming to put their lead back to multiple scores. The very first play of the drive practically did all the work for them, as Jake Ferguson came wide open over the middle with some filthy route running. Filthy by Jake Ferguson right before the half. https://t.co/sOybBOn6MY pic.twitter.com/WvkWZ0AcvS — Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) December 23, 2024 In total, Ferguson picked up 21 yards and put the ball at the Tampa 49, right on the fringe of field goal range for Brandon Aubrey. They picked up nine more yards before Aubrey hit a 58-yarder, but this catch from Ferguson was pivotal in setting that up. Cowboys maul Baker Mayfield, set up ridiculous third down The Buccaneers started with the ball right out of the halftime break, and they were hoping to keep their offensive momentum going. A couple big plays got them down in Dallas territory, but a holding call backed them up into a second and 19. Tampa Bay was still at the Dallas 35-yard line, and a field goal was at least in play even if they couldn’t overcome the penalty. But then the Cowboys pass rush came alive. absolutely swarmed : #TBvsDAL on NBC : Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/cJE8qpsWCB — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 23, 2024 Wave after wave of pass rushers came bearing down upon Mayfield as he tried to escape, and it was Micah Parsons who knocked the ball free as he got the sack. Nick Vigil very nearly recovered the ball, but he was ruled out of bounds on replay review. Still, it brought up a hilarious third and 40 and also took the Buccaneers out of field goal range. Jourdan Lewis comes up with incredible endzone pick After both teams traded field goals in the third quarter, the Buccaneers were trailing 26-17 and running out of time. When they got the ball back with seven and a half minutes left, they pretty much needed points on that drive to keep any real hope alive. Mayfield found a receiver deep over the middle on third down to convert the series, and then one play later he took a deep shot to the endzone. That’s when Jourdan Lewis made arguably the most impressive play of his career. #Cowboys Jourdan Lewis INT! pic.twitter.com/V593W6iBjG — Law Nation Sports (@LawsNation) December 23, 2024 On the live view, it looked as if Mayfield had just thrown a touchdown, but Lewis came up with the ball and it was ruled an interception. While the Cowboys ultimately punted after just three plays, the pick from Lewis put the Buccaneers in a bind with very little time to complete their comeback bid. DaRon Bland’s fumble recovery ices game Things rolled Tampa Bay’s way after that, forcing two three-and-out’s from the Cowboys and getting a touchdown in between. Mayfield got the ball back with just under two minutes left down two. All he had to do was get into field goal range. But the Cowboys knew the Buccaneers were in pass-only mode, and Mike Zimmer unleashed his most creative pressure scheme on the first play of the drive. Mayfield was hit but refused to go down. He flipped it to Rachaad White, who made a few moves before running into DaRon Bland. What in the world just happened?! pic.twitter.com/IKCtWQcGSD — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 The heads-up play from Bland to not only strip the ball but also recover it right away is impressive. Since Tampa Bay had no remaining timeouts, this big play from Bland was the one that clinched it all. Rush took a knee three times to run out the clock, but Bland sealed the deal with this crazy takeaway.
Cowboys news: Win against the Bucs only meaningless on paper
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images All the latest Christmas Eve Dallas Cowboys news! Cowboys showed grit last night despite being eliminated from playoffs – Shane Taylor, Inside The Star The Cowboys, playing for pride, were the better team most of the night against an opponent in the playoff picture. If the Cowboys decide to extend McCarthy, it won’t be a popular decision. The Cowboys fanbase is reactionary and has wanted McCarthy out after every playoff disappointment. Retaining him because of a good finish after the Cowboys’ playoff hopes were practically finished will get a lot of criticism, yet here we are, and we are going to see him return in 2025. The Cowboys have won four of the last five games, but tonight just looked and felt different than the last few games. This was probably the best game they have played on both sides of the ball at the same time this season. Although Cooper Rush did nearly throw an interception with about 4 minutes left when McCarthy should have been running the ball. If the Cowboys decide to extend McCarthy, it won’t be a popular decision. The Cowboys fanbase is reactionary and has wanted McCarthy out after every playoff disappointment. Retaining him because of a good finish after the Cowboys’ playoff hopes were practically finished will get a lot of criticism, yet here we are, and we are going to see him return in 2025. The Cowboys have won four of the last five games, but tonight just looked and felt different than the last few games. This was probably the best game they have played on both sides of the ball at the same time this season. Although Cooper Rush did nearly throw an interception with about 4 minutes left when McCarthy should have been running the ball. Jerry Jones Is Loyal The last head coach that was fired in season was Wade Phillips and we knew that Jerry was not going to fire McCarthy in season, but I thought after they lost that game to the Eagles, this would be his last year. Yet, now after the last month, Jerry has seen enough fight from this team to keep him here for another year. With playoff fate decided, Cowboys believe strong finish can provide springboard to 2025 – David Moore, Dallas Morning News The Cowboys may have more pieces in place that can help them improve in the future than expected. Jourdan Lewis made a spectacular interception to prevent a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s victory. Earlier this season, he openly questioned the practice habits of his teammates. Not now. The way the Cowboys have practiced and competed in recent weeks is the team he recognizes from past years. “The last few weeks, this is the football team I knew we could be,’’ Lewis said. “We love this game. We love each other. We go out there and play for each other, play for coach Mike.’’ Micah Parsons talks about this team stepping up and showing out in the stretch. The goal is to finish strong and prove critics wrong. “Everyone had us written off,’’ Parsons said after picking up one of the Cowboys’ four sacks in the win over Tampa Bay. “Everyone had decided our future for us. “We were like, ‘hold on, hold on. We can be a damn good football team. We can win games.’ “It’s on us.’’ These Cowboys are playing complementary football. Parsons doesn’t know why it took so long, but he finds it encouraging. He’s convinced a strong finish can carry over into next season. Why? Because it’s happened before. Jerry Jones praises Mike McCarthy following Cowboys’ win, declines to discuss coach’s future after the season – Kevin Patra, NFL.com The entire fate of the Cowboys coaching staff feels like something that is going to drag out at the conclusion of the season. Eliminated from postseason contention following the Washington Commanders’ victory over Philadelphia, the Cowboys could have rolled over and played dead against a Tampa Bay club fighting for a playoff bid. Instead, Mike McCarthy’s club battled, taking it to the Bucs and making plays from kickoff to the final forced turnover. “Proud of those guys. They wouldn’t give it up out there. So I’m real, real proud of them,” owner Jerry Jones said after the 26-24 victory, via the Associated Press. “And Mike McCarthy, he just won’t let them not think they’re playing for the Super Bowl out there. He won’t let them do it. So proud of that.” Jones’ praise of McCarthy is notable. The head coach’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the owner and coach have a decision to make on the future. After things looked grim for McCarthy a month ago, Dallas’ late-season surge could change the calculus. The Cowboys have won four of their last five games. Jones’ comments could be laying the foundation to bring McCarthy back. Following three consecutive playoff appearances, Dallas was eliminated from postseason contention with three games left, its earliest exit since 2015. Finding value in Cowboys’ “meaningless” late-season victories – Jess Haynie, Blogging The Boys How much better the Cowboys can be next year with just a healthier roster, before adding any draft picks or free agents, is the biggest question going into the offseason right now. The value of these last five games and the two still to come is the opportunity to find clarity ahead of the offseason. If you were on the fence about giving Cooper Rush another few years as QB2, he’s making that decision easier. If you were dubious about Luke Schoonmaker’s potential going forward, his play during Jake Ferguson’s absence gave reason for hope. And if you weren’t sure about how these players still responded to their head coach, McCarthy has at least earned some new respect as a leader and motivator with this late-season surge. Of course, you shouldn’t keep the bath water with the baby. If Jones is now sold on retaining
Cowboys Headlines: Zimmer unsure about ’25, Lamb on playing through pain, Week 17 vs Eagles flexed
Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb focused on ‘keeping shoulder attached to my body’ while ‘living my dream’ :: CBS Sports Link Lamb’s gritty performance is earning him rave reviews from Cowboys coaches, teammates, and fans. “My shoulder is out of whack,” he said, referring to the AC sprain he suffered back in Week 9. “I love this game that much. I’m literally willing to put my body out there on the line for my guys.” Micah Parsons made NFL history in Cowboys-Buccaneers game :: Athlon Sports Link In recording his 50th career sack, Parsons put his name alongside some of the game’s true legends. He’s now the sixth player to hit that milestone in his first four seasons. Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, J.J. Watt, DeMarcus Ware, and Dwight Freeney are the others. Cowboys win was a pivotal moment for CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons :: Cowboys Wire Link In a game that in many ways meant nothing, Lamb and Parsons showed firsthand that, to them, it meant everything. The two Cowboys superstars have drawn criticism in the past: for sideline behavior, body language on the field, selective effort, even comments and attitudes expressed between games. But both displayed incredible leadership in the Week 16 win. Lamb, physically pained by a shoulder injury, and Parsons, absolutely exhausted carrying the load as edge rusher, showed the grit and determination that hearkened back to memories of heroes past. Brandon Aubrey sets new NFL record, solidifying himself as Cowboys’ ultimate weapon :: The Mothership Link Aubrey hit a ridiculous three field goals of over 50 yards on Sunday. That gave him 14 for the season, a new league record (and he still has two games to play). He’s also the first kicker ever to connect on 10 or more 50-yarders in consecutive seasons. But Aubrey says he’s not really focused on putting his name in the record books. “Just want to go out there and be smooth,” he said. “Don’t think about it at all, the only thing I’m thinking about is going and making the kick…Win some games.” Keeping McCarthy would be admission by Jerry Jones he mismanaged 2024 :: Cowboys Wire Link The improvements shown by the team over the back half of the season may be enough to save McCarthy’s job, according to some observers. But he didn’t do the one thing he was charged with doing in 2024. Jerry Jones could have fired him in January yet didn’t, giving him one more year to prove himself. Now, having been scrapped from the playoff chase before Christmas, what exactly did McCarthy prove? And why would Jones sign up for more of it? Mike Zimmer comments on potential Cowboys return following ‘hard’ year :: SI.com Link McCarthy’s not the only coach in Dallas with an uncertain future. Zimmer says he’s “had a blast” in his return to the defensive coordinator’s role, but he isn’t ready to say he’ll be back next season. “It’s been hard,” the 68-year old admitted. Cowboys-Buccaneers postgame analysis :: Cowboys Wire Updates: McCarthy on Lance; injuries & more :: The Mothership Link Saying, “We’re going to Philadelphia to win the game,” Mike McCarthy confirmed Cooper Rush will stay under center in Week 17. He says wideout Jalen Tolbert “has a chance to play” against the Eagles with a finger injury, but cornerback Kemon Hall may not be over the hamstring injury he sustained Sunday night. Cowboys-Eagles flexed to Noon kickoff for Week 17 :: The Mothership Link The Cowboys and Eagles will resume their rivalry a few hours earlier than originally planned. With Dallas now out of the playoff hunt, Sunday’s Week 17 game has been bumped up from the late-afternoon slot to the early window. Philadelphia can win the NFC East with a win over the Cowboys (or if the Falcons beat Washington). Jalen Hurts is in concussion protocol; Kenny Pickett undergoes X-ray on ribs :: ProFootballTalk Link The Cowboys have no idea who they’ll see playing quarterback for the Eagles in Week 17. If Philadelphia knows, they’re not saying. Jalen Hurts left their game Sunday with a concussion and is in the league’s protocol. Backup Kenny Pickett took a shot to the ribs and had X-rays after their loss to Washington; Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on Monday had no update on either. Second-year third-stringer Tanner McKee is currently the only other quarterback on the Philadelphia roster. EXCLUSIVE: Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown has been counted out for 2025. He has a different goal in mind :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link Playing Santa Claus at a daycare facility in Tyler just a week removed from knee surgery, Overshown says he’s working on a surprise for all of Cowboys Nation. “My goal is to definitely see action by midseason,” he said. “I’m going to be smart about it, but I’m going to be ready by midseason. There’s no question about it.” Former Cowboys 3rd-round pick projected to replace $21 million free agent with Texans :: Cowboys Wire Link Chauncey Golston has stepped up in 2024 due to injuries and shown himself to be an integral part of a defense’s plans. But now set to become a free agent, it’s thought another team could swoop in and make him a more attractive offer to leave Dallas. Could the Texans be eyeing the former Iowa Hawkeye to take over for Denico Autry in Houston? Former 1st-round RB valued at $27 million projected as great fit for Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire Link Rico Dowdle has been good down the stretch, but the Cowboys still need help at the running back position, and an effective runner with veteran experience would be a great addition. Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris could fit the bill. He’s topped 1,000 yards in each of his three full years (and should again in 2024), and he’s not even 27. Cowboys’ Tyler Smith living vicariously through former high school after state title win :: Dallas Morning News Link Smith’s high school alma mater, North Crowley, won the state’s Class 6A Division I
Monday Night Football odds, pick and live discussion: Saints at Packers
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Who wins tonight… New Orleans or Green Bay? The New Orleans Saints play the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. FanDuel has the Packers as 14.5-point favorites over the Saints. Final score prediction: Packers 27 – Saints 16. Check out FanDuel for all of your NFL betting needs. This is an open thread for game chat.
