This Cowboys UDFA rookie making case to be featured in long-term plans reidhanson The Dallas Cowboys are masters in finding steals through nontraditional avenues. From Brandin Aubrey and KaVontae Turpin who were found in other professional leagues, to Dak Prescott and DaRon Bland who were found in the latter portions of the draft, to Tony Romo and Miles Austin who were signed as undrafted free agents, the Cowboys have a knack for finding treasure in the rarest of places. When Dallas signed undrafted tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford following the draft last spring, they were hoping they found their next big treasure. Standing almost 6-foot-7, 270-pounds, “big” might be an understatement. The rookie from Minnesota was in demand following the draft. Players his size don’t come around very often and to many scouts, Spann-Ford had a draftable grade. What transpired was a bidding war, with team pit against team in an auction the Cowboys are all too familiar with. As fate would have it, Dallas won, outbidding the competition by guaranteeing $225,000 and throwing in a signing bonus of another $20,000 for good measure. The sizable deal came with sizable expectations. In order to justify the costs, Spann-Ford would need to make the roster out of training camp, and he’d have to contribute in some way on game day. On a unit led by Pro Bowler Jake Ferguson and backed up former second rounder Luke Schoonmaker, getting snaps wasn’t going to be easy for the 24-year-old rookie. 12 games into his professional career Spann-Ford has found a way to be that contributor the Cowboys needed him to be. Not only has he logged 76 snaps on special teams, but he’s helped pick up the slack left by Ferguson’s injury absence on offense too. At 230 snaps and counting, Spann-Ford isn’t just craving out an offensive role in 2024 but he’s making the case for a bigger role in the future. A blocking specialist by nature, Spann-Ford is already the Cowboys’ top-rated blocker at the TE position. Blessed with the size of a left tackle, Spann-Ford has the potential to develop into an elite blocker one day, possibly giving the Cowboys a mismatch player to design plays around. Ferguson, reportedly close to coming back, will likely seize back his role as true TE1 the moment he’s cleared to play. And Schoonmaker, a player who has stepped up in Ferguson’s absence, will likely continue to be a player the Cowboys seek to develop. At face value this isn’t good news for Spann-Ford stockholders, but a deeper look shows Spann-Ford’s value and role remain intact. As a blocker, Spann-Ford’s numbers and screen time are never going to jump out at people. But for the offensive line nuts who love nothing more than watching a well-executed run scheme play out, Spann-Ford is must-see-TV. Not perfect, but starting to flash dominant characteristics, the Cowboys newest UDFA is a player on the rise who still fits plenty of TE2 roles and responsibilities. There will likely be a rotation at the TE position the rest of the way this season and the two backups will both demand opportunities. The Cowboys rarely use three TEs at the same time (1.3 percent) but that doesn’t mean three TEs won’t play each week. Spann-Ford is an exciting player who may be carving out a major role for the near future. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys Headlines: Prescott weighs in on McCarthy’s future, Jerry Jones shares Rowdy’s sordid past
Dak Prescott shares his hope for Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys future :: Yahoo Sports Link Prescott says he believes in his head coach “whole-heartedly” and thinks McCarthy “deserves a chance” to stay in Dallas beyond this season with a new contract. The quarterback admitted to “feeling almost helpless” that, because of his injury, he can’t do anything on the field to help solidify McCarthy’s future with the Cowboys, but he explained that his plan is to “control what I can control, help and support Mike to every extent that I can.” What Jerry Jones said about ‘genuine’ Mike McCarthy, Cowboys’ 2023 playoff carryover :: Dallas Morning News Link McCarthy’s seat isn’t nearly as hot now as it was just a few weeks ago. Jones praised his head coach’s “quality of character” and “quality of football character” during the recent five-game losing streak. He also suggested the team’s rough start in 2024 may have carried over from the devastating playoff loss to Green Bay… eight months prior. Cowboys’ Dak Prescott reveals targeted return date from injury, why he’s going to bat for Mike McCarthy, more :: CBS Sports Link Prescott got behind the wheel of a car on Tuesday, the first time he’s been able to drive since his hamstring surgery. It’s one step in the rehab process, one he calls “a small victory.” Next will be getting rid of the crutches, he says. His ultimate goal? “To start OTAs and start the offseason no restrictions, full go.” Prescott called 2024, which began with a playoff loss and then a months-long contract negotiation that played out publicly, “definitely one of the toughest” of his NFL career. Why Jerry Jones remains confident in first-round picks Tyler Guyton and Mazi Smith :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link The team’s two most recent first-round selections haven’t been instant superstars. But remember that Guyton had just 14 college starts at Oklahoma. Jones, for one, still sees big things in store for him: “He has the right attitude and he’s smart,” the owner said. “I’m not concerned about his future at all.” As for second-year man Smith, Jones recalled something Tom Landry once said: “Don’t ever give up on a defensive lineman, the big guys, until you’ve seen them for three years,” Jones said. “Because they can really evolve and be a different player after three years.” Cowboys 53-man roster vs Bengals in Week 14: Three key defensive decisions to come :: Cowboys Wire Link There’s a chance DeMarcus Lawrence has his 21-day practice window opened; he could see the field again as early as this week. That would mean moving Josh Butler to injured reserve; Juanyeh Thomas could go, too. Cornerback Kemon Hall has used up all his gameday elevations and would need a roster move by the club to be called up again. Big Picture: Storylines for Cowboys-Bengals :: The Mothership Link Don’t let the 4-8 record fool you; Joe Burrow is having a monster year at quarterback for Cincinnati and will provide the Dallas defense with a huge challenge. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins make up the best WR tandem in the league when healthy. Monday’s game could produce a ton of points, but keep an eye out for left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. The Cowboys staff will likely remind officials of his tendency to commit false starts. Former 4th-round pick a pleasant surprise for Cowboys after free-agency signing :: Cowboys Wire Link The signing of Carl Lawson came only after a season-ending injury to Sam Williams, and it didn’t make many waves when it happened. But Lawson has carved out a nice role for himself on the 2024 defense and is seeing consistent reps despite the recent return of Marshawn Kneeland. With DeMarcus Lawrence also coming back imminently, it will be interesting to see where Lawson fits in the rotation and how he does with limited chances. He could just parlay his one-year emergency deal into a longer-term gig in Dallas. 49ers Kyle Shanahan enters ‘Cowboys candidates to replace Mike McCarthy’ rankings :: Cowboys Wire Link The 49ers ditching Shanahan after one poor season? There’s a portion of their fanbase that wants it. The possibility alone puts him on this watchlist of possible candidates if the Cowboys make a move at the top. Paying what Shanahan would require seems like a long shot even if he’s available. Several of his pupils (and pupils’ pupils) are already on the list, though, like Texans OC Bobby Slowik and Dolphins OC Frank Smith. Leighton Vander Esch dad tried to strangle ex-Cowboys star’s mom … cops say :: TMZ Link A troubling story involving the father of the popular former Cowboys linebacker. Darwin Vander Esch was arrested Saturday in Idaho for felony attempted strangulation of his wife Sandy. Darwin allegedly pushed Sandy to the ground during the altercation as well, and then took her phone as she attempted to call for emergency services. Darwin denied getting physical, but one police officer noted “visible red marks” on Sandy’s throat. Leighton has not commented publicly on the matter. Jerry Jones discusses unruly history of mascot Rowdy: ‘I’ll talk to Rowdy’ :: WFAA Link Most Cowboys fans have a hate-hate relationship with the team’s cartoonish mascot. Lately, the main knock is that his No. 00 jersey is prohibiting DeMarvion Overshown from wearing the No. 0 he made famous at Texas. But on Tuesday, Jones told some off-color stories about Rowdy that might just endear him to the faithful, including one about the local media finding the “Rowdy Wagon” parked outside a strip club. When the human actor then manning the costume was summoned for a lecture from Jones about the bad publicity, he solemnly pledged with a straight face, “I’ll talk to Rowdy about it.” Austin Ekeler details memory loss, neck pain in first interview since Week 12 concussion :: The Athletic Link The Washington running back offered a stark reminder about the enormous risk today’s players take on when they step onto the football field, detailing some of the
49ers Kyle Shanahan enters ‘Cowboys candidates to replace Mike McCarthy’ rankings
The rumbles are getting stronger. In reality, everyone knows that fan sentiment is largely irrelevant when it comes to decision making by stable organizations. Still, the growing cries from San Francisco 49ers fans who are tired of disappointment in the big game now have an even more disappointing regular season to use as ammunition. After their second-consecutive 25-point defeat dropped them to 5-7 on the season, Kyle Shanahan’s head is being called for from a minority, but vocal section of the 49ers fanbase. Trust and believe, if the 49ers ever made this move, the team he could register as part owner of would hope on the opportunity in a heartbeat. So for that reason, it wouldn’t be fair not to include Shanahan on the watchlist of potential replacements for when the Dallas Cowboys part ways with Mike McCarthy come January. While Jerry Jones has indicated he isn’t all-in on moving away from McCarthy and a two-game winning streak has returned the Cowboys to the way-zoomed-out view of the playoff picture, there will almost assuredly be a new coach on the sideline in 2025. Here’s a look at our weekly rankings of who should be considered. Honorable Mentions: Liam Coen, OC, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Last Week: Honorable Mention Ryan Grubb, Seattle Seahawks OC | Last Week: Honorable Mention Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers, DC | Last Week: Honorable Mention Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers, DC | Last Week: Honorable Mention Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos, DC | Last Week: Honorable Mention Lincoln Riley, USC, HC | Last Week: Honorable Mention Adam Stenovich, Green Bay Packers OC | Last Week: Honorable Mention University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart | Last Week: Honorable Mention Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore | Last Week: 11 Sep 26, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (right) laughs with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports One name that is rarely discussed but probably should be is the former heir apparent Kellen Moore. Moore was Jason Garrett 2.0; brought in to the coaching staff as a wunderkind who the Jones family thought a lot of. He carried over as offensive coordinator from Garrett to McCarthy. Being shown the door in 2023 after a playoff failure as McCarthy vowed taking back over play calling would take the offense to a new level. It did, for a year, before bottoming out in 2024, even before all of the injuries hit. Meanwhile Moore attached himself to Brandon Staley’s sinking ship in L.A. for a year, but has revitalized his reputation thanks to Saquon Barkley’s arrival in Phiadelphia. The Eagles are sitting at 10-2 with an offense that is focusing on running to set up the pass. Minnesota VIkings DC Brian Flores | Last Week: 10 Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores watches from the sideline during the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Will Flores get another shot at a head coach gig? He was dumped by the Dolphins in their owner’s “I’m rich I can do what I want” attempt to lure Sean Payton and Tom Brady to South Beach. The revelation about trying to have a coach to tank games may have pulled the curtain back on the innerworkings of the league, but it likely didn’t do Flores much favor. What has though, is the job he’s done righting the ship in Minnesota with their defense. Former NFL head coach Mike Vrabel | Last Week: 9 Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel reacts to a Titans penalty against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. Vrabel was fired by owner Amy Adams Strunk Monday after having two losing seasons back-to-back. Vrabel is a defensive-minded head coach who was able to achieve strong levels of success in Tennessee with a veteran QB who wasn’t well regarded (Ryan Tannehill) prior to their time together. Known as a disciplinarian, pairing him with Dak Prescott would require finding the next big thing as offensive coordinator. With Brian Daboll on his way out in New York, this feels like a great combination. Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick | Last Week: 8 Sep 30, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports For better or worse, the clubhouse leader. Belichick is a huge Prescott fan, Jerry Jones is a huge supporter of retreads and it would be interesting to see if given a competent front office… oh wait. Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith | Last Week: 7 Nov 2, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith at press conference at the PSD Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Grabbing from a fruitful tree is always a wise idea, and snatching Smith from under Mike McDaniel as part of the Kyle Shanahan limb system seems like a wise call. Dallas rarely uses motion at the snap and isn’t particularly good at it; and that’s literally the forte of Smith. Doesn’t currently have play-calling duties though, which could be seen as a knock. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik | Last Week: 6 Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik on the sideline during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Slowik is immensely intriguing for several reasons. He just auditioned in front of Jones on Monday night and carved up a 77-yard opening play touchdown to announce his arrival. Slowik’s stock fell over the last month as CJ Stroud has struggled to shine without his top receiving targets. Slowik is from the Shanahan coaching tree that has had ridiculous success at
Cowboys 53-man roster vs Bengals in Week 14: Three key defensive decisions to come
The Dallas Cowboys have somehow managed to win two games in a row, pushing off the obituary to their 2024 season for a little while longer. Now with a record of 5-7, the Cowboys are still several games out of the final playoff spot, but further distancing themselves from a draft position that gives them a winner’s shot at selecting an impact player next April. Now stuck in the gooey middle of the NFL hierarchy, the Cowboys have five games remaining to fully define who they are. Proceeding without a franchise quarterback can be freeing in a way. Dak Prescott regularly saved the team from themselves and now with him on IR the defense is starting to step up as they put themselves back together. Week 14’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals will be another opportunity to prove that. There are expected to be several roster decisions this week. Most notably, there’s a chance that DE DeMarcus Lawrence has his practice window opened. The team will move at least one secondary player, Josh Butler, to IR and potentially Juanyeh Thomas as well. The former is done for the year, the latter for a few weeks. For now, here’s a look at the 53-man roster, the practice squad member’s remaining elevation eligibility, and the Reserved/Injured list entering Week 14. No. 1 WR Jalen Tolbert Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 2 CB Jourdan Lewis Sep 25, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports No. 3 WR Brandin Cooks Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 5 Punter Bryan Anger Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger (5) prepares for the game against the Giants, at MetLife Stadium. Sunday, September 10, 2023 No. 6 Safety Donovan Wilson Wednesday: — | Thursday: — | Friday: — No. 7 CB Trevon Diggs Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs talks to a member of the Mavericks staff during the second quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports No. 9 WR Kavontae Turpin LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 04: NFL player KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys attends the NFL Pro Bowl Weekend Celebrity All-Star Game 2023 benefiting the charity D Up On Cancer at the Cox Pavilion on February 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) No. 10 QB Cooper Rush Wednesday: — | Thursday: — | Friday: DNP No. 11 DE Micah Parsons Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parson (11) warms up during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports No. 13 LB DeMarvion Overshown Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 15 RB Ezekiel Elliott Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 17 Kicker Brandon Aubrey Sep 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) watches his field goal in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 18 LB Damone Clark : Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 19 QB Trey Lance EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Trey Lance #15 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) No. 23 RB Rico Dowdle ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Rico Dowdle #23 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) No. 24 Safety Israel Mukuamu Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Israel Mukuamu (24) walks off the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 26 CB DaRon Bland Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) eats a turkey leg after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Bland was returned to the 53-man roster in Week 9. No. 28 Safety Malik Hooker Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 29 CB C.J. Goodwin Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back C.J. Goodwin (29) catches a pass for a first down on a fake punt in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 30 Safety Juanyeh Thomas Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports No. 31 CB Josh Butler Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Josh Butler (40) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports No. 35 LB Marist Liufau No. 40 FB Hunter Luepke Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Headlines: Ferguson nearing return, Aubrey announces book, rock legends coming to AT&T
Cowboys injury report: Jake Ferguson ‘close to coming back’; Trevon Diggs progressing :: Dallas Morning News Link After missing two games, Diggs might “progress to do more at the end of the week,” McCarthy said Monday. Tyler Guyton is slated to work with the rehab group; Zack Martin will be limited. Ferguson is “close to coming back” from concussion protocol, the coach explained, but DeMarcus Lawrence reportedly has “a whole other threshold he needs to get over” before he can return for his first action wince Week 4. Pro Bowl fan voting reveals 6 Cowboys within top 10 at position; none from defense :: Cowboys Wire Link Brandon Aubrey and CeeDee Lamb could be looking at Pro Bowl nods; KaVontae Turpin leads all return specialists in the fan vote. Zack Martin, Hunter Leupke, and Trent Sieg are in the top 10 at their positions, too. Not a single Cowboys defender is represented as of yet, as most of the unit’s best players have all missed time due to injury. Cowboys-Bengals tickets for just $28? What to know about the Monday night game :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link The Cowboys will try for their first three-game win streak in a year in front of a primetime audience next Monday. Fans interested in attending in person can find tickets starting at just $28 apiece on StubHub. Cowboys return to Michigan DL well in latest 2025 first-round mock draft :: Cowboys Wire Link Mazi Smith had huge expectations to live up to as a first-round draft pick. The Taco Charlton debacle from five years earlier certainly didn’t help. The Cowboys wouldn’t possibly spend another opening-night selection on a defensive tackle from Michigan, would they? According to Draft Wire’s latest mock draft, they just might. At a projected No. 11 overall, Kenneth Grant stands 6-foot-3, weighs 339, and draws comparisons to Detroit’s DJ Reader. Cowboys’ defense revitalized since Micah Parsons’s return :: ESPN Link The 2024 Cowboys were- fairly recently- on pace to be one of the worst defenses in NFL history, but the stats show something has changed over the last five outings. “We all see a difference, don’t we?” Parsons said. “The film’s not lying. Everybody’s staying in their gaps. We’re playing honest and true. That just goes to show that we’re just starting to believe in each other, really buying into the program and understanding that we really can be good.” They’re still giving up a lot of points, though, with opponents beating them too often on opening drives as well as late in games. Cowboys’ playoff scenarios and chances: Are the Cowboys in or out of the playoff race? :: Pro Football Network Link At 5-7, Dallas has just a 4.4% chance of sneaking into the postseason, with almost no mathematical shot at anything higher than the No. 7 seed. The Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers all have an edge over the Cowboys in making the seven-team NFC bracket. It’s not officially over, but the Cowboys basically have to win out and get a lot of additional help. Jimmy Johnson says Cowboys will give fans ‘false hope’ in playoff run :: SI.com Link Johnson knows a pretender when he sees one, and he’s seen this movie before. “I’m just saying they’re gonna get on a run,” Johnson said Thursday before the Thanksgiving Day game. “They’re gonna win today [against the Giants], they’re gonna win next week, they’re gonna win the week after that, they’re gonna get on a run and they’re gonna have a little bit of false hope.” Two Reasons: Cowboys only have selves to blame for disappointing 2024 :: Cowboys WIre Link The Cowboys’ inactivity over the offseason can’t be understated as a root cause of this underachieving season. Mike McCarthy’s poor performance as a play caller has compounded the issue, as has a failure to get the ball into the hands of the offense’s best playmakers. Cowboys make 35th annual children’s hospital visits :: The Mothership Link Cowboys players and cheerleaders stopped by four different children’s hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Monday in what has become an annual tradition. “I always wanted to be the type of person to, whenever I’m in the room, just light up somebody’s day,” Jourdan Lewis said, as players passed out stocking gift bags and visited with young patients and their families. As Rico Dowdle added, “So honored to be able to have this platform and get out there and do that for the kids, great experience.” Brandon Aubrey introduces first children’s book :: The Mothership Link Collegiate soccer star. Two-time USFL champ. Record-setting Pro Bowl kicker for the Cowboys. Now Aubrey is on the verge of being a published children’s author, too. One Dream in Front of the Other! is available for pre-order. The 32-page book takes young readers on an inspiring journey that resembles Aubrey’s life story and teaches the lesson that when one door is closed, another could be opening. AC/DC is coming to Dallas for the first time in nine years. Here’s when tickets go on sale :: WFAA Link The legendary rock band is coming to AT&T Stadium, it was announced Monday. The show will be one of 14 concerts held at North American stadiums on the band’s upcoming tour. (For years, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have famously performed an elaborate routine to “Thunderstruck,” one of AC/DC’s biggest hit songs, leading some to wonder if the squad will make a guest appearance on stage during the April 14 show.) Tickets will go on sale Dec. 6. The Texanist: Why are the Dallas Cowboys America’s Team? :: Texas Monthly Link The nickname was born in 1979, just before the Cowboys’ season-opening game in St. Louis. The scripted narration in a short NFL Films production recapping the previous season (which ended in a loss in Super Bowl XII) compared the Cowboys to Notre Dame, to movie stars, even to U.S. presidents in terms of popularity and recognizability. They were everywhere in the late ’70s, in both
Cowboys return to Michigan DL well in latest 2025 first-round mock draft
Cowboys return to Michigan DL well in latest 2025 first-round mock draft K.D. Drummond Lightning can’t strike in the same place three times, can it? After being burned twice in the last 10 years when they’ve used their first-round pick on a Michigan product, the Dallas Cowboys wouldn’t go there again. Would they? Well, that’s the case in the latest first-round 2025 Mock Draft conducted by our friends over at DraftWire. Projecting Dallas to end up with the No. 11 overall pick in the first round, they have the Cowboys going Wolverine all over again with the selection of intriguing DT Kenneth Grant in their latest mock. The Cowboys are currently sitting at No. 13 following Week 13’s action. Dallas of course did not get a quality return on investment from their 2018 selection of DE Taco Charlton nor their 2023 selection of DT Mazi Smith. Or, at least not yet on the latter of the two. Smith has improved over the last month or so, looking to move himself out of “potential bust” assessments. But neither should really be considered outside of “bad luck” talk when it comes to how the Cowboys should move in 2025. Grant seems to project as a one-gap nose tackle. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 339 pounds, he took over for Smith in the middle of the Wolverine’s defensive line. He has 5.5 sacks over the last two seasons. A to Z Sports compared him to DJ Reader of the Detroit Lions.
Pro Bowl fan voting reveals 6 Cowboys within top 10 at position; none from defense
Fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games has been open for one week, and despite a lackluster season, a half-dozen Cowboys find themselves on the leaderboard at their respective slots. The NFL has released a list of the top-10 vote-getters at each position, and while the Cowboys have three offensive players and three special-teamers represented, not a single member of Mike Zimmer’s defense is anywhere to be found. Nope, not even Micah Parsons. Granted, Parsons has missed time due to injury, just like a whole host of stars who made up last season’s Dallas contingent at the Pro Bowl Games. Dak Prescott, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, and DeMarcus Lawrence were also either voted to or named as replacement players for the 2024 all-star event; all have dealt with injuries this season. This year’s Pro Bowl Games will once again be held in Orlando, with several days’ worth of AFC-versus-NFC skills competitions culminating in a flag football match on Feb. 2. Fans can vote for their favorite players at every position through Dec. 23 at the NFL’s dedicated website, on the official sites of each club, and on social media using a special X hashtag. Here’s a look at which Cowboys are currently in the mix to receive a Pro Bowl nod. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] CeeDee Lamb: 5th among WRs Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Last season’s leader in receptions and receiving touchdowns remains near the top of this year’s positional rankings despite last month’s change at quarterback. Lamb is currently tied for second in receptions and fifth in receiving yards. In Pro Bowl voting, he trails Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Terry McLaurin. KaVontae Turpin: 1st among return specialists ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 28: KaVontae Turpin #9 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball during the third quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) No surprise here, as the speedster’s spin-move kick return for a 99-yard touchdown against Washington is sure to end up on the list of top plays of 2024. Turpin has had 21 kick-return opportunities this season- second-most in the league- and leads the NFL in yards per return, but he fears he may not get many more chances from here on out. He’s had just 12 punt returns, returning one of those for a score as well; he’s the only player in the league with one of each this season. Brandon Aubrey: 2nd among kickers Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) scores a field goal during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images Aubrey is currently on track to make his second Pro Bowl, trailing only Chris Bowell of the AFC’s Steelers in votes. He may be getting by on reputation and his long-distance bombs at the moment, though. Statistically speaking, several NFC kickers have a better field-goal make percentage than Aubrey. Zack Martin: 6th among OGs Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) blocks during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images Sending Zack Martin to the Pro Bowl may feel like an annual formality; he’s gone nine times in 10 seasons played. This year, though, time seems to be catching up to the legend. Three NFC guards- both of the Lions’ guards and Philadelphia’s Landon Dickerson- currently have more votes than Martin, and he actually sits 33rd in PFF’s positional rankings. Tyler Smith has had a more impactful season for Dallas, if we’re judging actual play instead of reputation. Hunter Luepke: 6th among FBs Nov 24, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (40) runs the ball against Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler (35) during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Luepke’s top-10 appearance is somewhat misleading, as there are only nine fullbacks even listed on the Pro Bowl ballot. San Francisco’s Kyle Juszczyk and Kansas City’s impressive rookie Carson Steele lead the way. Luepke has been in on 28% of the offense’s snaps in 2024, logging 19 touches for a combined 128 yards and one score. Trent Sieg: 10th among long snappers ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: Trent Sieg #44 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Chauncey Golston #99 of the Dallas Cowboys after Golston’s two point conversion during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) The most anonymous man on the Cowboys roster just barely squeezes into the top-10 in Pro Bowl votes at his position. Four NFC long snappers are ahead of him, so Sieg may be a long shot to make his first all-star squad. Still, it’s nice to see him get some recognition, thanks in large part to the success of his his battery-mate Aubrey.
Two Reasons: Cowboys only have selves to blame for disappointing 2024
Two Reasons: Cowboys only have selves to blame for disappointing 2024 Mike Crum Coming off of their third 12-5 season in a row and a second seed in the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys have fallen far from contention in 2024. That began well before the loss of starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury. If the team is upset by these results, it has only itself to blame. The issues began with inactivity. The decision not to extend Prescott or star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb earlier in the offseason instead of right before September was a two-fold error. Not only did it put them behind on the field, as it caused Lamb to miss training camp, but those extensions would’ve freed up cap space for Dallas to sign free agents to replace the nine players who signed elsewhere. The only outside free agent the Cowboys signed before training camp began was Eric Kendricks, who was a direct replacement for a cut/retired player, Leighton Vander Esch. That doesn’t negate the poor performance of the head coach and play-caller, Mike McCarthy. Only recently did he make Rico Dowdle the primary running back, instead choosing a committee approach instead of featuring one of the top 10 running backs (success rate) on the season. In games Dowdle had at least 20 touches the Cowboys are 3-0, but only 2-6 in games when he gets under 20. After rushing 20 times for 87 yards against the Steelers’ top-three rush defense, Dowdle should’ve been the clear top back on the team. McCarthy instead fed Ezekiel Elliott as the back with the most attempts the next game. Beyond that, McCarthy hasn’t done a good job opening up the offense, failing to get the team’s playmakers the ball in spots where they can make plays. Speedster Kavontae Turpin has never had more than four receptions in a game all season and had more than five targets only once. Against the Houston Texans, Turpin caught all three of his targets for 86 yards and a touchdown but had only one target the next game. In their last contest, the team targeted Turpin four straight plays on the opening drive and had him wide open on a slot corner route Cooper Rush missed in the end zone. Fans will have to wait and see if there were any lessons learned. Dallas was due to regress, but the drop didn’t have to be this drastic if the front office and head coach had done their jobs more effectively. Now, they are trying to make a surge towards an unlikely playoff berth while many fans are already doing 2025 mock drafts, but the projections could’ve been much more positive if the people in charge had done their jobs earlier. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or YouTube on the Across the Cowboys Podcast. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys unable to evaluate former 1st-round pick bc of injury after injury
Cowboys unable to evaluate former 1st-round pick bc of injury after injury reidhanson When the Cowboys selected Oklahoma right tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, they knew the pick came with some baggage. Not only was the 6-foot-8, 322-pound prospect underdeveloped, but he was also a bit injury prone, missing three games each of his last two seasons. As advertised, the Cowboys have experienced all that and more from their struggling rookie. Guyton has already missed two games in 2024 and after suffering what he called a high ankle sprain on Thanksgiving Day, he stands to miss even more time. Various bumps and bruises have bounced the Cowboys left tackle from the field to the bench multiple times this season. For a player whom Pro Football Focus graded 71st of 76 offensive tackles, they are snaps this struggling rookie cannot afford to miss. Guyton has allowed five sacks and 23 pressures in 2024. He’s second in the NFL in penalties (16) at his position and he’s only played 10 games. Mind you, none of this is surprising because he was always billed as a project player whom teams would have to patiently develop. It’s the injury situation that’s really the problematic trait that’s followed him because it stalls his development and delays the Cowboys evaluation of the 23-year-old. Guyton, a right tackle in college, has been plugged into the left side since coming to Dallas. Ideally, the Cowboys want to make him the cornerstone piece on the blindside, but if that transition fails, they always have the right side to fall back on. That’s not a move they’d make midseason already but if given enough snaps to review, it’s a move they could make as soon as the 2025 offseason. The 2024 season is largely a season of evaluation across the offensive line. Guyton and fellow rookie starter Cooper Beebe are obviously new to the unit, and players like T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman are under evaluation for bigger roles in the future. Tyler Smith has LT ability if needs be, but Plan A is clearly to make Guyton the LT. The various combinations could fall a number of different ways in 2025, but it all starts with making a determination on Guyton this year and that can’t happen with him limping off the field every other week. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
3-Round Cowboys 2025 Mock Draft: Trade back nets WR, trench help with extra pick
1.18: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State With the departure of Cooks, comes the replacement through the draft. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds Egbuka is asked to do similar things as CeeDee Lamb is in the Dallas offense. Spinning things forward though, that’s good as they’ve invested in Johnathan Mingo to be the big-body guy in the offense. Adding Egbuka to Lamb will confuse defensive coordinators over the next two years as both can be deployed as Z or slot receivers on any given play. Mix in Kavontae Turpin and that’s an interesting receiver mix out the gate for the next head coach and offensive coordinator. 2.46: Safety Kamari Ramsey, USC Safety doesn’t feel like a huge need as Donovan Wison has just one year remaining on his deal and both primary youthful backups (Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell) have recently suffered serious injuries, though Thomas could return from his meniscus tear this season. Ramsey is reported to have huge upside as a do-everything safety. 3.78: OG Tyler Booker, Alabama The Cowboys may be ready to give Brock Hoffman an opportunity to replace Zack Martin next season. Still, they have other issues. Our (current) preferred fix is to move Tyler Smith outside to left tackle, cut Terence Steele loose and play Tyler Guyton at right tackle, and draft a left guard to fill in behind Smith when he shifts over. Booker is a mammoth left guard at 6-foot-5, 352 pounds, who plays big and strong and has a nasty attitude. 3.82: DI Darrell Jackson, Jr., Florida State More beef for the trenches, as the Seminole stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 330 pounds. Good first-step quickness would add as a replacement for Osa Odighizuwa but in more of a dual-nose tackle role. Jackson reminds of Jordan Phillips, but not the version Dallas saw this season. The earlier model.
