Steelers the perfect opponent for Cowboys to try changes against reidhanson The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is going to look significantly different when they take the field in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. For the first time since 2020, Dallas will play without Micah Parsons. Parsons, a perennial defensive MVP candidate, will presumably be out this week with a high ankle sprain suffered against New York. Joining Parsons on the sideline will be fellow pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence also fell in Week 4 and could miss up eight weeks with a Lisfranc injury. With the two top pass rushers out, it would be an understatement to say this defense is going to look fairly abnormal in Week 5. Dallas will likely tinker with substitution packages, blitzes, stunts, and personnel groups in order to compensate for the loses. Just to even remotely replace the missing production, things may need to get extremely creative for Mike Zimmer and company. And Week 5 is the perfect week to do it. The Steelers, Dallas’ opponent Sunday night, are still trying to figure things out on offense. They rank 20th in EPA offense this season and have been having significant struggles running the ball. Their rushing EPA ranks 29th in the NFL with a success rate of just 35.5 percent. Even with one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the league in Justin Fields, the Steelers have struggled to move the ball on the ground. It just so happens run defense has been Dallas’ biggest issue in 2024. Parsons and Lawrence may represent most notably the Cowboys’ pass rush, but they also rank as two of the most capable run defenders. Losing them impacts both phases of the game. Facing a below average offense that’s struggling to run the ball is just what the doctor ordered at a time like this. Zimmer can experiment with new players, new alignments and blitz packages he may not otherwise feel comfortable with. With the Lions and the 49ers next up on the schedule, the following two matchups aren’t so inviting. The first-place schedule they face in 2024 certainly isn’t doing them any favors, so all things considered, the injuries fell at a good time for the Cowboys. Now is the time to experiment on defense and try to figure some solutions because things get much harder down the road. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
‘One block away’: Cowboys vow to stick with current rushing attack despite lack of results
The Cowboys’ run game has done next to nothing this season. But to fix it, the team believes it needs to just continue with exactly what they’ve been doing. Through four games, Dallas has a league-low 301 rushing yards, and a bottom-three mark of 3.5 yards per carry. The team’s leading rusher, Rico Dowdle, is averaging under 34 yards a game. No ground play all year has gone for more than 12 yards. But don’t expect the team to drastically revamp its approach heading into Sunday’s visit to Pittsburgh, where a top-three run defense awaits. “We’re one block away here, one block away there,” fullback Hunter Luepke said this week. “It’s just 11 guys working together. We’re close. We’re close. It’s going to break through one of these games.” Deuce Vaughn agrees, saying the team needs to “keep chopping wood.” “Coming in here and just working our butts off,” he continued. “Understand that one’s going to pop, and once it does and we start clicking … we’re going to get that confidence inside our room, inside the O-line room, and we’re going to run from there, no problem.” This week will present a significant problem, though, and he wears No. 90 for the Steelers. Linebacker T.J. Watt is one of the most feared defenders in the game whether he’s trying to stop the run or the pass, and the Cowboys offensive line will have its hands full trying to frustrate him. But it’s not a one-man show in Pittsburgh. Only two squads have allowed fewer rushing yards in 2024 than the Steelers. And they’re second-best leaguewide in yards-per-carry given up. In other words, don’t expect a repeat of the 2016 classic in which Ezekiel Elliott piled up 114 ground yards in the Steel City, averaged 5.4 yards per tote, and ran in two touchdowns, including a 32-yard scamper in the final seconds to win the game. This Sunday will present a tall challenge for the Dallas O-line. Like the committee of running backs they block for, the Cowboys front five maintains that sticking to their fundamentals will be the key. “Just playing nasty,” offered rookie Tyler Guyton, “and hitting our landmarks the correct way.” Cutting down on penalties will also help. The Cowboys are among the most-flagged teams in the NFL this season, and offensive holding is by far the biggest bugaboo (11 infractions against). Guyton himself accounts for five of those calls, leading the team. He knows it has cost the team at inopportune moments, but he knows there’s still plenty of time to reverse course and get back on track. “We’re four games in. I think we’re still building every single day, every play. I think we’re building toward something,” he told reporters. “I don’t think we’re at our best yet. We’re not, because I feel like I need to do better. And if I’m not at my best, then we’re not at our best. I think we all have improvements to make.” [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] So the Cowboys look to keep pounding away with what they’ve been doing on the ground. A healthy mix of Dowdle and Elliott. A few change-of-pace carries for Vaughn. Keeping Dalvin Cook under wraps on the practice squad. Maybe an occasional jet sweep-type backfield play for CeeDee Lamb or KaVontae Turpin. Even deploying backfield options like Luepke into the passing game. (He has twice as many receptions this season as Jalen Brooks.) Whatever it takes for the team to succeed. Even if it’s not pretty. Even if the conventional rushing attack is stuck in neutral. These Cowboys will keep at it. “It’s all about the team winning on Sunday, so it doesn’t matter how many catches I have or whatever,” Luepke said. “If we don’t get it done, it doesn’t mean anything. A win’s more important than anything, in my opinion.”
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson earns sideline praise in game he’s not even playing in
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson earns sideline praise in game he’s not even playing in K.D. Drummond Anyone familiar with the state of Texas has a deep understanding of what football means to folks in that part of the world. Like Western Pennsylvania and several hotspots in California, the amount of talent from that part of the country is insane. And despite not winning a college football championship in some time, the brotherhood is extended to those who attend the University of Texas. That was on display at an unexpected time in Week 4, when former UT and current Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was getting accolades from his teammates for yet another impressive defensive play. Overshown chased down speedy Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson on the left sideline to prevent a touchdown. When asked about it back on the sideline, he credited having to chase down former teammate and current Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson in practice. It was all captured in the latest Dallas Cowboys Sounds from the Sideline video at the 3:52 mark. “I used to practice against Bijan every [expletive day. At Texas? So I know… that’s where I learned. Bro when you close, don’t give ’em no time to think about a move.” Overshown and Robinson were in the same draft class of 2023, but an ACL injury in training camp stole the Cowboys LB’s rookie season. Now that he’s back, he’s displaying an insane amount of closing speed and wrap-up tackling ability Dallas hasn’t had at the position in some time. He’ll get a chance to show how capable he is in bringing down his former teammate when the Cowboys visit the Falcons in Week 9 on November 3. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys vs Steelers Injury Report: Will either team field a healthy pass rush? Parsons, Highsmith updates
Cowboys vs Steelers Injury Report: Will either team field a healthy pass rush? Parsons, Highsmith updates K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers have begun their preparations for Week 5 in earnest. Wednesday marks the first official practice as the long-time rivals careen towards the next iteration of their series. The Cowboys suffered numerous, serious injuries in their Week 4 win over the New York Giants. The Steelers have been dealing with major injuries throughout the season. It will make for interesting week of practice updates to see who will be able to make it to the game. Already ruled out for the Cowboys is DeMarcus Lawrence, who the team placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. Micah Parsons and Brandin Cooks missed practice on Wednesday, as did two of the Steelers’ top three pass rushers. TJ Watt is fine, but Alex Highsmith is like Lawrence, already ruled out. His backup, Nick Herbig, left Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts with an ankle injury and didn’t participate in Wednesday’s on-field work. Here’s a full list of who didn’t participate on Wednesday. Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons, Ankle | Wednesday: Did Not Participate WR Brandin Cooks, Knee | Wednesday: DNP CB Caelen Carson, Shoulder | Wednesday: Limited Participant Safety Markquese Bell, Ankle | Wednesday: Full Participant Wednesday NIR Rest Days: Malik Hooker, Eric Kendricks Jourdan Lewis, Zack Martin Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson, Calf | Wednesday: LP RB Jaylen Warren, Knee | Wednesday: DNP LB Jeremiah Moon, Ankle | Wednesday: FP LB Nick Herbig, Ankle | Wednesday: DNP G Isaac Seumalo, Pectoral | Wednesday: FP TE MyCole Pruitt, Knee | Wednesday: DNP RB Cordarrelle Patterson, Ankle | Wednesday: DNP DL Keeanu Benton, Ankle | | Wednesday: LP Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
3 things for Cowboys to hate about the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the traits that has always stuck out about the Steelers is their toughness, and that’s still the case with the 2024 version of the team. Coincidentally, toughness is something that’s been missing in the Cowboys for the last few years, making this an opportunity to push back on the notion the team is soft. The Steelers play with a physicality on both sides of the ball that will make life difficult on the Cowboys. On offense, the Steelers love to run the ball with their dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields and bruising running back Najee Harris. Hammering away with the run game is a staple for Mike Tomlin’s team, and even though they aren’t efficient with their rushing attack, they continue to pound the ball, tying for the NFL lead in attempts through four weeks. Pittsburgh also has a physical presence on defense, where they rank fourth in total yards allowed a game, third against the run, and ninth in pass defense. It’s tough sledding against a defense that boasts one of the best defensive lines in the league. The Cowboys will need to match the Steelers’ physicality if they want to be competitive and leave Week 5 with a win.
Cowboys starting WR out with knee infection suffered in NY medical care
Cowboys starting WR out with knee infection suffered in NY medical care K.D. Drummond The hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys. The short week visit to the Big Apple was not kind to the boys from the Lone Star State, as injuries have robbed Dallas of several starters for the foreseeable future. Already down their bookend edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence for the Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the offense is now involved as well. Starting wideout Brandin Cooks will be out this week, and potentially longer, as he’s dealing with an infection. The infection was acquired after he stayed behind in New York after the win over the NFL Football Giants to receive medical treatment for his right knee, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. Cooks has struggled to make an impact so far in 2024. He’s been targeted 19 times through four games and only hauled in nine of those for receptions, for just 91 yards. Signed in the 2023 offseason, Cooks scored eight touchdowns in the first year of a two-year agreement, but hasn’t achieved the type of success he’s had at previous stops through his career. The 31-year old has six career 1,000-yard seasons in his now 11-year resume. Dallas is perilously thin in established players behind Cooks. Third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert has out-paced him statwise, but has yet to establish himself as a primary target for quarterback Dak Prescott. Kavontae Tuprin, another third-year receiver has a play style most similar to that of Cooks as a vertical threat, and may absorb Cooks snaps. Also in the mix will be second-year man Jalen Brooks and rookie Ryan Flournoy who has yet to play thus far this season. The Cowboys are also looking outside the organization to help boost the offense, reportedly bouncing around the idea of trading for Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Watch: Cowboys Dak Prescott stars in commercial for Marvel movie release
Watch: Cowboys Dak Prescott stars in commercial for Marvel movie release K.D. Drummond There are definitely benefits to being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott played poker with owner Jerry Jones, twice, and won both times. In 2021 he responded to being franchise tagged in 2020 by working out a new agreement that was short in length (four years), for top-of-the-market money and also worked in second tag (useful in future holdouts), a no-tag clause and a no-trade clause. He parlayed that leverage into a market-setting deal this past August to the tune of $60 million. Prescott has appeared in several commercials over the years, including spots for 7-11, Sleep Number mattresses and DirecTV. And now, a Sony and Marvel joint venture. Prescott appears alongside Tom Hardy in a new commercial for Venom: The Last Dance, the third iteration in the franchise under the Spiderman umbrella. Prescott walks with Hardy’s character, Eddie Brock, who shares his body with an alien symbiote, as they walk through the open plains and plot on taking over a horse. The commercial features Prescott doing his warm-up dance made famous several years ago, his signature “Here We Gooo!” pre-snap call and a reference to his recent deal. This isn’t the first team-up between Sony and a sports figure, as a couple weeks ago Hardy walked in on UFC president Dana White, demanding a chance to enter the ring. Venom: The Last Dance is released in theatres on October 25. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Yes, the Cowboys should call the Raiders about a trade for Davante Adams
Yes, the Cowboys should call the Raiders about a trade for Davante Adams K.D. Drummond Over the minibye, Cowboys Wire addressed the elephant in the room, how the Dallas Cowboys need to pursue help at the wide receiver position. Through four games, Brandin Cooks has not lived up to expectations, despite QB Dak Prescott currently ranking third in the NFL in passing yardage. While Jalen Tolbert has shown a sign or two, he hasn’t provided enough evidence to crown him a proper compliment to CeeDee Lamb. That’s why we looked into the potential trades for Amari Cooper and Tee Higgins out of the AFC North, and DeAndre Hopkins out of the AFC South. With full intention to consider Davante Adams within an AFC West look, the Raiders are one step ahead, advertising terms they’d accept in an offer. The Cowboys and Raiders have linked up in similar situations before, most famously when Dallas acquired Cooper in the middle of the 2018 season in exchange for a first-round pick. The difference there is Cooper was much younger, 24 at the time compared to Adams current age of 32, and was on his rookie contract. Acquiring Adams comes with a heavy price tag as he has $74 million on the books for the 2025 and 2026 season, not to mention 7/9th of his $17 million 2024 salary remaining, about $13 million. Could the Cowboys afford it? Yes. Cowboys Wire has highlighted that the cap situation for Dallas is well setup for next season, but it might not even come to that. Those balloon salaries on the books for Oakland were all about achieving a talking point for Adams and his representatives, giving him an inflated annual value that Oakland never truly considered paying. The money isn’t guaranteed, which means an acquiring team would be able to release Adams after this season and face no financial penalty, only the draft compensation they gave up. Still, a second rounder for a one-season rental doesn’t seem wise. That’s not the only option though. An acquiring team could restructure Adams deal, add void years and stretch out his 2025 payment across multiple years to soften the initial blow. There are a bunch of accounting tools in place to allow NFL teams to absorb bad contracts and not reap all of the impact right away. If the Cowboys were serious about contending in 2024, which is still a questionable assumption, then they would be considering adding someone of Adams caliber. Even with the ridiculous QB situation in Oakland last year, he checked in with 1,144 receiving yards, 103 catches and eight touchdowns. That broke his streak of at least 1,300 receiving yards in three straight seasons. Adams can still play, and putting him opposite Lamb would immediately catapult Dallas’ offense back to the top of the league. With injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence weakening an already suspect defense, the Cowboys may need to invest in their offense like never before. Trading for Adams would certainly qualify. Cooks production has decreased each week of the season, hauling in just one pass for 16 yards in the club’s Week 4 win in New York over the Giants. For the year, he has just nine receptions for 91 yards, but the bigger problem is that’s come on 19 targets. He and Prescott just aren’t in sync. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Get ready for Halloween with these NFL decorations including inflatables, scarecrows and more
Get ready for Halloween with these NFL decorations including inflatables, scarecrows and more Nick Wojton It’s almost spooky season … but hopefully not for your favorite NFL team. Why not celebrate anyway? The NFL has released their latest line which celebrates fall gear. It’s just in time for the heart of football season. Regardless of how your team looks, this is the best time of the year for you to show your fandom and Fanatics has you covered. From pumpkins to inflatable Frankensteins and more, this is exactly how you can show how spooky good your team is. Think about it. Every team has an identity. Like this: Vikings look scary on the field … everyone will think twice with a custom Vikes scarecrow: Shop NFL scarecrows . If something more wholesome is up your alley, that’s covered too. A couple of welcoming pumpkins for Bills Mafia? You’re in the right place. Shop NFL inflatable pumpkin helmets . Or if you’re looking for something slightly smaller, Fanatics also offers NFL themed pumpkin ceramic helmets, perfect for adorning the front stoop. Regardless of the start of the 2024 season for your NFL team, show your pride and love for the fall season… and football season, most importantly. Find your favorite NFL team’s best fall gear right here: Shop NFL Inflatable Pumpkin Helmets Shop NFL Team Scarecrows Shop NFL Inflatable Frankensteins Shop NFL Pumpkin Helmet Fleece Blankets Shop NFL Pumpkin Leaners Shop NFL Pumpkin Ceramic Helmets We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. FTW Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Cowboys Headlines: Carson closer, McCarthy calls out penalties, T.J. Watt chasing history vs Dallas
Updates: Carson on track vs. Steelers, Bland latest :: The Mothership Link Caelen Carson is on track to return against the Steelers, but DaRon Bland is seen as a longer shot to be ready to go. “I think [Bland] is really starting to pick it up now, in terms of the workload that Britt [Brown] is giving him,” Stephen Jones said Monday. “We’ll continue to monitor his situation as we move forward.” ‘Figured myself invincible’: Micah Parsons coming to grips with likelihood of sitting out Week 5 :: Cowboys Wire Link Parsons is officially “week-to-week,” but he appears to be on the verge of missing his first football game at any level ever because of injury. (He did have to sit out a game as a rookie due to COVID protocols.) The linebacker says he’s working to get back as soon as possible, but he is conscious of not rushing back too fast and re-injuring himself worse. Coach McCarthy said, “We’re preparing to play without him.” Cowboys counting on depth with Parsons, Lawrence injured :: ESPN Link The Cowboys have been relying on depth guys plenty already this season. Cornerback Amani Oruwariye, for example, picked off the Giants’ last-ditch effort on Thursday night. He had actually made a big impression upon joining the Cowboys, intercepting Dak Prescott on his very first day of practice with the team. Said Prescott: “I said something to him the next day. ‘That’s the only one you’re going to get the whole time you’re here.’ He goes, ‘No, I’m a ball guy.’ I like that. We’ll see.” More 3-4 looks may cover Cowboys’ temporary personnel problem :: Cowboys Wire Link Being without Parsons and Lawrence is not ideal. But instead of inadequately filling the need at defensive end with role players, Mike Zimmer may be better served to mix up the front seven entirely. For the first time in a while, the strength of the roster appears to be the LB position, so it only makes sense for the Cowboys to lean on it with a 3-4 look. DeMarvion Overshown would become the unit’s chief pass rusher from an outside LB spot in this proposed shuffle. Stephen Jones: Cowboys won’t be making any phone calls about in-season trades :: Cowboys Wire Link The Cowboys EVP suggested that if there is to be a midseason trade, it will have to be because another team reaches out first. “We’ll keep our lines of communications open around the league,” Jones said on the radio Monday. “And if something presents itself, then we’ll certainly look at it.” He believes nobody would be willing to part with a quality player so early in the season, but added, “People who might have an inkling to do something, I’m sure we’ll hear from them.” Ranking the Cowboys’ position groups: 2 spots dragging down Dallas and 1 big standout :: The Athletic Link The special teams unit is clearly leading the pack in Dallas, while quarterback and defensive end play has been mostly solid. The linebackers have improved over last year, and the corners will benefit once Bland is back. But poor tackling from the safeties and lackluster play from the defensive tackles have those groups near the bottom. And those running backs? Yikes. While wait for Dallas Cowboys debut continues, RB Dalvin Cook stays patient and ‘fresh’ :: Dallas Morning News Link The veteran is staying patient and ready, even as the current running back committee continues to struggle. Going into Monday night’s games, the Cowboys had the third-fewest rushing yards (301) with the fifth-fewest attempts (85) in the NFL. “We just got to get into a rhythm as a team and as an offense and get some more reps, more plays out there,” Cook said as he waits to get called up from the practice squad. Cowboys open as 2.5-point underdogs on road for NFL Week 5 against Steelers :: Cowboys Wire Link The Cowboys are road underdogs in Week 4, with the over/under opening at 42 points. The Money Line is currently set for +110. Those figures come from Bet MGM’s odds and are subject to change as the game draws closer. McCarthy’s hopes Cowboys ‘learned from’ September struggles :: The Mothership Link “I think you are who you are after four games,” said the Cowboys head coach. Even so, he hopes his crew can improve their fundamentals and technique, and they simply must clean up their penalty problem. “We’ve way too many third-down penalties, way too many red zone penalties, and a couple of two-minute penalties,” McCarthy explained. “That affects scoring, it affects the opportunity for the offense to have the ball more, and it affects the defense being on the field longer.” NFL power rankings Week 5: Bucs & Commanders storm Top 10, Bills & Saints tumble, Chiefs or Vikings No. 1? :: Cowboys Wire Link The Week 4 win helped the Cowboys climb five spots to No. 14, only one ahead of Atlanta and just one back from San Francisco (both of whom are coming up on the schedule). The Washington Commanders have made a shocking vault into the top 10; Philadelphia falls to 20th, and the Giants sit at No. 29. T.J. Watt struggles in Week 4: History will have to wait another week :: Steelers Wire Link With Watt’s next sack, he’ll become the second-fastest payer to reach 100 in his career. On 30 pass plays by Indianapolis this past Sunday, Pittsburgh notched two sacks, but Watt got neither. Colts right tackle Braden Smith held Watt to just one QB pressure across 21 matchups; the other O-linemen had just eight combined matchups with Watt. Terence Steele could be in for a long day in Week 5. Dez Bryant: Washington Commanders are ‘going to be a problem’ this season :: Dallas Morning News Link The former Cowboys receiver said on social media, “I give a lot of credit to coach Dan Quinn because he know how to get the right coaches and he put his
