Stock Up, Stock Down: What’s there in Cowboys Land to invest in besides Aubrey? Cameron Burnett Winning at AT&T Stadium used to be a near certainty for the Dallas Cowboys. Recently it’s looked nearly impossible with three straight opposing assaults at home. Week 3 saw a more competitive finish, but that’s all it was with the hometown club falling, 28-25, to the previously winless Baltimore Ravens. There were a plethora of issues that plagued the Cowboys in their descent to 1-2 on the young season. While finding a complementary option in the receiver room, Dallas’ star wideout had his own forgettable day. The defensive issues mirrored Week 2 and yet again. Here’s the stock report heading into a short week with Thursday Night Football against the New York Giants. Stock Down: WR CeeDee Lamb Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) defend a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images CeeDee Lamb is often the man carrying the load in the wide receiver room, and his chemistry with Prescott has turned the pair into an elite duo. His performance and antics that followed in Week 3 were the complete opposite. On the face, Lamb finished with four catches for 67 yards. The problems came with a fumble in the Cowboys’ lone trip to the red zone in the first half and late drops during the comeback effort. The game could’ve gone far differently without those miscues. As things unraveled for Lamb, his body language mirrored and the star was on the sideline too often during Prescott’s heroic efforts. Emotion can be a good thing in football, but as the star of the Cowboys offense, this just isn’t a good look. Stock Up: K Brandon Aubrey Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks an onside kick during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images There’s one consistent thing about the Cowboys through three games and that’s Brandon Aubrey. The star kicker easily made a 65-yard field goal before making a 51-yarder look like a chip shot. While the offense may struggle at times, reaching midfield is nearly a guarantee for three points. That’s a weapon you can’t put a value on, which makes this McCarthy decision even more infuriating. If that wasn’t enough, his sidewinder onside kick led to some late drama. If Dallas manages to find its rhythm as a team, Aubrey’s value will become even more obvious. Stock Up: WR Jalen Tolbert Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images While Lamb was the talk of the day in the wide receiver room, Jalen Tolbert quietly displayed a ton of confidence and chemistry with Prescott. He scored a 15-yard touchdown on one of the better route combos of the day, slamming the brakes before finding himself wide open in the middle of the endzone to make the game competitive. The passing game is heavily dependent on the trio of Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson. Tolbert proving himself as a legit option can add a different gear to this offense. Stock Down: Offensive Tackles Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) lines up during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images Letting Tyron Smith walk in free agency continues to look puzzling. RT Terence Steele has struggled mightily and Tyler Guyton is dealing with growing pains on the left side. Prescott was hit seven times and the run game was nonexistent with 16 carries for 31 yards. Nnamdi Madubuike bullied Steele on many occasions. That’s an issue for the whole unit but the tackles were a major liability in the loss to the Ravens. When the quarterback is uneasy and missing on throws while there’s nothing working on the ground, it’s no wonder the offense couldn’t find its footing. Steele is contracted through 2028 and that investment looks more dicey by the day. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Prescott, Lamb with opportunity to get Cowboys back on track vs depleted Giants CB corps
Prescott, Lamb with opportunity to get Cowboys back on track vs depleted Giants CB corps Todd Brock After getting taken to the woodshed in back-to-back weeks, the Cowboys are looking for something- anything- to feel encouraged about heading into a suddenly-very-important Week 4 game. They may have found it in the Giants secondary. Third-round rookie Dru Phillips and veteran Adoree’ Jackson, two of New York’s top cornerbacks, sat out the team’s Tuesday walkthrough- the second straight DNP for both- with calf injuries per the Giants website, and head coach Brian Daboll didn’t sound overly optimistic that either would be ready to suit up Thursday night. “We’ll see. Go all the way to the end like we normally do,” Daboll told New York media on Tuesday. “We’ve got a couple more days; we’ll see where everybody’s at tomorrow night, Thursday morning.” Jackson played just 17 defensive snaps in Week 3, while Phillips logged seven. Daboll said he doesn’t believe either player will have to go on injured reserve, but that will be of little solace as Dak Prescott comes to town. The Cowboys quarterback enters the game as the NFL’s passing yards leader through three games. Granted, a significant chunk of his 851 yards have come as the offense played from way behind against both the Saints and the Ravens, but Prescott won’t complain about facing a depleted secondary as Dallas looks to get back on track in their first divisional tilt of the season. The Giants’ CB shuffle could put extra pressure on Deonte Banks, their 2023 first-round pick out of Maryland. This past Sunday, the 23-year-old was tasked with covering a five-time Pro Bowler. It did not go well. Banks got “torched by Amari Cooper and looked lost on the field” versus the Browns, according to Giants Wire. Cooper caught seven balls and scored twice in a game the Giants ended up winning. It’s the kind of game film, though, that could have Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb salivating in anticipation after a very frustrating day last week. Lamb sits one spot outside the league’s top 10 in receiving yards but was mostly stymied last Sunday after a costly red-zone fumble early in the game. Him returning to form (and quickly) will be absolutely critical if the Cowboys are to have any long-term success this season. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Daboll admitted that finding a scheme to shut down Lamb has already been a focus for his staff during this short week. “Tough opponent, really good player, CeeDee,” the coach said. “They’ve got a lot of really good players. So we’re burning it pretty good here.” Giants cornerback Nick McCloud may also provide some relief for after missing Weeks 2 and 3 with a knee injury. He was listed as limited both Monday and Tuesday, but Daboll expressed “hope” that McCloud would be able to go Thursday. Cor’Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins, and Art Green could also figure into the mix for the New York defensive backfield. They have one career interception among them. Given the early struggles from the Cowboys’ run game, Mike McCarthy may be asking his running backs to help the offensive line with pass protection, letting Prescott and Lamb go to work on turning things around against a Giants CB corps already on the short end of the injury stick. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Jerry Jones says Dalvin Cook unlikely to play vs Giants, but would he even help Cowboys run game?
Jerry Jones says Dalvin Cook unlikely to play vs Giants, but would he even help Cowboys run game? Todd Brock Cowboys fans expecting running back Dalvin Cook to step in and inject some life into the moribund Dallas ground game will have to keep waiting, it seems. The 29-year-old, signed just prior to the start of the season, will apparently remain on the Cowboys practice squad for yet another gameday when the team travels to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Giants in a divisional showdown on Thursday night. That’s the report from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, anyway. “We’ve got a short week here, and I don’t think this is the time that you have any real serious roster adjustments in at that particular time,” Jones told Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan during a Tuesday morning phone-in. “So I don’t think so, because of the short week, for sure.” Cook signed with Dallas on Aug. 28 after spending the summer working out on his own as a free agent. The four-time Pro Bowler was originally a second-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2017 and spent six seasons in Minnesota before playing for the Jets last season and making a brief playoff appearance for the Ravens this past January. The Cowboys have not yet used a gameday elevation on Cook. Head coach Mike McCarthy gave no indications one way or the other when asked about Cook’s status. “I’m not here to make any decisions or proclamations on what’s next,” he told reporters at his Monday press conference. The Cowboys’ rushing attack has been largely stuck in neutral through the first three games of the season. The team ranks 30th out of 32 in both rushing attempts (62) and rushing yards (221), and only three clubs currently have a lower yards-per-carry average than Dallas’s 3.6. But honestly, would Cook provide a tangible improvement? He posted lots of the typical gym workout videos to social media during his offseason of unemployment, but the stats don’t necessarily point to him being some savior-in-waiting for the Cowboys. Cook saw only sparse action last year in a Jets offense that had to be completely retooled after the season-opening injury to Aaron Rodgers. As a result, his last objectively strong performance came a week before Christmas 2022, when he carried the ball 19 times for 95 yards and a 5.59-yard average in a Vikings win over Indianapolis. His last rushing touchdown came the week before that, and his most recent 100-yard game was mid-November of that year. And Cook hasn’t tallied back-to-back 100-yard outings since December 2020. Compare that to Ezekiel Elliott, once again wearing the silver and blue after one season in New England. He did post a last strong showing in Week 3 last year, totaling 80 yards on 16 carries in a Patriots win (over, ironically, Cook and the Jets). But Elliott’s last 100-yard day came in October 2021, nearly two calendar years ago; it was also the second of his most recent back-to-back 100-yard games. Rico Dowdle is currently the Cowboys’ leading rusher heading into Week 4, though that’s not saying much. Dowdle’s 88 yards through three games ranks just 49th leaguewide; Elliott (62 yards) is in 63rd place. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] The Cowboys have been unable to commit to the run thanks to early deficits in consecutive games, but they also have yet to show any real ability to be effective when they do run. The offensive line that Elliott and Dowdle are both struggling behind is the same shaky unit that Cook would be working with. The most optimistic of Cowboys faithful may cling to a belief that Cook- who received almost no notable interest from any other club all summer long- is the missing piece that will get the Dallas offense finally clicking. But in truth, there’s little reason to believe that’s true. And, per Jones, there’s no reason to believe Cook will even get a chance Thursday night. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys 53-man roster, practice squad for Week 4 vs Giants; LB loses eligibility
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. 4 QB Dak Prescott Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles on the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles 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. 14 Safety Markquese Bell Wednesday: Limited | 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. 21 CB Caelen Carson 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. 25 CB Andrew Booth Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) looks on during the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports 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. 35 LB Marist Liufau No. 40 FB Hunter Luepke Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (43) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 42 RB Deuce Vaughn ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 12: Deuce Vaughn #42 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) No. 44 Long Snapper Trent Sieg 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) No. 50 Linebacker Erick Kendricks Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) and linebacker Eric Kendricks (50) go through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports No. 56 OG Cooper Beebe No. 57 LB Buddy Johnson Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Buddy Johnson (57) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit:
NFL Week 4: Cowboys currently have top-10 draft pick; projected 2025 compensatory picks
NFL Week 4: Cowboys currently have top-10 draft pick; projected 2025 compensatory picks K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys have not done much winning in the 2024 season and if the trend continues, then there may be serious repercussions. With Mike McCarthy and his staff on a season-long hot seat, things may look very different if the club cannot turn their early misfortune into a background narrative for a strong run through the rest of their schedule. For now, though, the reality is the Cowboys have one of the 10-worst records in the NFL, and as such they are currently in position to have a top-10 draft pick after the conclusion of Monday night’s double header. Dallas would draft ninth overall were the season to end today. There are 14 teams with a 1-2 record. NFL draft tiebreakers are determined by reverse strength of schedule. The team with the easier schedule is deemed “worse” and therefore gets preferential treatment when it comes to the first-round draft order. In each subsequent round, teams with the same record rotate. Whomever has the easiest schedule gets top priority, and then moves to the back of the line of tied teams for Round 2. Each subsequent round moves the conveyor belt. Right now,Indianapolis, New England, Cleveland, Miami, Carolina, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Baltimore, Denver, LA Rams, Arizona and San Francisco are all in the same 1-2 boat. Head-to-head competition means nothing. Of course, things will rotate on a weekly basis, and with football on three nights a week almost daily. What will also change are the compensatory picks. The Cowboys have five qualifying free agents lost during 2024 free agency that put them in contention for up to four of the 32 extra picks awarded to teams each year. The compensation level fluctuates some based on playing time and post-season awards. For now, here’s a look at the rounds of the Cowboys 10 total draft picks. Dallas Cowboys 2025 Draft Picks Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 5 Comp (Tyron Smith) Round 5 Comp (Tyler Biadasz) Round 5 Comp (Dorance Armstrong) Round 6 Round 6 Comp (Tony Pollard)
Cowboys should trade Micah Parsons if they don’t right ship before NFL deadline, if we’re being honest
Cowboys should trade Micah Parsons if they don’t right ship before NFL deadline, if we’re being honest K.D. Drummond We’re going to break the fourth wall here; something rarely done in the professional sports arena of the writing world. Blogging has morphed over the last decade plus to absorb many of the rules and regulations of journalism as the endeavor has evolved. I’m going to interject myself into an article, waving the rule of never using a first-person perspective. I didn’t think I’d ever be the one to utter these words. Even with a boatload of caveats and preface qualifiers, it still feels weird to say this. I think if things continue to spiral over the next six weeks, the Dallas Cowboys’ front office needs to consider a trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Caveat No. 1: Micah Parsons’ post-game comments following the debacle were exactly the words that one needs to hear from their team’s star defender. He directly answered questions about body language, keeping faith, what he sees as the problem. Preface No. 1: This potential trade thought is in no way a claim that Parsons isn’t a top defender in the NFL. I believe absolutely is worth everything he’s going to get paid. Preface No. 2: Again, “If things continue to spiral over the next month“. Just feels like that needs to be reiterated. Before a 19-point fourth quarter rally, Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens was en route to a second-straight home blowout loss in which the defense could do absolutely nothing to stop the opposition from doing whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Dallas has now allowed 464 rushing yards over its last two contests in games where the starting quarterbacks were 11 for 12 (before four late incompletions) and 12 for 15. Mike Zimmer’s defense in non-competitive and it’s eerily reminiscent to the Mike Nolan season of 2020. Zimmer took over for Dan Quinn and is known as a taskmaster in direct contrast with Quinn’s doting father-figure approach. Caveat No. 2: Zimmer runs a system with a reputation as one difficult to learn its nuances. Still, Parsons missed the installation portions of the offseason and thus far he hasn’t been the generational defender fans are used to seeing. Parsons is a strong season starter normally, but one can’t help to wonder if he had participated in the voluntary aspects would he and his teammates have more of that trust he spoke of them lacking in his poignant post-game locker conversation. I have little doubt things will get to clicking eventually, but if it still isn’t enough, what’s next? Dallas has already paid three of their stars, inking CB Trevon Diggs to a massive extension in 2023 and QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb within the last month. Parsons is clearly going to be the highest-paid non-QB when he inks his extension and the expectation is that will come this offseason. It’s not about paying top dollar to four different players; the San Francisco 49ers are doing the same. The issue is paying top dollar for four stars who play at the most expensive positions in football: quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and tackle are the high-pedigree spots. The 49ers are paying Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, running back and tight end are lower-tier salary positions, along with WR Brandon Aiyuk and edge Nick Bosa. The Cowboys can, of course, fit a Parsons extension under the cap. There are far too many ways to circumvent the accounting rules of the salary cap to pretend the “slices of pie” metaphor from Stephen Jones holds real weight. But if the results aren’t forthcoming, then the idea of paying everyone is a questionable endeavor. Trading Parsons could be seen in a similar vein to how the Washington Nationals traded Juan Soto with over two years of control left. An organization hates to part with a generational talent, but if the return is a monumental amount of potential and the reward for keeping him is still being mediocre, it should be considered. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Trades of superstar defenders are not uncommon in the NFL. The Cowboys themselves acquired Charles Haley from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for second and third-round picks back in 1992. More recently, the Denver Broncos got that same haul from the Los Angeles Rams for Von Miller. The then-Oakland Raiders traded star pass rusher Khalil Mack along with a future second-round pick to Chicago in exchange for two Bears first rounders, and a future third rounder. Jacksonville sent Jalen Ramsey to the Rams for two first rounders as well. Darrel Revis, Richad Seymour, Champ Bailey are all star defenders who have been jettisoned by their original teams. It’s not hard to imagine a team sending Dallas a first and second-round pick in the 2025 draft plus a 2026 first rounder to get Parsons for a playoff run. The trade deadline is November 5. Dallas has five more contests and a bye week before that happens. By then, it will be apparent whether or not the Cowboys have a chance to truly be competitive, or if the club is on the trajectory of wiping out the coaching staff and starting clean in 2025. The Cowboys will likely have around $85 million of cap space to play with next offseason once they pull the restructure levers on Prescott and Lamb’s new deals. If things continue they way they are, they will have a top-15 draft pick, or better. The pass rush would be worse without Parsons, but if the Cowboys had additional premium picks then multiple other positions could be improved with wholesale labor costs (rookie contracts) in addition to finding pass-rush help on the open market for less cost than a Parsons’ extension. It’s not a ridiculous school of thought, if we’re being honest. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
How to buy NFL 2024 Salute to Service gear, jersey, shirts, hats and more
How to buy NFL 2024 Salute to Service gear, jersey, shirts, hats and more Nick Wojton The NFL’s 2024 line of their annual Salute to Service gear is now available. The yearly endeavor by the league supports military organizations such as he USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. The NFL has done so since 2011, raising more than $65 million since last year — the NFL does not profit from sales. All 32 NFL teams have their own Salute to Service spin. Each team designates one home game during the regular season as the Salute to Service matchup where the military-inspired gear will be worn. During the ongoing season, those contests will be held at some point between Week 10 and Week 12 later this season. Salute to Service NFL gear comes in many different shapes and sizes. At the start, shirts, hoodies and jerseys with each team’s unique spin are now available at Fanatics. Shop 2024 Salute to Service jerseys But tops are not all that’s been released. The NFL’s Salute to Service gear, which is produced by Nike, also has hats and other merchandise available. Grab yours at Fanatics now: Shop 2024 Salute to Service hats 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 operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
NFL power rankings Week 4: New No. 1 after Saints, Texans stumble; Cowboys drop further
32 Tennesee Titans ( 0-3 ) | Last Week: 26 Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA;Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) under center motions against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports 31 Carolina Panthers ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 32 Sep 24, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes before being hit by Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports 30 Denver Broncos ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 31 Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) prepares to pass in the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images 29 New York Giants ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 30 New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8), is shown on the ground after being sacked by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (not shown) in the first quarter. Sunday, September 10, 2023 28 Washington Commanders ( 1-1 ) Pending MNF | Last Week: 29 Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter against the New York Giants at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images 27 Cleveland Browns ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 27 Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Browns defeated the Jaguars 18-13. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] 26 New England Patriots ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 20 Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) gets sacked hard by New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) in the 4th quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images 25 Las Vegas Raiders ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 25 Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images 24 Chicago Bears ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 24 Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after turning the ball over on downs against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images 23 Miami Dolphins ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 23 Dec 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) stands on the field during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports 22 Cincinnati Bengals ( 0-2 ) Pending MNF | Last Week: 21 Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) takes the field for warm ups prior to a Week 2 NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. 21 Indianapolis Colts ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 22 Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) rushes in for a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston 20 Jacksonville Jaguars ( 0-2 ) Pending MNF | Last Week: 19 Dec 11, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean-USA TODAY Sports 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 2-1 ) | Last Week: 13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) at the end of the Detroit Lions game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. Buccaneers won 20-16. 18 Dallas Cowboys ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 15 CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) 17 Los Angeles Rams ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 28 Sep 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images 16 San Francisco 49ers ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 16 Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws during the first quarter of a NFC divisional round game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports 15 Arizona Cardinals ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 6 Oct 11, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before his game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports 14 Atlanta Falcons ( 1-2 ) | Last Week: 18 Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images 13 Los Angeles Chargers ( 2-1 ) | Last Week: 10 Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) behind center Bradley Bozeman (75) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images 12 Philadelphia Eagles ( 2-1 ) | Last Week: 17 Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports 11 New York Jets ( 2-1 ) | Last Week: 14 New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws against the Tennessee Titans during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. 10 Detroit Lions ( 2-1 ) | Last Week: 12 Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) takes the field against Seattle Seahawks at Ford
4 useful takeaways from Cowboys 28-25, Week 3 loss to Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens came into Dallas like a team fighting for their lives. Their 0-2 start put them in a much more desperate situation than the Cowboys’ 1-1 beginning and in many ways, both teams played like it. Baltimore jumped to an early lead, seemingly putting things away by halftime. Despite poor body language and suspect effort all around, the Cowboys quietly fought back, narrowing the gap to three. But two clock-killing first down conversions by Baltimore sealed the deal preventing Dallas from mounting one last attack. What started out as an embarrassment for Cowboys fans, ended as a much more respectable heartbreaker. Dak Prescott essentially dragged the team into contention kicking and screaming. As the tide turned so did the mood on the sideline and the once-dejected faces began showing some fight. It didn’t result in a win, but it showed the team isn’t throwing in the towel yet. The Cowboys won the penalty battle, logging 61 fewer penalty yards than Baltimore in Week 3. But repeated pre-snap penalties stuck out like a sore thumb. Pre-snap penalties are inexcusable for a team playing at home. They are drive killers and a sign of an undisciplined team. But that’s not the only takeaway from the Cowboys Week 3 loss. Run-stopping woes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The Cowboys are a poor run-stopping team. There’s no other way to slice it and very few cures to fix it. While the broadcast booth and many disgruntled Dallas fans gushed over the awesomeness of Derrick Henry, the real reason Baltimore enjoyed so much success was the defense they were going up against. Three Ravens rushers averaged over six yards per carry on Sunday. Lamar Jackson, Justice Hill, and Henry. While Henry received the bulk of those carries, he posted the lowest per carry average (6.0). Jackson (6.2) and Hill (6.6) proved with their 19 carries it didn’t matter who was running the rock against this defense. It should be no surprise the Cowboys got better against stopping the run once their effort increased. Feeding off the offense’s success, the defense started to do the things necessary to be a good run stopping unit. While it’s clear the Cowboys need more talented players on their defensive interior, effort goes a long way in fixing their run stopping woes. Motion (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) Motion is a great way to manufacture space, change run blocking angles and identify coverages. It’s a cheat code for many offenses and a staple in some of the NFL’s best attacks. The Cowboys have at times been reluctant to use it, but on Sunday they switched things up. Upon first watch (subject to change) the Cowboys used motion before the snap 10 times and motion during the snap five times. The play was deemed successful 20 percent of the time when using pre-snap motion and 40 percent of the time when there was motion at the snap. The success rate for either wasn’t anything special but it does highlight how much more effective motion at the snap can be and should be something the Cowboys stick with going forward. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] First down issues . (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) First downs are typically the most fruitful down for an offense. Play options are wide open and circumstances don’t tip off intentions to opposing defenses. Yet the Cowboys have been struggling on first downs this season. Dallas came into their Week 3 contest ranked 29th in first down EPA and 28th in first down success rate. They were squandering their biggest opportunities. Upon first watch (subject to change) the Cowboys only posted successful first down plays on two of nine runs and on 5-of-14 passing attempts. It’s an ongoing issue that explains the overreliance on third downs this season. Brandon Aubrey is the early MVP Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports As if there was any question leading up to the day, the Cowboys second year kicker appears to be their early season MVP this year. Not only has Aubrey revolutionized the art of kickoffs under the new format but he just nailed a 65-yard field goal with relative ease in Week 3. As if that wasn’t enough, Aubrey was able to slip an onside kick through the Baltimore hands team, stealing a possession and prompting a fourth quarter scoring drive. If the Cowboys can just keep themselves in close games, Aubrey could be a major difference maker. Sloppy play ruins the day . (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Play fakes ruled the day for the Ravens and ruined the day for Dallas. The final play of the game, a Jackson keeper, came off a fake sweep in the backfield. It sealed the win and highlighted why read-options, zone-reads, play-action and RPOs give this defense fits. Missed tackles were also an issue on Sunday. At the end of the third quarter the broadcast team pointed out 14 missed tackles from the Cowboys defense. That’s as inexcusable as the effort shown. Add in CeeDee Lamb’s drop in the second half and fumble inside the redzone in the first half and you have a lot to work on heading into the short week. Final thoughts Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images There is a lot still to unpack from the Cowboys Week 3 loss to Baltimore. Dak Prescott wasn’t as sharp as he’s been in the past, but he looked better than he has over the last three games we’ve seen him. Pass protection continues to be an issue in Dallas, and receivers continue to struggle to create separation which doesn’t help things a bit. Defensively it was nice to see the Cowboys willing to mix up their personnel packages. DeMarvion Overshown, typically just a nickel linebacker, and Marist Liufau, typically the base defense linebacker, were both on the field together at times in the Cowboys base defense. Maybe it was a reaction to the Ravens personnel or maybe it was a sign of more to come. Regardless, it
Cowboys run defense creates crater of a deficit, comeback falls short vs Ravens, 28-25
Cowboys run defense creates crater of a deficit, comeback falls short vs Ravens, 28-25 K.D. Drummond Is it officially time to panic? The Dallas Cowboys wanted to prove to the world, but more importantly to themselves that last week was an aberration. It wasn’t. The team was blown out in their home opener, 44-19 to the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 but they had a chance to reverse course seven days later with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town. After allowing 190 rushing yards to Alvin Kamara and the Saints, the two-headed monster of QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry made that effort look ambitious by comparison. The Ravens rushed for 274 yards on the game, bludgeoning Mike Zimmer’s embarrassed unit in every way imaginable en route to a 28-25 win. The game came down to the wire, but this was after the Ravens ran out to a 28-6 lead they carried into the fourth quarter. Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense finally came alive, and aided by an onside kick recovery and some defensive stops, they gave themselves a chance scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the defense wasn’t able to shut down the Ravens’ final drive, as a Jackson keeper on 2nd-and-9 gave themselves a fresh set of downs and the chance to run out the clock. The loss drops Dallas to 1-2 on the season, with a quick turnaround trip to New York to take on the Giants on Thursday night. Prescott finished with 373 passing yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers without much help from the running game. Once again Dallas had issues moving the ball on the ground and then game situation took the run off the table. They finished with just 51 rushing yards on 16 carries. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.