Twitter, social media reacts to Cowboys-Commanders pulling off this crazy NFL first K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders pulled off an NFL first on Sunday. In their Week 12 matchup, the special teams ineptitude between the two rival franchises was so thick, they managed a level never before seen, so it’s only right that it turned into two different special teams touchdowns in an epic fourth quarter. Dallas entered the final stanza holding a slim 10-9 lead before the two sides combined for 41 points, including kickoff returns of 99 and 43 yards to keep the Commanders at bay. It’s the first game in NFL history where teams had two missed extra points, a blocked punt and two kickoff returns. That doesn’t even take into account a blocked and two other missed field goal attempts. Somehow, Dallas escaped Washington with their fourth win of the season, 34-26, to snap their five-game losing streak. As expected, fans were besides themselves in trying to wrap their minds around what they saw on their screens. Here’s a few safe-for-work social media reactions from Twitter and BlueSky. Me to my Day 1s: youtube.com/watch?v=bqce… [image or embed] — KD Drummond (@kddrummondnfl.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 5:19 PM Death and the Child, by Edvard Munch, 1899, 📸 via @SportsCenter [image or embed] — ArtButMakeItSports (@artbutmakeitsports.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 4:40 PM WE GET A SOUNDS OF THE SIDELINES THIS WEEK!!! [image or embed] — Dana B (@day-nuh-bee.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 4:30 PM “Hey, you wanna come on my podcast this week?” – Micah, probably — sarcasmpowered.bsky.social (@sarcasmpowered.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 4:28 PM [image or embed] — Patrik [No C] Walker (@voiceofthestar.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 4:27 PM I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment, but I can’t remember EVER watching a game like that in my life. Not ever. #Cowboys #Commanders — Patrik [No C] Walker (@voiceofthestar.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 4:43 PM This was quite the note from the FOX broadcast about the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders game on Sunday [image or embed] — RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 5:23 PM came to steal the dub 📜 [image or embed] — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys.bsky.social) November 24, 2024 at 5:23 PM Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
NFL TV coverage maps, announcers: How to watch, stream Cowboys-Commanders in Week 12
With four teams on a bye in Week 12 (Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets), the AFC is working at three-fourth capacity. The NFC is missing two sourthern teams, Atlanta and New Orleans, from their slate this weekend. It’s a light schedule for the networks as far as must-see TV. Still, it’s the NFL and there’s rarely a week where there’s a complete dearth of intriguing matchups. The primetime world lives in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium, with the Rams hosting the Phiadelphia Eagles Sunday night and the Chargers hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. The early Sunday window is highlighted by the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs having a get-right opportunity when they visit the surging 3-7 Panthers after their undefeated streak snapped vs Buffalo. Three division leaders all play below .500 teams while the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) take on the Washington Commanders. The afternoon window features the struggling San Francisco 49ers trying to stave off revenge from Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers. Here are all of the coverage maps, complete with the broadcast teams for each, courtesy of 506 Sports, along with all of the ways to watch DAL-WAS. National Broadcast Games for Week 12 Thursday Night: Cleveland 24, Pittsburgh 19 (Amazon)Sunday Night: Philadelphia Eagles vs LA Rams (NBC)Monday Night: Baltimore Ravens vs LA Chargers (ESPN) Fox Early Games RED: Dallas @ Washington | Joe Davis, Greg Olsen BLUE: Minnesota @ Chicago | Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston GREEN: Detroit @ Indianapolis | Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma How to Watch, Stream Cowboys-Commanders TV Channel: FOX Broadcasters: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady FoxSports.com streaming Fox Sports App: Android | Apple Sunday Ticket on YoutubeTV Weekly, if your internet browser and comp’s GeoLocation shows you are within the normal viewing area of the Cowboys (or their opponent), you can also live stream the game.Live stream FuboTV (free 7-day trial) Local Broadcasts: Fans with IPTV services that broadcast local stations should be able to find one of the affiliates from an area that will see the game. Fox Late Game Window RED: San Francisco @ Tampa Bay | Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady BLUE: Arizona @ Seattle | Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez CBS Game Map – Early and Late Windows combined RED: Kansas City @ Carolina | Ian Eagle, Charles Davis BLUE (late game): Denver @ Las Vegas | Kevin Harlan, Trent Green GREEN: Tampa Bay @ NY Giants | Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty YELLOW: New England @ Miami | Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta ORANGE: Tennessee @ Houston | Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker, Jay Feely Cowboys vs Commanders Radio Stations, Ref Assignment Satellite Radio Channels Cowboys Stream: Sirius 381, Internet 808Commanders Stream: Sirius 231, Internet 831 Local Radio Channels Cowboys: 105.3 The FanCommanders: BIG 100 (WBIG-FM)
Is Brandin Cooks playing today? Injury news update for Cowboys wide receiver
Is Brandin Cooks playing today? Injury news update for Cowboys wide receiver K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys will once again try to put a halt to their losing streak, which has now reached five games. This time, they’ll go against division rival Washington as the Commanders have bubbled up under new head coach Dan Quinn to a 7-4 record. With no Dak Prescott to steward the ship, the team turns to Cooper Rush for the third straight game, amidst hopes the coaching staff can unlock the offense; something they’ve failed to do so far this season. WR CeeDee Lamb has been trying to hold things together on offense, without much help. Brandin Cooks struggled to begin the season and when he went for a knee inspection following the team’s Week 4 win in New York, it appeared an explanation was available. Only Cooks suffered an infection in that doctor’s visit and ended up on IR. This week the club opened his 21-day practice window in hopes of activating him for Week 12. Despite being given the designation of questionable, that will not happen just yet. Cooks was not activated from IR on Saturday when the team did so with OL Chuma Edoga and DE Marshawn Kneeland. Cooks is a pending free agent following the season. He had a mediocre first season with Dallas in 2023, catching 54 passes for 657 yards, but scoring eight touchdowns. This season has been a total failure for the 11-year veteran. Through four games he had just nine receptions for 91 yards and one score. Cooks has six career 1,000-yard receiving seasons across his career. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Insane Cowboys 55-man roster shuffle from catastrophic last-minute losses vs Commanders
It’s just not going to be the Cowboys year in any way shape or form. Already teetering on the brink of disaster, the club received a couple doses of additional bad news on Saturday. After declaring the first questionable and the second doubtful, the team ruled out both RG Zack Martin and CB Trevon Diggs from Sunday’s Week 12 matchup with the Washington Commanders. Martin’s absence was expected, but losing Diggs means that once again, Cowboys fans came tantalizing close to finally seein the boundary cornerback duo of All-Pros with DaRon Bland finally set to make his season debut. Bland’s debut also comes along with the return of two others who were activated from IR on Saturday. OL Chuma Edoga (toe) is expected to make his season debut, and rookie edge Marshawn Kneeland (knee) will play for the first time since Week 5. The Cowboys sent safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) to IR to help create space on the roster, and then waived DE KJ Henry. Dallas also elevated two players from the practice squad, TE Princeton Fant and CB Kemon Hall. Got all that? Here’s a look at the complete roster ahead of Sunday’s action. Quarterbacks (2) Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images Cooper Rush Trey Lance Running Backs (4) 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) Rico Dowdle Ezekiel Elliott Hunter Luepke Deuce Vaughn Tight Ends (4) Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) runs with the football against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Jake Ferguson (out) Luke Schoonmaker Brevyn Spann-Ford Princeton Fant (elevation) Wide Receivers (6) Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) walks the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images CeeDee Lamb Jalen Tolbert Kavontae Turpin Jalen Brooks Ryan Flournoy Jonathan Mingo Offensive Tackles (5) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 30: Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton #60 of the Dallas Cowboys stretches during training camp on July 30, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Tyler Guyton Terence Steele Chuma Edoga Asim Richards Matt Waletzko Offensive Guards (3) Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) runs through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Zack Martin (out) Tyler Smith TJ Bass Centers (2) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 8: Defensive tackle Kobie Turner #91 of the Los Angeles Rams locks up with center Brock Hoffman #67 of the Dallas Cowboys during a skirmish between the two teams during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Cooper Beebe Brock Hoffman Defensive Ends (5) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 17: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) Micah Parsons Marshawn Kneeland Chauncey Golston Tyrus Wheat Carl Lawson Defensive Tackles (4) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 30: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith #58 of the Dallas Cowboys throw punches aa they jokingly spar prior to a training session on July 30, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Osa Odighizuwa Mazi Smith Linval Joseph Carlos Watkins Linebackers (6) Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Eric Kendricks DeMarvion Overshown Damone Clark Marist Liufau Buddy Johnson Nick Vigil Cornerbacks (7) Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrate after Diggs intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Trevon Diggs (out) DaRon Bland Jourdan Lewis Caelen Carson Israel Mukuamu Josh Butler Kemon Hall (Elevation) Safeties (3) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 8: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes against safety Malik Hooker #28 and Donovan Wilson #6 of the Dallas Cowboys during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Malik Hooker Donovan Wilson Juanyeh Thomas Special Teams (4) INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 11: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys watches his field goal with Bryan Anger #5, to take a 12-6 lead over the Los Angeles Rams, in a 13-12 Rams win during a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Brandon Aubrey Bryan Anger Trent Sieg CJ Goodwin
Running out of gas among 3 things Cowboys will love about Commanders
Running out of gas among 3 things Cowboys will love about Commanders Ben Grimaldi There’s no love lost between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders, but the Week 12 matchup doesn’t have the same feel when there isn’t much riding on the game for both teams. It hasn’t been that way in quite some time, as the Cowboys have been getting the best of their opponents recently. That won’t be the case in this contest, as the Commanders are ahead in the NFC East standings at 7-4 and are inside the current playoff race. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are in a different race, for a top 5 draft pick. That’s something the fans want, but Jerry Jones shies away from. The organic tank is on for the Cowboys, yet these are professional athletes who won’t back down from trying to win. Sadly for Team Tank, Mike McCarthy’s team does have a path to winning the Week 12 meeting, as there are things to love about playing the Commanders. Can’t stop the run Tim Heitman-Imagn Images Here’s a rare place where the Cowboys and Commanders are actually competing in 2024; the race to see whose defense is worse against the run. Mike Zimmer’s defense currently holds the title, allowing 151 yards per game on the ground, while the Commanders give up 150.5 yards. That half-yard is all separates the Cowboys in 31st place in the league, just one spot ahead of their rivals in 30th. The Commanders have given up 13 rushing scores this season, good for eighth-worst in the league, and they allow five yards a carry, third worst in the NFL. If the Cowboys ever wanted to establish the run, this would be the game to do it. The offense hasn’t had much opportunity this season to run the ball efficiently, but the Commanders will give it up on the ground and it could be a big part of the Cowboys pulling off the upset in Week 12. It’s a defense that’s struggled against the run, but the Commanders have been getting out to leads in the first half, making their weakness less of a factor. If that sounds familiar, it was the same script when Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Dallas. If quarterback Jayden Daniels and Quinn hadn’t won seven games, much more would be made of the team’s inability to stop the run. Perhaps McCarthy can make his old DC pay by beating him how Quinn used to get beat when he was with the Cowboys, by keeping the game close and attacking the Commanders with the run game. Bad second half team Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Commanders have been one of the best first half teams in the NFL through 11 games, but they have been fading in the last 30 minutes, especially on defense. In the first half, Joe Whitt’s defense has been allowing only 8.4 points a game, which is fourth best in the league. However, that number jumps to 13.7 in the second half, 25th worst in the game. In the fourth quarter, it’s gotten even worse recently, where the Commanders are giving up 13 ppg in the last three games, which ranks 31st in the league over that span. Offensively the Commanders have been steadier in their half splits, but they still have a drop-off in their scoring. In the first half of games, Kliff Kingsbury’s group is scoring 15.4 ppg, which is second-best in the NFL. During the final 30 minutes, Washington averages 12.6 points, which is tied for eighth. In their last three games, however, the Commanders are scoring just nine points a game in the second half, so their offense is slowing down. The Commanders look like a team that gets out to good starts and falters in the second half. If the Cowboys can stay close, they might have a chance at beating their rivals on the road. Bad red zone defense Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports The Commanders’ defense has been good enough to help the team get to 7-4, but they have one of the worst red-zone defenses in the league. Washington allows touchdowns on close to 67% on their opponents’ trips inside the red zone, which ranks 27th in the NFL. Dallas’ problem has been their efficiency when getting the ball inside the 20-yard line. Their offense is next to last in scoring touchdowns when they get into the red zone, but the Commanders could be the elixir for the Cowboys’ red zone woes. Playing against a defense that gives up touchdowns instead of field goals is a welcomed sight for the Cowboys. If they want to beat their rivals in Week 12, the Cowboys need to take advantage of any red zone trip. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Two America’s Teams: Daniel Jones is best, worst idea for Cowboys, Jerry Jones at same time
Two America’s Teams: Daniel Jones is best, worst idea for Cowboys, Jerry Jones at same time K.D. Drummond Which reality do the Dallas Cowboys exist in? Are they the do-anything-for-attention glory hounds in the image of Jerry Jones many think? Or are they the intentionally-bad, rebuilding club they’ve presented themselves as in 2024? The answer may lie in whether or not they’ll put a waiver bid in for suddenly free quarterback Daniel Jones. On Monday, at 4pm eastern time, the NFL will announce the team that Jones has been claimed by. Released by the New York Giants on Friday, teams have been given the weekend to claim his contract. That’s not going to happen. The scout-team safety, QB-4, former starter for Brian Daboll, was released as requested after the team decided not to gamble with his $23 million injury guarantee for 2025. Any club that claims his contract would inherit that risk, so he’s going to be a street free agent once that window closes. The Dallas Cowboys are one of several teams one could argue should attempt to sign Jones to a deal. Clearly, the Cowboys are without Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season. Signing Daniel Jones is something Jerry and Stephen Jones must discuss to a certain degree, but how serious that conversation should be is a matter of perspective. Jones isn’t good. He is better than Cooper Rush, though, and as the rest of Dallas’ roster tries their best to be healthy, he would be an upgrade to the most important position in the sport. Dallas’ chances of making the playoffs are so remote it would be one of the NFL’s most told stories if they were to figure things out and run the table to a 10-7 record. That’s near impossible with Rush, was darn-near impossible if Prescott miraculously healed, and somewhere in between the two with Daniel Jones and whatever learning curve would come with a signing. But, signing Daniel Jones would certainly keep the ownership Joneses in the spotlight, and many people believe that’s their top priority. With Thanksgiving’s late-afternoon window presenting the Cowboys and the Giants, the conversation would be insanely interesting for a matchup between two teams with a combined five wins through 11 weeks of the season. There’s zero reason for anyone to pay attention to Rush vs Tommy DeVito outside of hardcore fandom and “oh the TV is on in the background” with Nana Helen’s macaroni and cheese gets devoured. From that perspective, signing Jones is quote-unquote worth something to Dallas. However, an upgrade to QB Jones would likely mean at least one or two wins the team may not otherwise get, and that’s counter to the idea of the rebuild. The truth is, Dallas losing as many games as possible will help accelerate their rehabilitation. Higher draft picks, especially in a light draft like 2025 is projecting to be, means more tickets to the April lottery. More options means more chances to find the diamonds in the rough. From that perspective, the financial boost from the free advertising of the brand Daniel Jones represents is in opposition to the “mission” of improving the team long term. Separating for a minute the idea for QB Jones to go be a backup for a contender, it makes sense why he would want to start in Dallas. What does owner Jones want most? Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Why anyone predicting Cowboys-Bengals to be flexed from MNF is probably wrong
Why anyone predicting Cowboys-Bengals to be flexed from MNF is probably wrong K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys are “ungood”. The Cincinnati Bengals are more competitive, but still “ungood”. It makes zero sense to keep what was anticipated to be a high-profile matchup between playoff contenders, back when the schedule was being defined in the spring, as the Monday Night Football matchup for Week 14. The NFL has until next Tuesday, November 26, to move this game, but they won’t. Joe Burrow playing at an MVP level is not enough reason to keep this game in its slot. The fact that more than half the football universe despises the Cowboys and loves to see them flail embarrassingly isn’t enough reason either. The teams are a combined 6-15 entering this weekend and in any other scenario, their miserable play would send them up to the late-afternoon Sunday slot at worst, potentially deserving of a noon kickoff. No, the only thing saving this game is Bart. Bart Simpson, that is. On Monday, ESPN and Disney released the latest promo for their annual Funday broadcast, a simulcast where the game will be shown in Simpsons-themed animation to try and bring the NFL to a younger audience. And while the promo has swapped out Prescott for Cooper Rush, it realistically seems the lift would be much too heavy for an upheaval of their months of preparations for this particular matchup. NFL flex rules allow Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football (starting in Week 12) to swap out a bad matchup for a better one. FOX and CBS Sports are allowed to protect one game each week, but NBC and ESPN have the right to snatch any other game. Perhaps the worst thing about it is, if the alt-cast really is preventing the league from flexing the game out, it’s not even a viable data point for where the bar is to flex out a Cowboys game. It’s a case where both teams could have poor records and be out of playoff contention, which has rarely been the case for past bad Cowboys games, but unlike with the one Cowboys game that did get flexed out, there shouldn’t be a risk that both teams will be eliminated from the playoffs entirely by the time the game kicks off, so there’s no way of knowing whether that situation would be enough for a flex in the future. We may never know if the only reason Bengals-Cowboys shows up on ESPN’s air in two and a half weeks is for the sake of an alt-cast that should get a fraction of the game’s audience. – Morgan Wick Week 14 was weird to begin with, the NFL scheduling a whopping six teams with byes, making the pool of potential matchups difficult to begin with. Baltimore, Washington, Houston and Denver are all currently above .500 but taking that week off. Green Bay and Detroit is on Thursday Night Football and the Chiefs-Chargers tilt is on SNF already. Falcons-Vikings, 49ers-Bears, and Bills-Rams are the only other intriguing matchups in Week 14 and at least two of those would be protected. So aside from all of the man hours that would be thrown in the toilet on the pre-production side, none of those games would likely bring in enough of an audience to justify the change. So Bengals-Cowboys is likely to remain on Monday Night Football in Week 14. Fans should check back in two weeks from now to see about the Cowboys-Buccaneers Week 16 tilt currently scheduled for SNF, though.
Cowboys vs Commanders final Week 12 injury updates on Bland, Martin, Ferguson
The injury gods giveth, the injury gods taketh away. It appears that the Cowboys are finally going to get to see DaRon Bland in action. The 2023 All-Pro cornerback, who led the NFL in interceptions and also set an NFL record for interception-return touchdowns will make his 2024 debut after being sidelined since August with a foot injury. Surgery followed and Bland was supposed to return before the Week 7 bye, but a setback on that Friday has kept him out additional weeks. Well, no setback for him on Friday as he carries no game designation. Unfortunately though that’s not the case with two key members of the offense. Zack Martin has been listed as doubtful after leaving the Week 11 loss with a bum ankle. Jake Ferguson’s case isn’t even that hopeful, as a concussion has already ruled him out for the game against the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile Washington’s sideline will not get to see the debut of CB Marshon Lattimore, who they acquired from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline. The four-time Pro Bowler has been out with a hamstring injury since Week 7, but he is the only Commanders player that has been ruled out. Here’s a look at the complete list for both teams. Dallas Cowboys Safety Markquese Bell, Shoulder | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate CB DaRon Bland, Foot | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Full WR Brandin Cooks, Knee | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Limited OT Chuma Edoga, Toe | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Full CB Trevon Diggs, Groin/Knee | QUESTIONABLE Thursday, Friday: Limited TE Jake Ferguson, Concussion | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: DNP OT Tyler Guyton, Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Full LB Eric Kendricks, Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday: Limited | Thursday, Friday: Full DE Marshawn Kneeland, Knee | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Limited WR CeeDee Lamb, Back/Foot | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday: Limited | Thursday: DNP | Friday: Full CB Jourdan Lewis, Neck | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday: Limited | Friday: Full FB Hunter Luepke, Calf | | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday: Limited | Thursday, Friday: Full OG Zack Martin, Ankle/Shoulder | DOUBTFUL Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: DNP OG Tyler Smith, Ankle/Knee | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday: DNP | Friday: Limited LB Nick Vigil, Foot | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: DNP Washington Commanders OUT CB Marshon Lattimore, hamstring QUESTIONABLE LB Nick Bellore, knee DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste, ankle K Austin Seibert NO DESIGNATION DE Clelin Ferrell, knee DE Dorance Armstrong, knee T Brandon Coleman, thumb OLB Dante Fowler, Hip CB Noah Iginoghene, thumb LB Jordan Magee, elbow TE Ben Sinnott, illness
Cowboys must fix this roster problem to bounce back from horrible 2024
Cowboys must fix this roster problem to bounce back from horrible 2024 reidhanson The NFL is a young man’s game. Father Time is undefeated in professional sports and that’s especially true in the NFL when peak performance levels hover around the mid-20s for most players. Oftentimes the younger the roster, the more positioned for success a team is for the future. In the midst of an extremely disappointing season, team age could be something for the Cowboys to be optimistic about. Such was the case four years ago. Coming off the 2020 season when Dallas won just six games, they clocked in as the fifth youngest team in the league based on snap-weighted age. They turned that youthful roster into three consecutive 12-win seasons. For as disappointing as the 2020 campaign was, their team age filled them with hope for the future. 2024 doesn’t appear as hopeful. Based on FTN Data by way of Doug Analytics, the 2024 Cowboys rank 22nd in snap-weighted team age. Snap-weighted team age differs from usual averages because rather than averaging entire rosters, snap-weighted age looks at just the players who play and only according to the size of their role. A 35-year veteran riding the bench doesn’t hurt that average any more than a 20-year-old developmental prospect who can’t see the field would help. Bad teams like the Giants can take solace in the fact they are the second youngest team in snap-weighted age. Just like bad teams like the Cowboys, Panthers and Jets should all take caution because they reside on the older end of the spectrum. This should be a cause for concern in Dallas but there are things working in Dallas’ favor as well. Key veteran players like Zack Martin (34), Ezekiel Elliott (29), Cooper Rush (31), C.J. Goodwin (34), Linval Joseph (36), DeMarcus Lawrence (32), Eric Kendricks (32) and Brandin Cooks (31) are all set to hit free agency in 2025. Most, if not all, are predicted to leave. Assuming the Cowboys don’t sign old veterans to replace them, Dallas stands to get much younger next season. While the drop in age says very little about the quality of play replacing these aged veterans on the field, it does indicate the Cowboys are working to grow and improve rather than just trying to hang on. Unlike 2020 the news isn’t as optimistic in regard to age this season. The Cowboys are one of the older teams in weight-adjusted age and can’t just expect to organically improve like they did four years ago. The Cowboys task over the offseason won’t only be to purge old players on the decline but to replace them with young players on the incline. They’ll need free agency and the draft to accomplish it all. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Dan Quinn and the Dallas Defectors: 3 things to hate about Cowboys-Commanders
Coaches weren’t the only people the Washington franchise took, they also signed away some of the Cowboys’ talent. On offense, center Tyler Biadasz signed with the Commanders, while pass rushers Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler also defected. Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene also went with Quinn to the dark side. To stick the knife in further, Fowler is near the lead in the NFL in sacks with 8.5, Armstrong has chipped in with three, and Biadasz is playing as one of the top centers in the league. Even an old face showed up with the Commanders, wide receiver Noah Brown. That’s a hefty number of coaches and quality depth that left to go to a rival, and Jones must hate seeing the Commanders becoming the ‘Cowboys of the East.’