Cowboys shouldn’t let recent draft busts cloud eval of Michigan prospects reidhanson Michigan draft prospects haven’t exactly panned out for the Cowboys in recent years. Two draft cycles ago the Cowboys double-dipped from the Ann Arbor powerhouse, using their first two draft picks on Michigan players. In 2023’s first round, the Cowboys selected defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The 337-pound interior lineman didn’t have many skins on the wall, but he had a physical skillset that couldn’t be matched. One round later Dallas went back to Michigan to snag a tight end. Unconvinced Jake Ferguson was the long-term answer, the Cowboys pounced on the experienced Luke Schoonmaker at No. 58. Schoonmaker didn’t have a very inspiring highlight reel playing in Michigan’s run-heavy offense, but he was an accomplished run blocker and represented one of the safer picks in the Cowboys’ 2023 draft class. Neither has worked out for Dallas. Smith’s rookie season delivered the lowest defensive snap count from a first rounder in over a decade. His sophomore season has been decidedly worse with Smith grading 124th of 124 interior linemen in 2024. Schoonmaker hasn’t been much better. The second-year tight end hasn’t just been playing behind Ferguson, but he’s working behind rookie undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford as well. The 26-year-old hasn’t seen a target in four weeks and has been hit or miss in many of his blocking assignments. Both players have fallen considerably short of expectations, and both are on the path to becoming certified busts. Dallas, an organization known for their draft prowess, hasn’t had a first-round pick struggle like Smith since they selected Taco Charlton in 2017. Charlton, a defensive end from (you guessed it) Michigan, flamed out in spectacular fashion. He only lasted two seasons in Dallas and hasn’t played a down of football since the 2022 season. It’s not lost on the Cowboys fanbase some of the organization’s biggest draft mistakes have come from the University of Michigan. So, it’s only natural many of those fans balk at the idea of selecting another Michigan player in the 2025 NFL draft. While this is an understandable posture, it’s a mistake to give such bias legs to stand on. Based on the Cowboys’ current trajectory, Dallas will be picking in the top 10 of the draft next April. Picking inside the top 10 will position them well for blue chip talent. A player the Cowboys could be looking at when they go on the clock in the first round might just be another player from the University of Michigan. Mason Graham, 6-foot-3, 320-pounds, is widely regarded as the top defensive lineman in the draft class. The well-rounded DT is a model prospect who comes with a Pro Bowl profile. He’s versatile and he’s experienced. He doesn’t come with the same degree of projection as Smith and Charlton, and as an accomplished pressure player, he offers value that goes beyond the typical run-stuffing often associated with the DT position. Right behind Graham on the prospect list is fellow Michigan DT Kenneth Grant. Grant, 6-foot-3, 339-pounds, is a physical marvel at the DT position. Like Smith before him, Grant makes Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. He’s stout enough to play nose tackle but explosive enough to penetrate as a pass rusher. Grant has conditioning concerns as a man his size often does, but he should not be passed over simply because there are similarities between him and Smith. He’s a different player. The Cowboys weakest position on the field is generally believed to be their interior defensive line. Given development time and bust potential associated with the DT position in Dallas, it’s recommended the Cowboys use free agency to bring in a top flight DT this spring. But if the Cowboys don’t want to spend big on a veteran, Michigan has a couple intriguing talents who need to be considered. They shouldn’t be disregarded simply because of the school they come from. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys Headlines: Confidence in Cooper, former QB3 back on market, Noah Brown makes Hall of Fame
Thursday practice report encouraging for defensive standouts :: The Mothership Link Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Eric Kendricks were all limited on Thursday, but are nevertheless trending in the right direction to play against the Eagles on Sunday. DaRon Bland remains a DNP, as does Juanyeh Thomas, Nick Vigil, and Dak Prescott. Cowboys’ All-Pro OL misses second straight day of practice with injury :: Cowboys Wire Link A shoulder injury has Zack Martin on the injury report for a second straight week. He overcame a “questionable” status to play in Week 9; Friday could be an important day for the nine-time Pro Bowler if he’s to suit up against the Eagles this Sunday. Eyeing Eagles battle, Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb says he has taken ‘big step’ in injury recovery :: Dallas Morning News Link Lamb hasn’t missed practice this week after injuring his shoulder versus Atlanta. “I’m good,” he reported. “I was out there running today, getting right.’’ The receiver says his range of motion is unhindered by the AC sprain, explaining it’s just a matter of playing through the pain. He says he won’t be wearing any sort of sling or brace in Week 10. Cowboys 53-man roster for Eagles in Week 10: New WR gets jersey number, IR changes :: Cowboys Wire Link DeMarcus Lawrence and Brandin Cooks will be eligible to have their practice windows open this week, though that depends on their respective rehabs. Dak Prescott is still not on IR as he explores second opinions on his hamstring. Newly-acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo will wear the No. 81 jersey made famous by Terrell Owens and recently vacated by injured tight end John Stephens Jr. Jonathan Mingo ready to prove himself in ‘fresh start’ :: The Mothership Link Tuesday’s trade came as a surprise to the ex-Panther. But now Mingo says he’s viewing his move to Dallas as an opportunity to “prove to people what I can do and show them the best version of me.” At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he plans to use his size to his advantage, knowing that the Cowboys like to move their receivers around to find mismatches. He’ll suit up right away this Sunday. “Just try and get my flow,” he says, “and once I get in my groove, I can finally show people what I can do.” Cowboys: Confidence is still there with QB Cooper Rush :: ESPN Link Rush famously went 4-1 the last time he was pressed into extended service filling in for an injured Prescott. In 2022, he kept the team afloat. This time around, he’s trying to turn around a season heading off the rails. But he’s a known commodity to his teammates, who know he has the knowledge and the skills to step in and succeed. “He won games for us by just doing the basics, just playing good football,” offered Micah Parsons. “So it’s not like he can’t do it.” Eagles coach turns heads with praise of Cowboys QB Cooper Rush :: Athlon Sports Link Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio isn’t backing off his prep, even with a backup passer piloting the Cowboys. “You know, Rush has been there a long time. He knows the offense as well as anybody there does and he’ll operate it efficiently,” he said. Some wondered if he was taking a veiled shot at Prescott, though, when he also said of the understudy’s takeover, “I don’t think it will change a whole lot.” Hurts isn’t among Eagles’ 5 top-graded offensive players, thanks to Kellen Moore :: Cowboys Wire Link Saquon Barkley has rejuvenated his career in Philadelphia, and a pair of Eagles wide receivers are also in the offense’s top five, per PFF. But their quarterback has seen his numbers slip, as he’s no longer asked to be the centerpiece of the attack. Offensive lineman Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata round out the group. Eagles release quarterback Will Grier from practice squad :: ProFootballTalk Link The onetime third-string option in Dallas has been released by the Eagles just ahead of the two teams’ meeting. The 29-year-old has also been with the Panthers, Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers. Grier could be an option for the Cowboys to re-add to their practice squad, given his familiarity with the offense. If they act quickly enough, the Cowboys could also get some last-minute insider help with their preparation to play Philadelphia on Sunday. NFL TV coverage maps, announcers for Week 10: Who gets to watch Cowboys-Eagles? :: Cowboys Wire Link The Cowboys-Eagles clash will be the third game of a Sunday quadrupleheader for most of the country. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call for CBS, with just the local markets of the Jets and Cardinals getting that late-afternoon matchup instead. Dallas Cowboys bring back Andrew Booth, add cornerback to practice squad :: Dallas Morning News Link The cornerback, released on Tuesday, is back with the Cowboys after the team signed him to the practice squad on Thursday. Booth has appeared in three games for the Cowboys this season, posting six total tackles. He was the 42nd overall pick by the Vikings in 2022. Commanders’ last-second ‘Hail Mary’ lands in Canton :: Pro Football Hall of Fame Link Former Cowboys receiver Noah Brown has made it to Canton. The gloves he wore while catching the game-winning pass from the Commanders’ Oct. 27 win over Chicago are now on display at the Hall of Fame. An end zone pylon signed by Brown and QB Jayden Daniels is also there, along with the ball itself. Brown’s catch became only the seventh time in league history a game-winning pass covering at least 50 yards was completed with no time left on the clock. Veteran DT Antwaun Woods retires from NFL :: NFL Trade Rumors Link Woods was an undrafted free agent when he first signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2016, but he spent the bulk of his career with the Cowboys. From 2018 to 2020, he compiled 80 tackles over 34 starts
Beyond Obvious: 3 reasons for Cowboys, fans, to hate seeing Eagles in Week 10
Beyond Obvious: 3 reasons for Cowboys, fans, to hate seeing Eagles in Week 10 Ben Grimaldi One of the more anticipated matchups of every season for the Dallas Cowboys has arrived, but there’s considerably less fanfare this time around. This is going to be hard to watch for Cowboys fans because the team isn’t very good this year, and the injuries had made them worse, but losing to the Eagles always stinks. The division rivals are heading in opposite directions as the Eagles are looking to stay within striking distance of first place, while the Cowboys are trying to avoid the basement in the NFC East. It’s hard to see a path for a Cowboys’ win with Cooper Rush under center, but it would be delightful to see it happen. There are always reasons to hate the Eagles, but we’ll settle on three of them ahead of the Week 10 matchup. However, even without quarterback Dak Prescott and a delusional upper management group led by Jerry Jones, there are reasons to hate the Week 10 opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles. The head coach Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports There has never been an Eagles head coach Cowboys fans have liked, but there have been plenty to hate along the rivalry, and their current one is among the worst of the group. Nick Sirianninis arguably the most unlikeable head coach in the league. From wearing a ‘Beat Dallas’ t-shirt before a game between the two teams (which Dallas won) and his clownish sideline antics that annoy his own fan base; Sirianni easy to root against. His histrionics have already worn thin and his decision making this season has been openly questioned around the league. It’s hard to dislike any Eagles coach more than Cowboys fans disliked former head man Buddy Ryan, but Sirianni feels like the most hated HC in the last couple of decades. Aggressive front office Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports It’s easy to look at the Eagles and despise the team, but it’s just as easy to watch how they’re built and become even more frustrated. While the Cowboys typically sit back and watch the offseason play out, the GM Howie Roseman makes them one of the most aggressive teams in the league. By doing so, the Eagles have acquired some of the best talent. This past offseason, the team signed running back Saquon Barkley and added pass rusher Bryce Huff, while also working out extensions for both of their wide receivers. Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The move to add Barkley has been one of the best signings in free agency as the veteran RB is second in the league in rushing with 925 yards, is averaging almost six yards a carry and is third in the NFL in total touchdowns with eight. Among the other acquisitions over the last few years that have contributed to the Eagles’ 6-2 record are trading for cornerback Darius Slay, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and WR A.J. Brown, as well as using draft picks for the trade up for defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Unlike Jerry Jones, Roseman isn’t afraid to build from outside the organization. Offensive firepower Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Dallas’ defense won’t like what’s headed their way in Week 10. Philadelphia’s offense, ironically led by former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, is one of the best in the league. Their unit is sixth in the NFL in yards per game, and the strength of the Eagles’ offense is the rushing attack, where they average almost 175 yards a game on the ground. That’s bad news for defense that can’t stop the run and has been historically bad stopping it at home. The Eagles are also second in the league in rushing touchdowns, with 14, split between Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. The tush push is headed Dallas’ way, and it’s one of the most hated plays in the game. Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a touchdown pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Eagles also have a good passing game with an explosive duo of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown at WR. The combination has 917 yards and seven scores on the season, despite Brown missing three games. It’s an offense that thrives because Hurts is rarely pressured, and RBs run through gaping holes behind one of the top offensive lines in the league; a recipe for disaster for the Cowboys’ defensive front. This doesn’t look like a fun matchup for Mike Zimmer’s defense and fans will hate to see the Eagles dominating with an offense led by Moore. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Hurts isn’t among Eagles’ 5 top-graded offensive players, thanks to Kellen Moore
It’s hard to stay on top. After a disappointing end to their 2023 season that saw them lose five of their last six regular season games and bow out meekly in the wild-card round the Philadelphia Eagles have seemingly righted their ship. The malaise carried over into the early parts of 2024, but after splitting their first four contests, they’ve reeled off four straight victories and sit just a half-game back of Dan Quinn’s surprising Washington Commanders. Meanwhile Dallas’ wild-card letdown has led to a demoralizing first half of 2024, with the Cowboys sitting at a 3-5 record after three-straight 12-win seasons afforded them 2 NFC East titles across the span. The two teams, ever so familiar with each other, square off again in Week 10 on Sunday. When the Eagles’ offense is on the field, there is a new addition to the usual, recent cast of superstar players. The import of RB Saquon Barkley from the should-be-relegated New York Giants franchise has added another stud weapon at the disposal of the Eagles’ offense. No longer led by Brian Johnson, now under the direction of former Cowboys OC Kellen Moore. The Eagles’ offense really hasn’t been anything extraordinary in 2024. They rank just 13th according to Offensive DVOA, which takes into account game situation when a play happens but most importantly opponent quality. Pro Football Focus has them slightly higher, sitting 10th on offense. According to PFF, they are doing it without their quarterback being one of their best players. It’s not a case of doing things in spite of Jalen Hurts, rather he’s just no longer the centerpiece he has been in recent seasons. In both 2022 and 2023, Hurts was the Eagles’ second-rated player. In 2024, through nine weeks, he’s sitting seventh. Here’s a look at the top 5. 5 RB Saquon Barkley | Overall PFF Grade: 79.2 Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Barkley has rushed for 925 yards through eight games and scored six touchdowns on the ground on a gaudy 5.9 ypc average. He’s chipped in another 20 receptions for 146 yards and another two scores, fumbling just once. His pass protection has been strong, scoring a 70.5 grade from PFF 4 WR DeVonta Smith | Overall PFF Grade: 82.1 Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a touchdown pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Smith is nursing a hamstring injury and missed Wednesday practice, so his participation has a question mark currently. For the season, he’s caught 35 of 47 targets for 473 yards and four scores. He’s not much help in run blocking, with a lowly 55.6 grade. 3 RT Lane Johnson | Overall PFF Grade: 82.2 Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Johnson barely beats out Smith here. The five-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro (twice First-Team) has been a staple since joining the league in 2013. He boars a 85.8 pass-pro grade and a 79.6 run-blocking score. 2 LT Jordan Mailata | Overall Grade: 88.4 (injured) Sep 5, 2024; Sao Paolo, Brazil; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) at a press conference at the Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images While Smith’s participation is unknown, Dallas won’t have to face off against Mailata, who is on IR with a hamstring injury. A top-tier LT, he has a 90.9 pass-pro grade and an 83.1 in run blocking. His replacement, Fred Johnson, is not anywhere near an actual replacement. The 6-foot-7 former Florida Gator has an overall grade of just 52.3, with a pass-pro score of 41.2 and a run-block grade of 59.1. 1 WR A.J. Brown | Overall PFF Grade: 90.2 Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown warms up before action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The debate over which team has the better wideout changes favor in 2024 after CeeDee Lamb won in 2023. Brown has been spectacular for the Eagles when he’s played, which he will in this week’s contest. He has 23 catches for 444 yards; a 19.3 average per reception, and has three touchdowns in his five contests. His 13.1 yards per target is currently better than Lamb’s 12.5 yards per reception.
Cowboys 53-man roster for Eagles in Week 10: New WR gets jersey number, IR changes
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. 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. 26 CB DaRon Bland Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) eats a turkey leg after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Bland was returned to the 53-man roster in Week 9. No. 28 Safety Malik Hooker Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 29 CB C.J. Goodwin Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back C.J. Goodwin (29) catches a pass for a first down on a fake punt in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 30 Safety Juanyeh Thomas Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports No. 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. 41 LB Nick Vigil Sep 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Nick Vigil (59) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (np) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-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. 52 DE KJ Henry Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end KJ Henry (52) lines up during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium.
Report: Dak Prescott’s injury tore tendon off bone
Report: Dak Prescott’s injury tore tendon off bone Todd Brock The details of Dak Prescott’s injury are in, and they’re not for the faint of heart. Per NFL Network’s Jane Slater, the Cowboys quarterback appears to have suffered a partial avulsion of his hamstring tendon, partially tearing it right off the bone. ESPN’s Todd Archer later said his source confirmed that diagnosis. Head coach Mike McCarthy had already ruled Prescott out for Sunday’s home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, but- despite owner Jerry Jones hinting that a subsequent move to injured reserve was imminent– the Cowboys have not made any official determination about a timeline for his return. According to Slater’s sources, the injury typically “takes more than a four-week recovery,” but Prescott is said to be seeking secondary opinions. The team is therefore allowing that process to play out further before placing Prescott on IR, which would automatically mean a four-game absence. “In some cases,” Slater posted on X, “they let it scar over, repair and then strengthen.” But, she said on-air Wednesday evening, the injury could require surgery, depending on its severity. Prescott told reporters he “felt something” on a scramble late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-21 loss to Atlanta. After the sack by Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss, Prescott went back to the huddle and ran the next play. Upon trying to step into a cross-field throw, however, he pulled up noticeably. “I felt a pull, felt something I’ve never felt,” Prescott explained. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] He lasted one more play to finish the offense’s drive and then did not return for the Cowboys’ next possession. Backup Cooper Rush finished the Week 9 contest and has been tabbed as the starter this weekend, but third-string option Trey Lance may figure into the mix, too, even if only on a handful of gadget-type plays or run situations. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Winners, Losers after Cowboys drop third straight in Atlanta
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy may wind up getting the Jason Garrett treatment and see his current team interview replacements before his current contract expires. McCarthy was seen on the sidelines slamming a tablet as frustration began to boil over. Of the many issues in Dallas, his clock management decisions are starting to become problematic. Just before halftime with 49 seconds on the clock, Dak Prescott hit CeeDee Lamb for a 10 yard gain to their 40 yard line. Hypothetically, the Cowboys offense needed another 10 yards to attempt a record breaking field goal; something Cowboys fans would have liked to see kicker Brandon Aubrey attempt. Out of timeouts, Dallas should have spiked the ball to conserve precious seconds yet opted to go hurry up that ended with a 3 yard pass to tight end Jason Ferguson. That snap took place with 24 seconds on the clock and Dallas spiked the ball with eight second on the next play eliminating any palatable scoring opportunity . Angling to interview future potential head coaches is a proactive decision that could put Dallas in a position where they have no choice but to pull the plug early on McCarhty in order to get a head start for next season or risk sifting through the coaching leftovers like in years past.
Trade deadline passed, fixing this position is Cowboys biggest priority
Trade deadline passed, fixing this position is Cowboys biggest priority reidhanson Almost weekly one of my kids will approach me with unapologetic sadness on their face because their tablet has inexplicably died. Forced to now interact with society like a boomer, they express shock over how such a sad, regular-occurring event could have happened to them. Again. In the calmest, most matter-of-fact manor I can muster, I explain to them this is all because they didn’t take the necessary steps to prevent it the night before. If they addressed this extremely predictable issue earlier, it wouldn’t be a problem right now. In many ways, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys represent my children in this illustration. Only instead of Jones forgetting to plug in his tablet night after night, Jones is neglecting to fix the same important position offseason after offseason. Over the past two offseasons it’s been glaringly apparent the Cowboys have had an issue on their interior defensive line. Defensive tackle has headlined nearly every free agent wish list of theirs, yet the Cowboys have repeatedly turned up their nose like DT is somehow the mini tootsie roll of NFL positions. Halfway through the 2025 campaign and it’s clear, DT is still a major issue in Dallas, and much like my kids and their battery-depleted tablets, the Cowboys have no one to blame but themselves. It would take nearly an act of God to salvage the Cowboys DT this season. Mazi Smith has done nothing to alter his disappointing career trajectory, Osa Odighizuwa is approaching free agency and the numerous other band-aids and Bondo Dallas has plugged into the middle are extreme longshots to become long-term solutions at any point in their careers. The same position that headlined the Cowboys wish list the last two offseasons, is the same position that’s likely to headline it again in 2025: DT A good DT can be an anchor in the middle for other positions to play off of. Assessing the play of linebackers, safeties and edge players in 2024, has become almost an impossible task given the struggles at DT. The trickle-down effects of the poor DT play cannot be overstated. Luckily for the Cowboys, DT is one of the easiest positions to fill in the offseason. Majority of the top-rated DTs in the league today have either hit free agency or switched teams through free agency at some point in their careers. While it’s a costly position to fill, it’s a position that’s readily available to DT-needy teams willing to spend and desperate for instant solutions. DT is an unpredictable position to draft and often takes time to develop. Players rarely hit the ground running so if any position is worth paying for in free agency, it’s the one. But we’ve been down this road before. Recommendations, cause and effect explanations, and not-so-polite “I told you sos.” At the end of the day, Jerry Jones just needs to charge his tablet. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys Headlines: Micah not bailing on season, Mingo trade examined, opportunity for Lance?
Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons says he’s not giving up on the season :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link Cowboys fans may be ready to bail on the 2024 season, but Parsons says it far from over yet. “We been here before,” he said on his podcast. “The record is 3-5 but there’s a bunch of games here where you say we could’ve won if we done the things the right way.” Parsons is expected to return to the field this Sunday when the division-rival Eagles come to town. Report: Cowboys trade with Panthers for 2023 second-round WR :: Cowboys Wire Link Jerry Jones told a radio audience the Cowboys would be “buyers, not sellers” on Tuesday. Shortly after, the team traded a 2025 fourth-round draft pick to Carolina for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round selection. Mingo was a pre-draft visitor to the Cowboys in 2023 and was the 39th overall pick that spring. He started 14 games for Carolina last season as a rookie, recording 43 receptions for 418 yards; he has 12 catches for 121 yards through nine games with the Panthers this season. In the past, Cowboys found a spark with WR trade. Don’t expect history to repeat itself :: Dallas Morning News Link Jonathan Mingo is no Amari Cooper. While the ex-Raider provided an instant upgrade to the 2018 team and turned a disastrous season around when he arrived, there’s nothing to suggest the 2024 Cowboys are even close to being as good as that team was. “I don’t think it’s as much as what you need, it’s really what’s available and does it help you get better,’’ head coach Mike McCarthy said. Irate Twitter users clown Cowboys, Jerry Jones for Jonathan Mingo deadline trade :: Cowboys Wire Link Social media users unloaded on the Cowboys for, according to most, drastically overpaying for Mingo. Many pointed out that the Chiefs got DeAndre Hopkins for less than Dallas paid for Mingo. Many others brought receipts on the bargain-basement price the Cowboys took just to get rid of Amari Cooper. It’s hard to find anyone who liked the trade. Will trade addition of Jonathan Mingo impact Cowboys draft plans in 2025? :: Cowboys Wire Link The addition of Mingo is about the future more than the present. The new wideout has two years left on his rookie contract and figures to be an investment in the Cowboys WR room of 2025 and beyond. With a top-10 draft pick looking increasingly likely, grabbing Mingo now may allow Dallas to get an elite talent at another position of need come April. Cowboys release former second-round CB to make room for new WR :: Cowboys Wire Link To make room for Mingo, Dallas released cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. The former second-round draft pick was obtained from the Vikings in August via trade. He played just 38 defensive snaps (and 25 special-teams snaps) over three game appearances this season, logging a total of six tackles. Cowboys release 10-year veteran DT, former 2nd-round pick :: Cowboys Wire Link The Cowboys also parted ways with Jordan Phillips, the 10-year veteran who played in the first two games of the season and then went on injured reserve with a wrist issue he claimed to know nothing about. Phillips has already hinted on social media that he’ll head back to Buffalo, the team he was with last season. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is going to IR with leg injury :: Cowboys Wire Link Already ruled out of Week 10’s game, Prescott will miss even more time. Jerry Jones suggested that Prescott will move to injured reserve with a hamstring injury and be required to miss at least four games. Now the Cowboys must decide how much playing time to give Trey Lance in addition to backup Cooper Rush over the next month. Jerry Jones hints Cowboys could utilize Trey Lance in gadget plays :: SI.com Link The Cowboys owner teased the possibility of using Lance in creative ways during Prescott’s absence. “There are things we can do with him that I think can add punch to the offense,” Jones stated. Lance did not impress as a passer during the preseason, but his running skills proved legitimate. Could Dallas utilize him similar to the way the Saints have deployed Taysom Hill? DeMarvion Overshown has been one of the few bright spots for the Cowboys in 2024 :: Blogging the Boys Link The second-year linebacker (who’s actually in his first season on the field after last year’s ACL injury) put up season-high numbers on Sunday and may have been the Cowboys’ best defensive player. Overshown currently stands second on the team in tackles and could be in line to become the leader of the LB room as early as 2025. Cowboys-Falcons additional anaysis :: Cowboys WIre Cowboys already have $31 million in unavailble cap space for 2025, as much $48M :: Cowboys WIre Link Several Cowboys players have huge dead-money dollar figures that will count against the team’s 2025 cap. DeMarcus Lawrence will count $7.44 million, Brandin Cooks will count $4 million, Zack Martin will count at least $10.66 million, and Michael Gallup- who’s retired– will still count $8.7 million on next year’s books. Ex-Raiders HC Norv Turner comes out of retirement to join son on offensive staff after several firings :: CBS Sports Link The offensive coordinator during the first few years of the Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s is back in the NFL, this time as an offensive consultant for the Raiders. Turner will be working with his son Scott, now the Las Vegas OC. Former Cowboys OL coach Joe Philbin is now serving in that same role on an interim basis for the silver and black.
Good, Bad, Ugly: 4th-down disasters overshadow far too few bright spots in Atlanta loss
The Cowboys’ backs were up against the proverbial wall heading into Week 9’s trip to Atlanta. They fell flat, never coming nearly as close to winning the game as the 27-21 final might make it seem. The injury to quarterback Dak Prescott was, of course, the story of the game, only the latest example of the writing on that aforementioned wall. The 2024 squad appears to be doomed beyond reach. Too bad, because there were actually faint glimmers of hope to be found here and there at the Falcons’ jewel of a stadium. Dallas actually had some semblance of a ground game, although Prescott suffering a hamstring injury while using his legs would end up being the social-media punchline. And somewhere in an alternate reality, Rico Dowdle’s tip-drill touchdown catch was the kind of play to perhaps turn around a season on the brink. But fourth downs proved to be the death knell for Dallas, both on offense and defense, and provided much of the bad and the ugly that summed up this contest. When the chains had to be moved or a stop had to be made- when it mattered the most– the Cowboys simply didn’t have what was required. It was the story of Week 9… and could end up being a summary of the season. Here’s our look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Dirty Bird defeat. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Good: Cowboys get doubly lucky on Dowdle’s TD grab Dowdle’s third touchdown reception of the season was one he’ll remember. The running back kept himself open for a scrambling Dak Prescott and then, while falling, tapped the ball into the air once and then twice before it it dropped into his grasp as he lay on the Mercedes-Benz end-zone turf. It made for a nice capper on Dowdle’s day: 12 carries for 75 yards to lead the team and five receptions on six targets for 32 yards and the highlight-reel score. But the juggling circus catch required more than just a fortuitous bounce or two of the ball. Replays show that left tackle Tyler Guyton could have easily been called for a hold on (and subsequent takedown of) Falcons lineman Grady Jarrett. That he wasn’t- given Guyton’s penalty proclivity- and the touchdown was allowed to stand was about the only bit of good luck Dallas had on the day. Bad: 4th-down defense’s open-door policy The Cowboys defense is scaring absolutely no one, not even when it’s do-or-die. Dallas opponents have attempted to convert on fourth down a staggering 16 times though eight games, and they’ve been successful on better than two out of every three attempts. Faced with a 4th-and-4 just past midfield in the first quarter, the Falcons never hesitated on the call and picked up 10 yards with ease. (They were already lining up to go for it when Jourdan Lewis needed an extra moment after third down.) So when they came up against 4th-and-3 on their next possession, it was a no-brainer. The Cowboys needed a timeout- this time to let a dinged-up Trevon Diggs gather himself- and when Atlanta finally snapped the ball, they pounced. Diggs got caught up in horrible position, giving up a 36-yard walk-in touchdown to Darnell Mooney. Atlanta was a perfect 2-for-2 on 4th downs on Sunday. Ugly: Terrible fake punt fails, nearly backfires big-time Less than two minutes into the second half, instead of marching downfield to take the lead, the ineffective Cowboys were already staring at fourth down from inside their own 40. Yet special teams coordinator John Fassel dialed up a fake. Punter Bryan Anger wound up and lobbed a painfully long throw outside the numbers to C.J. Goodwin, who had fallen down on his route. The ball hit Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks right in the hands; he would have likely had a pick-six had he held onto it. (As it was, Atlanta went on to score a touchdown on their short-field possession.) Fassel revealed Monday that he was the one who recommended the fake- over Mike McCarthy’s call for a punt- and inexplicably said he doesn’t regret the decision. Good: Dak finding his legs again (until…) The easy punch line was there for the taking as soon as Prescott’s hamstring injury was announced. Yes, Cowboys fans had been pleading with the quarterback to get back to using his legs to make plays, especially this year with the running backs struggling. He finally did on Sunday… and boom. But the unfortunate injury came as the 31-year-old was evading a sack, not taking off on some half-baked naked bootleg or trying to hero-race a track-star DB downfield to the pylon instead of just stepping out safely. It could have happened even without a “run, Dak, run” element to the gameplan. And up until the otherwise routine Kaden Elliss sack, Prescott was making renewed and excellent use of his wheels. He ended the day with just just three carries for 30 yards, but his 22-yarder midway through the second quarter was the team’s longest of 2024. It was fun while it lasted. Sigh. Bad: 4th-down offense is, in fact, offensive There’s aggressive playcalling… and then there are just dumb play calls. The Cowboys manage to do both with regularity when it’s fourth down. The team has gone for it 17 times this season; only four clubs have gone for more. But Dallas has converted just 35% of those tries; that ranks 27th out of the league’s 32 teams. The Cowboys were a dreadful 1-of-5 on fourth-down attempts versus the Falcons, but none (not even the atrocious fake punt) was more embarrassing than CeeDee Lamb’s jet sweep that crashed and burned for a three-yard loss. The play call fooled no one- especially the Atlanta defense- and it not only wasted the Cowboys’ sole takeaway of the day, it set up Kirk Cousins & Co. at midfield, giving them a head start on a touchdown drive that stretched their lead to double digits. Ugly: The wrong kind
