Category: 2021 season

Cowboys biggest advantage over 49ers may exist on special teams

The third phase of the game is going to be crucial in the contest and the Cowboys have a decided advantage when it comes to hidden yardage. | From @KDDrummondNFL

Football Outsiders’ DVOA metrics paint a picture of two teams with comparable offenses and defenses, but the Dallas Cowboys have a clear advantage when it comes to special teams. When the game kicks off on Sunday, Dallas will need to maintain said advantage over the San Francisco 49ers in order to emerge victorious in the wild-card round.

The Cowboys check in as the sixth-best team in special team’s DVOA, and to put how good their coverage and return units are, remember this takes into account Greg Zuerlein’s 12 missed kicks on the season. Dallas ranks 19th in FG/XP DVOA due to those errors, and their kickoffs aren’t great either, landing 19th again. but two units in particular push them back up the overall ranking.

Dallas ranks sixth in kickoff return and at the top of the league, first in punt and coverage. In plain terms, Dallas starts off with great field position after an opponent scores and when their drives fail, they tend to make the opponent travel long distances to get into scoring range.

On the flip side, San Francisco ranks a lowly 26th in special teams DVOA. They rank 15th in FG/XP, 29th in kickoffs, dead last in kickoff returns and 15th in punt returns. Their one strong quality on teams is their punt and coverage game, where they rank No. 5.

The 49ers are Pro Football Focus’ fifth-best team of 2021 (Dallas is second), according to their grading system. On a scale of 0-100 they grade out as a 92.0 score (Dallas is 92.8). On offense, San Francisco jumps up to No. 2 overall (Cowboys are No. 1 at 89.4) with a 86.3 grade.

On defense, the 49ers rank eighth at 73.3 with Dallas 12th at 69.3.

But on special teams SF is in the bottom third, sitting at 21st with a 76.8 grade while Dallas sits 15th at 83.3.

If Zuerlein isn’t missing kicks, the third phase seems to be a place Dallas can exact a considerable advantage.

Between their Pro Bowl punter in Brian Anger, their elite coverage unit led by C.J. Goodwin and big-play returners such as Tony Pollard and CeeDee Lamb, Dallas can influence field position even if they don’t get the big-play return.

Conversely, giving up a big special teams play has to be guarded against, as it’s an advantage Dallas can’t afford to relinquish. If two teams are rated equally in terms of offense and defense, then the hidden yardage aspect will be paramount to deciding who wins.

Dallas can’t afford to give that up in this win-or-stay-home contest on Sunday.

[listicle id=690899][listicle id=690831][lawrence-newsletter]

Cowboys’ Jayron Kearse activated off of COVID list Thursday

Prized free-agent signing Jayron Kearse returns to the Cowboys’ active roster after being activated from the Reserve/COVID list. | From @StarConscience

The NFL playoffs are here and the Dallas Cowboys are set to host the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round on Sunday. They got two key additions added back to their roster on Wednesday when linebacker Micah Parsons and left tackle Tyron Smith were activated off of the Reserve/COVID list.

Jayron Kearse tested positive for COVID last week and missed the Cowboys’ season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, much like Parsons and Smith, Kearse is vaccinated as was expected to be back for the playoffs.

That’s exactly what happened on Thursday when Kearse was activated from the COVID list.

Kearse was looked at as just a depth piece and special teams contributor when he was signed last March, but he changed that narrative very quickly. He had a fantastic season by leading the Cowboys and setting a career-high with 101 tackles (nine tackles for loss) and also set career highs in interceptions (2) and passes defended (10).

The former seventh-round pick has gained so much trust with the Cowboys’ coaching staff that he was given the green dot to take over play-calling duties for the aforementioned Parsons against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. It worked as the Cowboys picked up the win by limiting the Vikings to 16 points and converting just one of their 13 third-down attempts.

Cowboys’ head coach Mike McCarthy praised Kearse for how he handled the responsibility.

“There’s some game-planning components to it. We made the change. Micah was still a part of the rotation. But I thought Jayron did an excellent job with the communication,” McCarthy said. “He’s an excellent communicator. It was probably as clean as a performance as we’ve had.”

The safety position for the Cowboys has been a struggle to get correct in previous years. Kearse has brought stability to the position and has made himself a top priority free agent for Dallas in the offseason.

 

Advanced stats say surging 49ers present formidable foe for Cowboys

Cowboys scored over 100 more points and allowed less points than SF, but the 49ers hold a slight edge in key win indicators. @ProfessorO_NFL dives into DVOA, EPA, ANY/A and Toxicity.

The 2021 NFL regular season officially ended with the 12-5 Dallas Cowboys dominating the Philadelphia Eagles in a record-breaking night for quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys were short-handed due to injuries and COVID-19 cases but able to win on Saturday then watch to see if they could move up in NFC seeding. With the Seattle Seahawks beating the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers upsetting the Los Angeles Rams, the Cowboys were able to move from the four seed to the three and will have their sights on the 49ers this Sunday in the opening round of the playoffs.

The 49ers ended their season on a high with a come-from-behind victory. They finished the season third in their division with a 10-7 record but with the sixth seed. They will fly into Dallas with similar momentum as both teams have won four of their last five games.

This matchup features several intriguing storylines, however the one that is sure to garner a lot of attention will be the matchup of Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn facing off with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for Quinn’s Atlanta Falcons during their best days that included a trip to the Super Bowl. Their knowledge of each other’s schemes and thought processes presents an interesting meeting.

Each week we open up the Advanced Stat Notebook to analyze how each team ranks in EPA, DVOA, ANY/A and Toxic Differential. These four key metrics have a high correlation to win probability.

Cowboys News: Will McClay staying, Amari Cooper fined for violating COVID restrictions

The Cowboys have locked up their roster-building guru just ahead of the rebirth of a storied playoff rivalry. | From @StarConscience

Teams were certainly salivating about the possibility of snagging the Dallas Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel, Will McClay. However, the man who has built the Cowboys’ roster into one of the NFL’s best will be making personnel decisions for the foreseeable future in Dallas after reaching an agreement on a new deal. Wide receiver Amari Cooper has been seen at multiple sporting events recently without a mask, and since he’s unvaccinated, it will cost him.

Quarterback Dak Prescott torched the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18 and put his name in the Cowboys history books multiple times. However, his objective is to play at the highest level  when it matters most, the postseason. The Cowboys getting close to full strength, a look back at the storied playoff rivalry between Dallas and San Francisco, a game prediction, and more highlight the news and notes for Thursday.

 

How did our Saints bold predictions end up looking for 2021?

Jameis Winston to the Pro Bowl. Adam Trautman under 30 receptions. How did our 2021 bold predictions end up looking? Let’s check the hits and misses:

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”hHrTxwEH48-1724753-7498″]

We put together a list of bold predictions for the New Orleans Saints in 2021, but now that their season is in the books how do those calls look in hindsight? Were we on the mark or way off base? Let’s run through the list, check the receipts, and find out how many hits and misses we came away with:

Cowboys News: Slowing Samuel, reaching full strength, ratings dominance

The Cowboys getting the reinforcements ready, key matchups and “America’s Team” dominating the ratings yet again. The countdown to Sunday is on. | From @CDBurnett7

Four days before the Cowboys’ wild-card matchup with the 49ers, Dallas is welcoming back some of their biggest pieces in left tackle Tyron Smith and linebacker Micah Parsons, who added to “The Lion” lore in his press conference. Quarterback Dak Prescott earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his five-touchdown performance and he’ll look to carry the momentum into the playoffs with his team near full strength.

On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco WR Deebo Samuel poses a big challenge but Dan Quinn has a gameplan ready that could include extra playing time for physical rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph to make sure the San Francisco receiver doesn’t get loose with the football in his hands. The Cowboys dominated the TV ratings again in 2021 and it should be the sam for Sunday’s matchup that features imperative physical matchups for Dallas to extend their season into the divisional round.

Injury report: Cowboys near full strength; 49ers’ LT misses practice

Several Cowboys came off COVID, injury, or illness on Wednesday; only Jayron Kearse and Nahshon Wright were absent for the day’s work. | From @ToddBrock24f7

After a Week 18 trip to Philadelphia that saw several Cowboys starters stay back in Dallas or otherwise miss the regular-season finale with COVID, illness, or injury, the team looks to be nearing full strength just in time for Sunday’s first-round playoff game versus San Francisco.

Safety Jayron Kearse is the only Cowboys player from last week’s rash of Reserve/COVID adds to still be on the list Wednesday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy in his midweek press conference. Kearse did not practice with the team, but is expected back on Thursday.

Several others were activated from the COVID protocol on Wednesday, including left tackle Tyron Smith, who was limited in the day’s session.

Linebacker Micah Parsons also returned from the COVID list. He told reporters after Wednesday’s practice about his experience with the virus.

“Some fatigue, muscle ache, sore throat, some congestion,” Parsons described. “I think from a standpoint of a comeback, I feel great. I had a whole bunch of rest. I had an extra bye week some of the guys didn’t get. So I feel refreshed. I liked how I played off my last bye week [Week 8 against Minnesota], so hopefully we can follow up with that.”

Linebacker Francis Bernard also returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity after being out with COVID.

Cornerback Nahshson Wright did not practice Wednesday for personal reasons, the Cowboys reported.

Running back Tony Pollard, who sat out Week 18 with a foot injury, was a full participant Wednesday, a good sign for the speedy threat.

Tight end Sean McKeon, safety Israel Mukuamu, and linebacker Keanu Neal were all limited, according to the day’s practice report.

Of note, cornerback Trevon Diggs was not on the injury report after missing Week 18 with an illness.

Tight ends coach Lunda Wells was also in COVID protocol as of McCarthy’s Wednesday briefing. “Actually, I think he’s testing today. He may be back today or tomorrow,” the coach said. “Other than that, we’re 100 percent.”

In a final bit of roster maneuvering, the Cowboys placed third-string quarterback Will Grier on injured reserve. Ben DiNucci moves up from the practice squad to be the backup to backup Cooper Rush.

For the visiting 49ers, star offensive tackle Trent Williams missed Wednesday’s work session with an elbow sprain. He missed the team’s season-closer dealing with the same injury, but head coach Kyle Shanahan says he’s hoping Williams will be able to play Sunday.

Veteran tight end George Kittle was given a veteran’s day off, while quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was limited with a chipped bone in his thumb. Both are expected to play in Dallas.

San Francisco running back Elijah Mitchell did not practice; linebackers Dre Greenlaw, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Marcell Harris, safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Jaquiski Tartt, and punter Mitch Wishnowsky were all expected to be limited.

[listicle id=690791]

[listicle id=690670]

[listicle id=690649]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, Tyron Smith activated off of COVID list

Micah Parsons and Tyron Smith missed the Cowboys’ season finale but have been activated off of the Reserve/COVID list. | From @StarConscience

When the Dallas Cowboys entered their season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, they were without several key starters. Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons and left tackle Tyron Smith didn’t make the trip due to landing on the Reserve/COVID list.

Being that both players are vaccinated, they were fully expected to be ready for the Cowboys’ playoff matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, both players were activated off of the COVID list and will practice on Wednesday.

The former Penn State Nittany Lion has been everything the Cowboys’ defense could have asked for and more. Parsons finished with 84 tackles (20 tackles for loss), 13 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and three passes defended. He became just the third player over the last 15 seasons to register 80 tackles and 30 quarterback hits joining 2022 Hall of Fame finalist DeMarcus Ware and J.J. Watt.

Parsons is a virtual lock to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and is one of the top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s been impactful as an edge rusher and an off-the-ball linebacker with his sideline to sideline speed and ability to play the run. He took over 400 snaps at linebacker, over 300 as a defensive lineman, nearly 30 at cornerback, and even lined up at safety which speaks to his incredible versatility.

Smith has had a rollercoaster 11th campaign in the NFL. He vowed in the offseason that he would play all 17 games, but unfortunately, he missed significant time for the sixth consecutive year. However, when he’s played, Smith has been one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL this season when it comes to run-blocking and pass-blocking grades according to Pro Football Focus.

The Cowboys haven’t had their starting five offensive linemen in unison that much in 2021 so getting Smith back in time for the playoffs is crucial for continuity purposes.

Parsons is the swiss army knife of the Cowboys’ defense and Smith is responsible for protecting the blind side of quarterback Dak Prescott. This makes both players essential to the Cowboys making a deep run in the playoffs, and that task gets off to a challenging start this Sunday when the 49ers come to town with a physical running game, multiple threats at wide receiver, and a formidable defensive front four.

Cowboys dominate TV ratings again, played in 5 of 10 most-watched games of 2021

America’s Team was must-see TV all season long; with the Cowboys appearing in the two most-watched games of the regular season. | From @ToddBrock24f7

This just in: the Dallas Cowboys are always must-see TV.

The NFL has released ratings information for the 2021 regular season, showing that the league enjoyed its highest overall viewership since 2015. An average of 17.1 million viewers per game tuned in, with a staggering total of 370 billion (yes, with a B) minutes consumed across the season.

And the Cowboys were once again a major draw. Of the ten most-watched games of the regular season, Dallas played in the top two and five of the top ten.

The Green Bay Packers appeared in three of the top ten games; Kansas City and Tampa Bay each played in two.

Thanksgiving Day’s overtime shootout between the Cowboys and Raiders was far and away the most-watched game of the season, attracting 40.8 million viewers. That was an especially big week for NFL ratings, as the game Dallas played against Kansas City just four days prior took the No. 2 spot with 28.7 million viewers.

The Cowboys also played in the sixth-, eighth-, and tenth-most watched contests of the 2021 campaign: Week 17 versus Arizona, Week 1 in Tampa Bay, and Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers (in that order).

Oddly enough, four of those games resulted in Cowboys losses.

The promise of close games tends to bring big ratings, and the NFL had plenty of those this season. According to the league, out of 272 total games:

  • 34 (12.5%) were decided by a game-winning score on the final play (1st all-time)
  • 49 (18%) were decided by a game-winning score in the final minute (tied, 1st all-time)
  • 175 (64%) were within one score (eight points) in the fourth quarter (tied, 4th all-time)

The Cowboys begin their postseason journey on Sunday in the late-afternoon slot in a home game against San Francisco. The eagerly-anticipated rematch of the two stored franchises will be broadcast on CBS by their top booth team, Jim Nantz and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Expect America’s Team to bring in monster numbers yet again.

[listicle id=690791]

[listicle id=690415]

[listicle id=690670]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Cowboys’ Dak Prescott named NFC Offensive Player of Week for 3rd time

The Cowboys wanted to build momentum for their offense heading into the playoffs. Prescott’s engine certainly got started in the best way. | From @StarConscience

The Dallas Cowboys decided to play their starters against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18. Not only did they win, 56-21, completing a sweep of the NFC East, but they moved up to the three seed in the playoffs thanks to the San Francisco 49ers, who the Cowboys will face on Sunday, defeating the Los Angeles Rams.

Quarterback Dak Prescott was the star of the night inside Lincoln Financial Field. After struggling for the majority of December, Prescott got his rhythm back by playing into the fourth quarter against the Eagles and threw five touchdown passes to secure his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor of the season which tied Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith (1992, 1995) for the most in one season in team history.

That wasn’t the only thing Prescott accomplished that night.

Prescott’s five touchdowns gave him 37 for the season which broke former Cowboys’ quarterback and CBS analyst Tony Romo’s record of 36 set back in 2007.

The extra time Prescott put in with his wide receivers recently has paid off. In the final three games of the season, Prescott threw 12 touchdowns without an interception while averaging 283 passing yards a game.

While all of this is impressive, it won’t matter without Prescott performing on this highest level in the playoffs and giving the Cowboys a legitimate shot to win their sixth Lombardi trophy.

[vertical-gallery id=690615][listicle id=690791][lawrence-newsletter]