Cowboys News: Dalton embraces backup role, 2020 schedule to start with NFC-AFC games?

The QB hierarchy in Dallas is clear, while rumors swirl about the 2020 schedule and the Hall of Fame Game, plus more on this year’s rookies.

Cowboys Nation is still feeling the afterschocks of the weekend deal that brought quarterback Andy Dalton to Dallas and effectively rocked the league. But the doom-and-gloom conspiracy theorists who assumed the signing meant discord with Dak Prescott are slowly being talked off their ledge. On Wednesday, both the team’s executive VP and the player himself acknowledged that Dalton’s role will, in fact, be as Prescott’s understudy.

Be on the lookout for which leaks and rumors you believe regarding tomorrow night’s release of the 2020 schedule, but one trusted NFL insider says things may start with a straight month of interconference play, ostensibly slating the least important matchups first in case of a delayed start to the season. Even the Pro Football Hall of Fame is hedging their bets on their annual kickoff to the preseason. All that, plus still plenty of getting-to-know-you to do with the Cowboys’ current draft class as CeeDee Lamb, Bradlee Anae, and Ben DiNucci all make appearances in this edition of News and Notes.

Stephen Jones says Andy Dalton helps him sleep better :: NFL.com

The Cowboys executive VP says he was inspired to bring Andy Dalton on board by what he saw happen with an NFC East rival. “To have a guy like Andy Dalton come in here- not unlike what Philly had with Nick Foles when Carson Wentz went down- to be able to take control and win games, win huge games for you if that’s what you need is really important,” Jones said. “Certainly you can lay your head on the pillow better at night knowing you have someone like Andy Dalton.”

Andy Dalton ready to embrace life as a backup :: The Mothership

If called on to play in Dallas, the nine-year starter will be ready to go. But if all he does is wear a headset, the three-time Pro Bowler knows he’ll be in a good position come 2021. “Dak has played really well, and I knew the situation that I was coming into,” Dalton said. “I’m trying to set myself up and put myself in the best position for the second half of my career.”

Position Series: Quarterbacks :: The Mothership

Continuing a week-long exploration of each position group, the team website looks at how the allowance of two extra players on the game day roster may improve rookie Ben DiNucci’s chances of dressing on Sundays. The seventh-rounder’s personal connection to coach Mike McCarthy probably doesn’t hurt, either.

‘The Cowboys got a steal’: CeeDee Lamb’s former coaches, QB on Dallas’s top pick :: The Athletic

From his athleticism to his work ethic to his drive, rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been showing Sunday-caliber skills to everyone who’s been around him for his football life. But Lamb is also known as a guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Says a former coach, “I think CeeDee is going to put the world on notice. He’s going to be a little pissed because he knows he should’ve gone at least in the top 10.”

Cowboys rookie DE Bradlee Anae looks to channel ‘daredevil’ cliff-jumping spirit to wreck NFL games :: USA Today

In a Dallas locker room already full of colorful personalities, rookie Bradlee Anae should fit right in. Sure, the native Hawaiian cliff dives, but he also rocks out to Beethoven and Mozart before games, and works out religiously (even just hours after he was drafted) with his uncle, who happens to be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s stunt double.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame reportedly has contingency plans for the HOF game :: Blogging the Boys

The Cowboys and Steelers are set to renew their rivalry- even in an exhibition setting- on August 6 in Canton, Ohio. But if Hall of Fame ceremonies end up getting pushed back due to COVID-19, the game could be played later in August… or even to Easter 2021, if need be.

But, of course…

Cowboys shut out of PFF’s top 25 under 25, but young talent plentiful :: Cowboys Wire

Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and Blake Jarwin are too old to make this list, but the youth movement in Dallas should still prove to be very much alive and well in the hands of Tony Pollard, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb.

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