Cowboys News: McCarthy snaps, linebacker traps, most important stats

The Cowboy injury report, quotes from Mike McCarthy, and an opponent preview, as the Falcons are coming to Dallas in just a few short days.

The Dallas Cowboys have to quickly shake off a disappointing Week 1 performance, as Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons come to Dallas Sunday. Tyron Smith didn’t practice Thursday, and the last time Smith missed a game against the Falcons it cost Dallas the game. Luckily for Dallas, both Smith and star wideout Amari Cooper figure to take the field in full on Sunday.

There were positives and negatives to pull from the Cowboys season opener. Injuries to key starters mean the Cowboys will need a handful of players to step up in the absence of their teammates. Aldon Smith looked like the player he once was, a great sign for Dallas. Trevon Diggs impressed with his skills and athleticism. The Cowboys offense left fans wondering where the creative Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy we were all ready for went. Dallas has a chance to prove themselves against a less than stellar Falcons defense in Week 2.

Cowboys Mike McCarthy speaks to presnap motion, DBs Diggs, Lewis :: Cowboys Wire

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media Thursday. The Cowboys lack of pre-snap motion was a topic of concern. The Cowboys’ young secondary’s performance, specifically Trevon Diggs, was a positive point for McCarthy and company.

Injuries Force Cowboys To Regroup At Linebacker :: The Mothership

Linebacker quickly changed from a strength for the Dallas Cowboys, to one of the most pressing weaknesses on the whole team. Without signal callers Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith and Joe Thomas must step up like never before.

The most important Week 2 stat for each NFC East team: Cowboys’ is 41.7% :: Cowboys Wire

The NFC East week in stats is back. Regardless of team allegiance, be sure to click through to become a smarter football fan and learn why the Cowboys early-down passing numbers have a pattern under Kellen Moore.

Writer’s Blocks: Sometimes, Overreacting Is OK :: The Mothership

Cowboys staff writer David Helman delivers his most important observations of the Cowboys Week 1 game, and how he feels about the team moving forward.

Cowboys’ Smith misses practice with neck injury, Cooper limited ahead of Falcons :: Cowboys Wire

The Cowboys released their injury report Thursday. Tyron Smith and Amari Cooper were late-week additions who should have their status monitored until Sunday.

Cowboys’ Dak Prescott Says Having Fans at Home Opener Will Make ‘Big Difference’ :: Bleacher Report

Very few Week 1 NFL games were played with fans in attendance. The Cowboys Sunday afternoon showdown with the Falcons will have 25% capacity of fans, and Dak Prescott is excited to be able to play in front of the Cowboy faithful again.

Breaking down Aldon Smith’s Cowboys debut: ‘This guy might end up with 15 sacks’ :: The Athletic (paywall)

The star of Aldon Smith burned brighter than maybe anyone’s on Sunday night, and he hadn’t played in an NFL game since 2015. For those with an Athletic subscription here’s a look at his game in its entirety.

For those without, here’s his big plays cutup on Twitter.

Dallas Cowboys Week 2 opponent preview: Atlanta Falcons :: Blogging the Boys

Terence Watson of Blogging the Boys breaks down everything you need to know about the Cowboys Week 2 opponent, the Atlanta Falcons.

Cowboys Week 2 Player Power Rankings: LBs shuffle, couple guys duffled :: Cowboys Wire

KD Drummond’s player power rankings have some movers and shakers. Aldon Smith finds himself in the top 10, though he only had to climb three spots while another defender had the most precipitous drop of all. Click through to see the full list.

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