There’s no one inside the Dallas Cowboys organization that’s happy with how the 2019 season has played out. It’s been a year of miscues and misfires. It also isn’t too late to turn it around. Despite losing six of the last nine contests the end isn’t nigh for the Cowboys, although the team’ special team units are doing their best to bury a highly efficient offense.
There’s word of a fiery practice and a quarterback who’s done talking. There’s more contract talk surrounding wide receiver Amari Cooper and the playoff picture as it currently stands plus another look at just how poor the special teams has performed.
‘He’s going to start beating us’: Lesson from brothers fueling Cowboys QB Dak Prescott :: USA Today
Prescott isn’t shying away from the struggles in Dallas recently. He understands it and feeds off of it. He hates losing more than anything, stemming from a childhood of being the younger brother. In his own words, “Talk’s cheap. We’ve talked a lot and talked a bunch and gotten ourselves to right where we are.” Click through to read in detail what shaped Prescott’s mindset.
–TT
‘Angry’ Cowboys have ‘chippy’ practice Sunday; ‘No one’s happy, that’s for sure’ :: The Athletic
The Dallas Cowboys need an edge. Perhaps high expectations in the off-season led some to believe that getting to the playoffs was a guarantee. Whatever the reason, the Cowboys practice on Sunday was described by running back Ezekiel Elliott as “a little chippy.” Whatever it takes, honestly. This team is in control of their own destiny, and only a four game winning streak can avoid the worst NFC East divisional winner since the Washington Redskins in 2015.
–TT
Sando’s Pick Six: Can the Bills’ defense turn the tables on Lamar Jackson? :: The Athletic
If it’s not become clear to everyone following the Dallas Cowboys, it should have been long ago. This space has been harping on it relentlessly for weeks, but again for those in the back who may be new to the party: The Cowboys special teams unit is a train wreck. The Athletic’s Mike Sando broke it down like so:
Special teams comprise one big difference for these Cowboys vs. other Garrett-coached Dallas teams through 12 games. The 2019 special-teams units have cost Dallas about 30 points against expectation. That is the worst 12-game total for the Garrett-era Cowboys, by far. Only the Indianapolis Colts have been worse on special teams this season, at least by EPA.
It’s unlikely this gets fixed this season. The only hope going forward is avoiding a total meltdown that derails whatever’s left of the 2019 campaign.
–TT
2019 NFL playoff picture: AFC, NFC standings, seeds, scenarios and outlook in Week 13 :: ESPN
The goal at the beginning of every season is to win the division. Start there and worry about the playoffs as they come. The Cowboys are lucky enough to be in 2019 (and perhaps history’s) worst division. Dallas hasn’t been able to win a game against a team with a winning record, and yet, it might not ultimately matter. Two wins against divisional foes the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins is all it will take to make the playoffs. Of course, there’s other routes that are far more desirable. ESPN sums it up:
4. Dallas Cowboys (6-6)
The Cowboys owe a thank you to the Eagles, who gave up 37 points to the tanking Dolphins and lost on Sunday. In no other division would a 6-6 record put a team on track to host a playoff game. But that’s where the Cowboys find themselves, largely because the Eagles have lost three consecutive games. Dallas has yet to beat a team with a winning record this season (in five attempts) but could cruise into the playoffs by defeating the teams on its schedule that currently have losing records. But the Cowboys should be careful. The Eagles can overtake them by winning their remaining games, including a Week 16 game against the Cowboys. What a world.
–TT
Amari Cooper On Future: I Want To Be Here :: The Mothership
Amari Cooper isn’t going anywhere. The Cowboys don’t want him to leave and perhaps more importantly, Cooper doesn’t want to leave either. In a post practice locker room interview he had this simple message for those thinking he’s seeking greener pastures, “I want to be here. I just love this situation, my teammates. I just feel it’s the place for me.” What he brings to the table in Dallas is a bonafide No. 1 receiving option. He thrives with Dak Prescott and Prescott certainly thrives with him. Keeping those two together for as long as possible, especially after trading a first round pick is the only prudent move.
–TT
Mitchell Trubisky has regressed, but Bears defense has remained strong :: Cowboys Wire
A look into what has gone wrong with the Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in 2019. Perhaps opposing defenses caught on to the offense that head coach Matt Nagy is running out. Perhaps Trubisky was never any good and 2018 was a total mirage. Or perhaps it’s something else. Click through for the full details.
–TT
Garrett has Cowboys practicing outside to prep for Chicago cold :: Cowboys Wire
It is going to be cold in Chicago on Thursday night. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone given that it’s finally December, but the Cowboys were seemingly caught off guard by the elements in New England two weeks ago. Practicing outside doesn’t seem like a revelation by any stretch of the imagination, but in Dallas, it’s perhaps the most forward looking idea of the last month.
–TT
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