Tag: 2023 Dallas Cowboys

MVP? All-Pro? Narratives unfairly marring Prescott’s incredible 2023

The MVP debate might be dead in the water, but there is little argument to keep Dak Prescott off the All-Pro team. | From @cdpiglet

Dak Prescott ascended to another level under Mike McCarthy’s direct attention in 2023. The eight-year veteran had an MVP-caliber season for the Dallas Cowboys, and although Lamar Jackson will likely win the award, Prescott deserves votes to acknowledge his high level of play. Jackson had a great season as the most valuable player to the team with the league’s best record, and he ended the year helping blow out the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins.

The case for someone other than Prescott to be MVP is at least fair, but what is inarguable is that Prescott was an All-Pro this season. The case is even better for the Dallas Cowboys QB to be a first-team All-Pro over his MVP case, but what isn’t in doubt is that Prescott was one of the two best quarterbacks in the 2023 season.

This article will break down his case. It will examine how Prescott performed compared to other candidates like Jackson, Brock Purdy, and Josh Allen. It will go over the stats and the analytics and even break down the narratives that typically follow a QB who plays for the most discussed franchise in sports. Prescott will be an All-Pro. Here is the case to be made.

7 Linebacker additions to help with Cowboys with the home stretch

The Cowboys could use some linebacker help heading into the playoffs. Here’s a look at who is available. | From @ArmyChiefW3

The debate was settled when Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons effectively told everyone that he would be crowding the line of scrimmage, instead of the Twitter-induced idea of playing off-the-ball linebacker. Parsons leads or is near the top in almost every statistical category yet the knee-jerk reaction to switching positions set the world on fire after a poor run-defense game against Buffalo.

With Parsons cemented as a pass rusher, it still doesn’t solve the Cowboys issue at their thinning linebacker group. The return of Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins from a high ankle sprain would certainly help but he didn’t suit up against Miami and is questionable a week later for the tilt against Detroit.

Dallas entered the season light at the position and made some head-scratching moves that placed them in the spot they are in now. To supplement the lack of depth, the Cowboys utilized safeties to help stabilize their issues. While it may be easy for some to just say “go get a guy,” the guys available may come with issues of their own.

Cowboys News: Power rankings, player performances, Parsons perplexed

The Cowboys newest Power Rankings are out, Parsons personal foul explained, and the potential return of Tyron Smith. | From @ArmyCheifW3

Back-to-back losses has the fan base preparing for a wild card weekend away from AT&T Stadium where the Cowboys have enjoyed a massive home-field advantage. The first step in playing host during at least a portion of the playoffs starts with defeating a team whose recent success makes them easy to root for. Find out where the next Cowboys opponent ranks on the latest power rankings.

A look at individiual performances in the loss to the Dolphins reveals which Dallas players were a gift against Miami or a lump of coal. Speaking of unwanted gifts, the explanation Cowboys All Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons received this holiday had him feeling like the Grinch.

Winning on both sides of the line of scrimmage will be the key to beating a motivated Lions team in Week 17. Will Dallas have their starting offensive line against Detroit or will the Cowboys be shorthanded? All that and more in this edition of Cowboys News and Notes.

Cowboys News: Parsons’ proper position? Aiden Diggs’ proposition, prep for ‘Phins opposition

A Micah Parsons position change, a lengthy injury report, and a Miami Dolphins Preview.

A segment of Cowboys fans continue to believe star pass rusher Micah Parsons would help the Dallas defense if he were to make a switch back to linebacker, but how realistic is that move? A bad day at the office last week has made fans turn and look to see if any names on the open market would be a good fit. Also, a lengthy injury report on the first day of practice in preparation for Miami causes concern.

After every loss by a contending team, someone will create the narrative that a blueprint for success is now on film. While it may take some teams longer to adjust to how teams are playing them, squads with high hopes usually find a way around their newest obstacles.

As Dallas prepares to face a track team on grass, their opponent is asking for help from their fans. Also in this edition of Cowboys news and notes, the anniversary of the Cowboys former stomping grounds, Aaiden Diggs speaks, and major takeaways from the Bills loss.

Cowboys News: Another player of the week, a big opportunity, and a trip to Brazil?

The Cowboys can clinch a playoff spot while their defense can earn a triple crown. The latest news and notes, from @ArmyCheifW3

To the victor goes the spoils as another league award has been earned b a Dallas player. Although this is not as big as Andrew Jackson’s election win in 1828, the Cowboys have been piling up the hardware en route to what has been a fantastic season. Before people start making postseason arrangements, a few things have to fall in the Cowboys favor to clinch a spot in the postseason.

Part of the reason the Cowboys have been so successful this season is that they own a very good turnover ratio. In fact, it is so good that a crown awaits if they can keep up the pace. Speaking of crowns, the NFL is looking to further its reach and of course Dallas is part of the conversation.

Lastly, the injury to defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins isn’t as significant as originally believed yet he may still miss some time. That should open up opportunities for a couple of guys who have yet to make their mark in this league. That and much more in this version of Cowboys news and notes.

 

Cowboys News: Emergency surgery, Eagles reinforcements, first wave of Pro Bowl voting

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has emergency surgery while Peyton Hendershot is being activated from injured reserve and back onto the 53-man roster. | From @ArmyChiefW3

A busy news day taught everyone they shouldn’t ignore signs from their bodies, no matter how important the task at hand. By being proactive, the Cowboys have a chance to still have their head coach on the sidelines Sunday. The team also welcomed back a familiar face to the 53-man roster who could open things up even more for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The signing of Shaq Leonard isn’t the only addition Philadelphia will have on Sunday night but is that enough to stop a disturbing trend for them? As for Dallas, the health of their roster is surprising this late in the season. Speaking of a late season, the NFL released the Pro Bowl van voting numbers and more than a handful of Cowboys lead their position groups. All that and more on this edition of Cowboys news and notes.

Cowboys activate one tight end, send another to IR

The Cowboys activated tight end Peyton Hendershot from injured reserve just before the expiration of his 21-day window. | From @ArmyChiefW3

Dallas has activated tight end Peyton Hendershot before his 21-day practice window expired. Hendershot was placed on injured reserve on October 12 after dealing with an ankle injury. He missed six games in total, but is now ready to return.

To make room for him on the 53-man roster, the Cowboys placed tight end Sean McKeon, who ironically replaced Hendershot in mid-October, on IR. McKeon failed to record a catch in nine games this season.

What was supposed to be a breakout season for the so-called “four horsemen” turned into an injury-riddled season that has since become a one-man show. In 17 games last season, Hendershot caught 11 passes for 103 yards and two scores. With only one catch on the season, it’s left the majority of the load for Cowboys starting tight end Jake Ferguson.

Ferguson has been phenomenal over the last month, earning his way into the discussion of the second tier of league tight ends. He’s emerged as a true weapon for the Cowboys during Prescott’s magical run.

While his statistics aren’t eye-popping, the addition of Hendershot should only strengthen what has become one of the most dangerous passing teams throughout the league.

 

 

Aaron Rodgers: Brady isn’t talking about Dak Prescott when he says NFL is mediocre

In talking about Prescott’s “Here We Go” cadence, Rodgers takes some time to identify how well Prescott’s playing currently, detailing all he does. | From @ArmyChiefW3

Injured New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had a bit more time to watch what has been transpiring around the NFL and apparently, he is a big fan of how Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing.

In his weekly appearance on the Pat Macafee Show, the conversation came to the changes in signal caller cadence. Prescott has been the talk of the town since his “Here We Go!” cadence was brought to the third-largest audience in NFL history on Thanksgiving. Rodgers took the opportunity in discussing this to share his thoughts about Prescott’s play in 2023 and how Tom Brady’s criticism of the quality in the NFL certainly couldn’t include Prescott.

Rodgers suggests Prescott gets more criticism because he plays for the Cowboys. His breakdown of how Prescott takes control of protection along with his own assignments is impressive.

Prescott is currently second in passing touchdowns with 23, and sixth in passing yards with 2,935. He is one of two quarterbacks in the NFL with a 70 percent completion percentage or above.

Breaking: Cowboys finally adding coach Jimmy Johnson to Ring of Honor

Johnson will finally see his name among the legends of the franchise at AT&T Stadium. | From @ArmyChiefW3

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will finally induct former Dallas head coach Jimmy Johnson into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Never to shy away from a spotlight, the announcement was made on the FOX NFL Sunday pregame show much like Johnsons’ announcement to the Hall of Fame.

Johnson will be honored at halftime against the Detroit Lions on December 30 after winning two Super Bowl victories with the team.

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Johnson will be the 24th Cowboy inducted and the second player this season. Former pass rusher DeMarcus Ware was added to the exclusive club earlier in the 2023 season.

The public outcry for Johnson’s being left out of this exclusive club began to grow but this announcement corrects what many believed was a disservice to his contributions to this team. Johnson helped turn the Cowboys from a laughing stock to a perennial powerhouse quickly.

He can now add Cowboys Ring of Honor member to his list of accomplishments.

Cowboys News: New jersey numbers, new ROH member, new beginning for Cooks?

Kicker Brandon AUbrey on the verge of breaking an NFL record. DeMarcus Ware to be inducted into the Cowboys RIng of Honor. Cornerback Trevon Diggs undergoes successful knee surgery.

The Cowboys returned to practice Wednesday which was their first since breaking for the bye week. The extra time off appeared to come at the right time as the first injury report of the week came with great news. There were a few new faces that graced the hallways and practice fields in Frisco and now we know what they’ll look like on the field.

While Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs underwent successful knee surgery on Tuesday, another former Dallas great, Demarcus Ware, checked off what is probably his final accomplish on his lengthy Hall of Fame list. An NFL record is in jeopardy  this weekend by a Cowboys player many had doubts about to begin the season. A run game boost, a wideout who could use one too and much more in the latest edition of News and Notes.