Tag: 2023 Week 18

Cowboys Twitter reacts to NFL removing Dak Prescott from FedEx Air ballot

The NFL initially thought Dak Prescott’s performance was worthy of accolade, but removed him from the poll. Cowboys Nation was not happy.

If Dak Prescott gets inspired by slights, real or perceived, the world certainly keeps providing him ammunition. After a season where risky passes, wideout mistakes and tip drills led to an uncharacteristic 15 interceptions in just 12 games, Prescott vowed to stay aggressive but limit the turnovers.

He did that and more, turning in a campaign that is worthy of MVP accolades. That was cemented by his Week 18 performance. Prescott shook off his ninth interception of the season and proceeded to finish with 279 passing yards and four touchdown passes before being lifted midway through the fourth quarter.

It was certainly one of the best performances of the weekend and the NFL knew this, putting him up for FedEx Air player of the week. For a stretch. Inexplicably, the NFL took Prescott off the ballot after fans had begun voting, and replaced him with Josh Allen.

Allen, whose Buffalo Bills scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Miami and take the AFC East title, had 359 passing yards. He also only had two touchdown passes which were matched by two interceptions. Allen also lost a fumble on a strip sack in Miami territory.

What reason did whatever NFL division responsible for the weekly award have for changing the roster? Cowboys Nation certainly had their own takes, and responded on Twitter accordingly.

Studs and duds in Cowboys’ NFC East clinching 38-10 Week 18 win

The studs on offense led the way for the Dallas Cowboys in their 38-10 NFC East clinching win over the Washington Commanders in Week 18. | From @BenGrimaldi

The Dallas Cowboys had one mission in Week 18, to leave Washington D.C. with a win and the NFC East title. Mission accomplished as the Cowboys routed the Washington Commanders in a 38-10 win that secured the team’s second division title in the last three years.

They took a little bit of time to get going, but a barrage that started late in the second quarter saw the Cowboys assert their dominance and blow out the Commanders behind a complete team effort. In a rivalry matchup, Mike McCarthy had to know his team would get everything the Commanders had in what was likely Ron Rivera’s last game with the team, and Dallas withstood the aggressive approach to pull away for the victory.

It was another great performance for the offense, while the defense got three more turnovers to guide the Cowboys. Here are the studs and duds from an NFC East clinching win for the Cowboys in Week 18.

Brandon Aubrey passes greatest test of the season in Cowboys Week 18 win

From @ReidDHanson: Brandon Aubrey might have had his worst game as an NFL kicker, but he fought back and passed his biggest test yet for the Cowboys.

Brandon Aubrey had the perfect season nearly locked up. Through 16 games he was a flawless 35-for-35 on field goals. The rookie was nine-for-nine from 50+ yards. He was perfect in routine and clutch situations alike. He even set the record in touchbacks in a single season.

All he needed was to keep doing what he was doing in Week 18, and his season would go down as arguably the greatest ever. Then he went 0-2. After a blocked kick and a 36-yard miss basically kneecapped his perfect year, Aurbey’s dream season turned into a nightmare scenario.

Just one year ago, Brett Maher was also arguably the best kicker in the NFL. He was a league leader in FG%, a touchback king, and had more clutch moments than a 1982 Datsun with a 5-speed transmission (but in a good way). Until he wasn’t.

In 2022’s Week 18 against Washington, Maher took his first true misstep of the season by missing a routine extra point. With no other field goal attempts or extra points on the day, it’s how he concluded the regular season. In case the memories that followed that moment have been subconsciously repressed, allow me to recap: Maher went on to miss five of the next six extra point attempts in the postseason.

With no physical aliment to point to, it was clear the “yips” had officially set in for the Cowboys kicker. Maher never regained the trust of his ballclub and his career with the Cowboys effectively came to an end after that.

As crazy as it sounds, being an NFL kicker is less about physical ability and more about mental fortitude. Standing on the sideline for 97.2% of a game has a way of getting into an athlete’s head. There’s no amount of sideline net kicking or weekly mojo moments that can make up for it. There are quite literally thousands of soccer players physically capable of handling kicker duties, but until they feel the pressure of the moment and have to bounce back after a miss, no one knows how capable they really are in the NFL.

It’s a situation the Cowboys and Aubrey almost entered the postseason completely untested in. Until Week 18 against the Commanders, of course.

While Aubrey would have probably preferred to end the season with perfection, the Cowboys are probably happy he slipped. Because before the game ended, Aubrey drilled a 50-yarder, burying his previous failures and putting the thought of the “yips” behind him.

Aubrey showed he’s capable of bouncing back. It’s something Maher never could and a sign Aubrey’s for real. While everyone will likely still be holding their breath on his first postseason kick, the Week 18 miss(es) is possibly the best thing that could have happened to Aubrey. He showed resiliency and fortitude. Everyone already knew he was elite physically. By bouncing back, he showed he’s also elite mentally.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

CeeDee Lamb moves way up the NFL record books

From @Cdburnett7: Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s hot streak continued in Week 18 as he moved up the NFL record books in single-season receiving yards.

The records keep coming for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. After eclipsing Hall of Famer Michael Irvin’s single-season franchise marks for receptions and yards, he moved up the NFL records in Week 18.

Lamb came into the final regular season game with 1,651 receiving yards, which is No. 19 in league history. He proceeded to continue the season-long heater, making 13 catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the dominant 38-10 victory.

Sunday’s performance moves him up to 1,749 yards, which makes it the eighth-most receiving yards in a season in NFL history, according to Pro Football Reference. Some may put an asterisk since it came in 17 games, but it’s the new norm. And with the way the Cowboys have buried games early and often this season, the numbers could be higher.

On top of that impressive mark, Lamb added to the record books in other ways during the Dallas victory.

Lamb’s fourth season has proved to be his best, and there is no doubt that he’s one of the league’s finest receivers. The momentum continues for the Cowboys No. 1 receiver as the team awaits their wild card matchup in AT&T Stadium as the No. 2 seed.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

WATCH: Cowboys pile on as Parsons sets new career high

From @Cdburnett7: The Cowboys piled on Washington in Week 18 as Micah Parsons set a new career high in sacks, with 14 on the year.

The first two seasons of Micah Parsons’ career, the Dallas Cowboys pass rusher finished just short of 14 sacks: 13 as a rookie, then 13.5 in his second season as a pro. While no one doubts his impact, Parsons made a point to get over that numerical hump in Week 18 vs. the Commanders.

During the lead-up to the season finale, Parsons spoke to media about his sack total and gave his two cents about sitting at 13 with a game to play. A Defensive Player of the Year contender, he’s setting the bar extremely high for himself.

Parsons is a man of his word, and the statement “it’s coming” rang true during the third quarter in Washington. He beat his matchup on the edge, as he often does, but he wasn’t held this time and took down quarterback Sam Howell for sack No. 14 on the season.

The celebration was on in the moment as Parsons set a new record for himself. Just moments later, the Cowboys special teams added to the flame with a blocked punt by tight end Peyton Hendershot.

Three plays later, quarterback Dak Prescott completed the play that has become clockwork for Dallas. He sailed a pass straight into the hands of wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who ran the corner route to perfection again for a touchdown.

This was once just a 10-7 Commanders lead in the second quarter, but 28 unanswered from the Cowboys have all but secured the NFC East title for America’s Team.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore questionable to return with shoulder injury

From @Cdburnett7: The Cowboys veteran cornerback went to the locker room in Washington after suffering a right arm injury during the 2nd quarter in Week 18.

It’s a slugfest at FedEx Field as the Dallas Cowboys are trying to secure the NFC East crown, along with the No. 2 seed in the conference. The cornerback room has battled through a key injury this season, and now it may have lost another key piece.

Stephon Gilmore dove to make a play on the ball late in the first half and went down awkwardly on his shoulder before it appeared to make contact with Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Following the play, Gilmore stayed down before gingerly walking to the sideline holding his left arm. After being evaluated by the Cowboys trainers, he was led to the locker room while keeping the arm very still.

Right after his walk to the locker room, Dallas announced that he is questionable to return to the game with a shoulder injury. (Update: Gilmore was reported as out by Fox’s Erin Andrews shortly after the third quarter got underway. He was later seen on the sideline with his arm in a sling.)

The addition of Gilmore gave Dallas a massive boost in the secondary and second life after Trevon Diggs’ season ended prematurely. Initial reaction didn’t look good for Gilmore, and his status is very important for the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

WATCH: Dak Prescott perfect on opening TD drive

From @Cdburnett7: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott marched down the field against the Commanders with a perfect touchdown drive.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s strong season isn’t slowing down in the final week of the regular season. In front of a crowd full of blue at FedEx Field, Dallas got off to a quick defensive start with a fourth-down stop, thanks to Damone Clark.

Prescott took the reins after the quick change and was a perfect 6-for-6 to open the game. The drive was eight plays, all gainers as he threw for 57 yards on the 67-yard scoring drive. It was capped off by wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who received a perfect pass from Prescott under duress for his first second touchdown as a pro.

That’s passing touchdown No. 33, the current league leader. This game is crucial with an NFC East title on the line, and Prescott’s excellence alongside the Cowboys offense led to an early 7-0 lead on the road.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Week 18 Inactives: Martin, Smith out as Hankins makes return

From @Cdburnett7: The Cowboys are without starting linemen Zack Martin and Tyler Smith in Week 18, while Jonathan Hankins returns. The Commanders are thin.

The Dallas Cowboys can secure the NFC East title with a win over Washington, but it’ll have to be done without two of its best up front. Starting left guard Tyler Smith is out after the plantar fascia tear he suffered in Week 17. TJ Bass took the first-team reps during the week and he’ll start at FedEx Field.

All-Pro right guard Zack Martin is also a surprise inactive after an illness has swept through Dallas yet again. That leaves a void in both guard spots for the Cowboys to work through on the road. The good news for Week 18 comes on the defensive front as Johnathan Hankins makes his return from a knee and ankle injury.

For the Washington Commanders, the biggest absence is two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. He’s been dealing with a knee injury, and Washington also put three players on IR during the week leading up. Cornerback Kendall Fuller was among that group. Starting safety Kam Curl is also inactive.

Cowboys-Commanders kicks off with a chance for Dallas to secure the divisional title at 3:25 p.m., televised on FOX. Here’s a look at the full list of inactives before the matchup.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Is Michael Gallup’s shrinking role something that needs fixing?

What has been Michael Gallup’s main issue in 2023 and can the Cowboys justify giving him more targets going forward? | From @ReidDHanson

Michael Gallup has been the subject of much criticism this season for Dallas. The homegrown WR has struggled to regain form following a 2021 knee injury, and by most accounts failed to live up to his five-year/$57,500,000 contract signed in the 2022 offseason.

Gallup began the 2023 season as the Cowboys WR3. Dallas traded for the veteran Brandin Cooks to offer complementary speed to CeeDee Lamb’s presence and seemed lucky to have a WR of Gallup’s talent playing a tertiary role. But early struggles by Gallup led to a more diminished role as the Cowboys began incorporating second year player Jalen Tolbert and the explosive KaVontae Turpin into the offense.

Since the win against Philadelphia in Week 14, Gallup has only seen a total of three targets. Last week against Detroit he didn’t log a single target. The issue sparked a conversation with Mike McCarthy regarding ball distribution.

“One of the biggest things I tried to emphasis again today is we got to get our ball distribution up,” McCarthy said. “It’s not where it needs to be the last three weeks.”

Coming off a game where Lamb posted 13 receptions for 227 yards, ball distribution is an understandable concern. Then again, which one of those balls would be better served going elsewhere? The reason Lamb is getting so many opportunities with the ball is because he gets open and makes the most of those plays.

With 20 of 68 targets qualifying as contested, Gallup has had struggled with separation in 2023. And with only seven completions in that group of 20 contested catches, he doesn’t have the most inspiring success rate. He doesn’t always power back to the ball and shield off more aggressive defenders, resulting in close calls and even interceptions (two interceptions when targeting Gallup in 2023).

As the Cowboys contemplate Michael Gallup’s reduced role in 2023 and his subsequent decline in targets, they should keep in mind Jake Ferguson’s sudden rise on offense. Both Ferguson and Lamb lead their respective NFL position groups in red zone targets this season. And recently Cooks has become a top red zone target of Prescott as well. With so many balls going to players who are actually open, it’s hard to justify a more even distribution of balls going to Gallup.

At the end of the day the Cowboys are best served with a less predictable and more balanced distribution. Teams will try to take Lamb away in the postseason and it will be up to the others to make them pay. But if Gallup can’t get separation downfield, there’s no reason to target him over Tolbert, Turpin or Ferguson.

[affilatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

How the Cowboys can leave D.C. as winners going into the playoffs

The Cowboys can accomplish these goals to be victorious in the Commander’s house. | From @cdpiglet

The Dallas Cowboys officially broke the Jimmy Johnson Ring-of-Honor curse, which immediately seemed to have an advantageous impact. Not only did the Detroit Lions fool the referees in the game to aid a Cowboys victory, but the Philadelphia Eagles were upset at home by the Arizona Cardinals. This allowed Dallas to control the outcome of the division and the twoseed in the NFC playoffs.

The task isn’t complete, though. The Cowboys still need to go on the road and beat a division rival in cold weather conditions. Road games have been a Dallas issue this season; add cold weather and a FedEx Field venue that’s proven difficult in the Dak Prescott era, and this win is no guarantee.

The Cowboys have the second-most Pro Bowl selections of NFC teams, with seven. Their QB is a top MVP candidate; they have possibly the best receiver in the NFC and two top defensive player of the year candidates. The team needs to show up, handle business, and accomplish some tasks in the game to get a victory, plus a few things to be ready for a playoff run.