The Cowboys’ franchise quarterback spoke out about police violence and the current protests taking place in cities across the country, despite his team holding its collective tongue. Hall of Famer Michael Irvin also weighed in with a sobering personal perspective.
More than one media member has issued an epic missive on the merits of paying one Rayne Dakota Prescott. Another put Prescott on a list of best quarterbacks under pressure. Elsewhere on the field, there’s a closer look at this year’s special teams unit and a position-by-position breakdown of the defense. Also, power rankings from Peter King, an all-time Cowboys all-star team, and the ten guys competing to be Cowboys Nation’s next “pet cat.” That’s all included in this latest edition of News and Notes.
Prescott speaks out as Cowboys org remains silent on George Floyd protests :: Cowboys Wire
Regarding the recent events that have gripped the country and sent citizens into the streets in a clarion call for change, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office have yet to show where they stand. But their presumptive starting quarterback has. Despite being currently without a contract or a long-term commitment from his team, Dak Prescott has pledged one million dollars in support of police training, education, and advocacy – mentioned in that order.
.@michaelirvin88 told us how racial profiling in law enforcement being eliminated would be a start in turning the corner: pic.twitter.com/JHYvp4EbVT
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 3, 2020
The complete defense of Dak Prescott: Debunking the nine most common criticisms :: Bobby Belt
For fans who think the Cowboys quarterback isn’t very good, the NFL Network field producer would like a word. Actually, he’d like 6,000-plus words.
Because I know better than to think most of you will read over 6,000 words of an argument you're tired of, here's how I summarized all nine criticisms to close it: pic.twitter.com/bq3TCi4udQ
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) June 3, 2020
Debunking the Dak Prescott contract debate: The facts and fiction, and why the Cowboys should pay him :: ESPN
Not to be outdone, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell went even longer (over 7,000 words) to attack the Dak debate from every angle: the truth about the money, whether Prescott is replaceable, where he ranks against his peers, as well as the various criticisms. In the end, Barnwell concludes that “the preponderance of evidence suggests he’s a top-10 quarterback and somewhere in the six-to-eight range. The idea that the Cowboys can just replace him with a cheaper option and get similar production is not supported by evidence or history.”
Top 10 QBs under pressure: Ryan Tannehill, Derek Carr shine :: NFL.com
When the chips are down, Dak Prescott is among the best in the business. So says this list, which uses Next Gen Stats to measure passer rating under pressure and completion percentage above expectation while under pressure. In 2019, turns out only seven passers were better than Dallas’s No. 4. After a deeper dive into the numbers, writer Nick Shook comes to the conclusion that Prescott is, in fact, really really good.
Position breakdown: Special teams :: The Mothership
Frequently the most maddening unit on the Cowboys roster, the special teams department may be turning it around in 2020. Nick Eatman recalls how kicking cost Dallas four games last season, previews the “blank slate” approach new coordinator John Fassel will bring, and reminds fans that heavily-touted rookie CeeDee Lamb could make a splash in the return game.
NFL power rankings: Surprises take back seat :: NBC Sports
Peter King doesn’t care for offseason power rankings and concedes that this offseason has made it even harder to gauge who’s going to be at the top of the heap come December. But he thinks the Cowboys are the best team in the NFC East, and he ranks them ninth leaguewide. King feels Dallas should have gone defense with the CeeDee Lamb pick in April’s draft, but is nonetheless predicting that the Week 16 showdown with Philadelphia will decide the division title.
Cowboys’ defense has new look and new faces, but has it improved? :: ESPN
The defense may have seen upgrades at defensive tackle and safety, but there are questions at cornerback. And despite the optimism surrounding the return of Aldon Smith and the potential of rookie Bradlee Anae, the Cowboys’ edge rusher position is still below 2019’s caliber.
Stars among stars: Assembling the Dallas Cowboys’ all-time 53-man roster :: The Athletic
Jon Machota goes back to every squad in team history, with every player in his prime, and puts together the ultimate Cowboys roster. Would that lineup be unbeatable? Heck, the players that got left off Machota’s list would make an absolute juggernaut.
Ten pet cat candidates from the Dallas Cowboys roster who are looking for adoption :: Blogging the Boys
It’s sleeper time! Using a favorite Bill Parcells term, this piece examines players- undrafted, drafted outside the top 150, or without a 2019 start- who Cowboys fans may want to root for. Lots of defensive ends on the list, including rookie Bradlee Anae, UDFA Ron’Dell Carter, and last year’s seventh-round pick Jalen Jelks.
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