Tag: cowboys news

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.

 

Studs and duds from the Chargers’ loss to Cowboys

Before moving on to the Chiefs, let’s reflect on some of the performances from Monday Night Football.

The Chargers missed a huge opportunity to go over .500 on the season after a crushing primetime loss to Dallas. With multiple opportunities to take the lead or tie in the second half, LA’s offense faltered for various reasons.

Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Chargers. They head to Arrowhead Stadium next week to play the Chiefs. A loss would send them again to two games below .500 this season.

Before Kansas City, let’s reflect on some of the performances from Monday Night Football.

Stud: WR Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen was among the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous Chargers’ offense performance. Allen had 85 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. Had Justin Herbert not missed two deep shots where Allen got open, Allen might’ve had production that rivaled his 200+ yard performance against Minnesota.

An 87.8 PFF offensive score is Allen’s highest graded game since his 2020 performance against Jacksonville. After some doubts regarding his longevity after dealing with injuries last year, the resurgence has been real for the Chargers’ star wideout.

Allen will be leaned on heavily in the next 12 weeks without Mike Williams and some other offense issues. The Chargers will need more of this level from Allen to stay above water. Shout out to Slayer for continuing to turn back the clock in 2023.

Dud: QB Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert’s performance on Monday Night Football was his worst in a few seasons. It wasn’t all on him, to be fair. The offensive line had a whole slew of problems. Herbert was pressured 21 times.

The pressures and hits Herbert has taken in the last two weeks have caused him to become skittish in the pocket even when pressure isn’t there. As mentioned in the Allen stud section, the Chargers’ quarterback airmailed two wide-open deep shots to his star receiver. It’s rare for him to miss that badly.

In terms of diagnosing inaccurate passes and poor play, the broken finger on the non-throwing hand comes into this discussion.

After arguably having the best game of his career against Minnesota in Week 3, Herbert needs to be better in reacting to pressure to put the Chargers in positions to win games. He’s cost the team yards and points in the last two weeks.

Stud: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu

Tuli Tuipulotu was PFF’s highest-graded Charger on the defensive side of the ball. He had five pressures and a run stop. Tuipulotu is now second on the team in pressures and fourth among all rookie defenders.

Considering the health of Joey Bosa and his inability to perform at his usual standard, the USC rookie’s performance has been necessary for this defensive line to play as well as it has. Last year, EDGE defenders opposite Khalil Mack had struggled to hold their own when Bosa was out. With Tuipulotu impacting a high volume of his defensive snaps, the Chargers have been saved by his continued development.

Dud: The offensive line

The Chargers could only get a little running game going. Austin Ekeler had just 27 yards on 14 carries in his return. Herbert was pressured 21 times. Both of these problems stem from the decline of the offensive line over recent weeks.

Will Clapp allowed three pressures as his pass-blocking efficiency dipped. The team misses Corey Linsley quite a bit in both communication and performance. Rashawn Slater has led the team in pressures allowed in each of the last two games. He’s been on the injury report with an ankle in recent weeks and it was once again heavily taped during Monday’s game.

An underwhelming interior and the injury-related decline of Slater are more than enough to cause the offensive line to plummet. In fairness, the opponents have been rough, with Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby coming to town in the last two games. But the Chargers need to stabilize the offensive line in this next vital stretch of games to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Stud: WR Joshua Palmer

Joshua Palmer played through a groin injury and led the team in receiver snaps. He had four receptions for 60 yards and would come down with a score if not for a tremendous 4th down stop in the end zone by Daron Bland.

It’s evident that he’s earned Herbert’s trust over the years and that’s a massive step forward in a Chargers’ receiver room that is missing the aforementioned Williams. Until Quentin Johnston or other receivers step up with consistent production, Palmer will be just as important as Allen in putting together consistent drives downfield for the Chargers.

Dud: Derwin James

Derwin James has been a disappointment this season. In coverage, he hasn’t been as efficient as in previous seasons. There are also moments like Dak Prescott’s zone read touchdown that essentially happened because of a defensive miscommunication about where he was supposed to be.

All of that aside, the penalties are the big story with Derwin James. He gave the Cowboys a free 30 yards on two penalties in this game. He’s up to four on the season and is on pace to smash his single-season record of six.

The first roughing the passer penalty was very debatable. I don’t think it should’ve been called on James. However, James has to know by now that he will be penalized for leading with his helmet. It’s cost the Chargers a few times this season. The refs have been consistent in calling it as well. There’s no surprise when it happens at this point.

For James to save his season, he must be a more disciplined player. While his frustrations with a changing set of NFL rules are understandable, it’s on him as a team leader to not cost the Chargers in critical moments.

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 7: Where Chargers stand after loss to Cowboys

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Cowboys.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Cowboys.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 7:

USA Today: 19 (Previous: 20)

“You can argue they stole defeat from the jaws of victory yet again. Now? Better regroup quickly for a short week that will end in Kansas City against the rested Chiefs … in a game the Bolts really need.”

Touchdown Wire: 12 (Previous: 11)

“Every week, the Chargers ruin their lives, go to rehab, get clean, and then relapse. And then the cycle repeats the next week.”

NFL: 14 (Previous: 13)

“Having entered Monday night’s game with a mangled finger on his non-throwing hand, Justin Herbert looked pretty unencumbered early but struggled at times late. Herbert missed a wide-open Keenan Allen twice on deep balls (one in each half), couldn’t find Josh Palmer on a critical turnover on downs, nearly threw an interception with about nine minutes left and did throw a pick to essentially end the game. The 4th-and-1 incompletion to Palmer in the red zone and Bolts CB Michael Davis’ whiffed tackle on Tony Pollard — while other Los Angeles defenders stood nearby and watched — were almost too on the nose for the Chargers, the way these plays have piled up this season. A few critical penalties (some wiping out big gains) really put it over the top, and breakdowns late on both sides cost L.A. yet another close game.

CBS Sports: 21 (Previous: 18)

“When will Brandon Staley learn it’s OK to take field goals to tie games? It cost him again against the Cowboys. Typical.”

ESPN: 14 (Previous: 13)

Lesson learned: Every game is going to be close.

“It doesn’t matter if it is the Aidan O’Connell-led Raiders or the record-setting Dolphins offense; the Chargers have found ways to be in close games each week. All five of the Chargers’ games have been decided by seven points or less. It’s a point coach Brandon Staley has attempted to dismiss. “It’s not college football where, you know, Georgia is playing UAB, you know, or, or Austin Peay,” he said. But at some point, this team will need to become more consistent and put opponents away. Until then, the Chargers will always be a step below the contenders in the AFC.”

Yahoo Sports: 14 (Previous: 13)

“Monday night’s loss was the quintessential Chargers game. They had chances to win but somehow lost yet another close game. It’s uncanny how all Chargers losses seem to go that way. The Chiefs are up next on the schedule and L.A. is in danger of digging itself a big hole by the end of October.”

The Athletic: 21 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers defense, which gave up conversions on third-and-19, third-and-6 and third-and-9 on the Cowboys’ go-ahead drive Monday night, is 30th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.8) and 27th in defensive success rate (55.8 percent). The Chargers are a disappointment at 2-3, and it’s particularly acute considering they have only beaten the Vikings and Raiders.”

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 6 loss to Cowboys

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the loss to the Cowboys.

In Week 6, the Chargers fell short to the Cowboys, 20-17.

Outcome aside, there were some standout performers and others that were duds.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (72) or defense (64).

Top 5 Offense

WR Keenan Allen – 87.8

WR Joshua Palmer – 68.2

QB Justin Herbert – 62.5

OT Rashawn Slater – 61.4

OL Zion Johnson – 61.0

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 90.0

LB Eric Kendricks – 86.2

DT Nick Williams – 85.3

EDGE Khalil Mack – 85.0

DT Sebastian Joseph-Day – 81.7

Bottom 5 Offense

TE Donald Parham – 51.4

TE Gerald Everett – 50.6

WR Quentin Johnston – 48.6

C Will Clapp – 48.2

OL Jamaree Salyer – 46.4

Bottom 5 Defense

S Derwin James – 51.4

CB Michael Davis – 50.2

DL Morgan Fox – 48.4

DT Austin Johnson – 41.9

CB Ja’Sir Taylor – 29.7

Chargers’ reasons for optimism vs. Cowboys

Here are four reasons to believe the Chargers come out on top over the Cowboys.

The Chargers return to the field on Monday night with a primetime matchup against the Cowboys, who are fresh off an embarrassing loss to the 49ers.

Here are four reasons to be optimistic that Los Angeles continues Dallas’ slide.

Thursday’s injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Cowboys

Austin Ekeler practiced. Joey Bosa did not.

The Chargers had their first practice before Monday’s matchup with the Cowboys on Thursday.

Here’s a look at the team’s injury report:

EDGE Joey Bosa — Toe — DNP

RB Austin Ekeler — Ankle — FP

S Alohi Gilman — Heel — DNP

QB Justin Herbert — Left Finger — FP

S Derwin James — Hamstring — FP

CB Deane Leonard — Hamstring — LP

EDGE Khalil Mack — NIR — DNP

TE Donald Parham Jr. — Wrist — LP

OT Trey Pipkins — Shoulder — FP

OT Rashawn Slater — Ankle — FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation

Austin Ekeler, who said earlier this week there’s a 99% chance he plays, was a full participant. Ekeler hasn’t played since Week 1 against the Dolphins when he sustained a sprained ankle injury.

Joey Bosa did not practice. He missed Week 4 against the Raiders with toe and hamstring injuries, but the toe is the only thing listed on the injury report.

Alohi Gilman, who also missed their last game, did not participate as he is dealing with a heel injury.

Donald Parham and Deane Leonard were limited participants.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 6 opponent: Cowboys

Here are some important things to know about the Cowboys ahead of the Week 6 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers will host the Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 16, at 5:15 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 6 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

From one offense to another

Kellen Moore faces his former team that let him go following the 2022 season. With Moore gone, head coach Mike McCarthy has been in charge of the play-calling duties with his West Coast style of offense. Dallas’ offense has been uneven through five games, to say the least. They boast the third-best third-down offense, eighth-best scoring offense, averaging 26.8 points per game and the tenth-best rushing offense with an average of 124.4 yards per game. But their passing offense ranks in the bottom half of the league and they have one of the worst red zone offenses.

Dak coming off a dud of a performance

With McCarthy calling the shots, one of his priorities was to help quarterback Dak Prescott cut down on his interceptions after leading the league last season with 15. Prescott did a decent job of taking care of the football in the first four weeks, but he tossed three picks this past weekend in their 42-10 loss to the 49ers. Prescott’s now up to 29 INTs in his last 33 starts. On the season, he has 1,064 passing yards, five touchdowns and a completion percentage of 69.4.

Not getting him the ball

A major reason why the Cowboys’ passing offense has faltered is because of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s lack of usage. Lamb has been held under 55 yards in the last three games. He has just not been thrown the ball. Through five games, he’s tallied 27 receptions on 35 targets for 358 yards and one touchdown. Nonetheless, Lamb is still an explosive playmaker. He is tied for eighth in the NFL in receiving plays (eight) of 20 yards or more.

Strength of the team

While the Cowboys’ offense has struggled to get in a groove, their defense has picked up the slack. Dallas ranks top-10 in various categories: Fifth-best total defense, allowing an average of 292.0 yards per game. Second-best passing defense, allowing an average of 168.6 YPG. Seventh-best scoring defense, allowing 16.6 points per game. The heartbeat of the defense is the pass rush duo of Micah Parson and Demarcus Lawrence. Parsons has four sacks and 29 quarterback pressures through five games. Lawrence, the veteran pass rusher, has totaled 17 pressures and a pair of sacks.

Gimme wins

The Cowboys are 3-2, and of those three wins that came against the Giants, Patriots and Jets, those teams have combined for just four wins this season. Their two losses were to the Cardinals in Week 3 and the 49ers this past Sunday.

Look out for…

Daron Bland. Bland, the second-year player, has filled in for the injured Trevon Diggs as the top boundary corner and has excelled in the role. He is tied for the most interceptions (3), two of which came against the Patriots in Week 4. Bland is also currently allowing the lowest passer rating in the NFL (30.7).

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 6: Where Chargers stand after bye week

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers ahead of Week 6.

The Chargers are coming off their bye. Despite not playing, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some moving around in power rankings.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 6:

USA Today: 20 (Previous: 22)

“Did you know WR Keenan Allen owns the NFL record for most games – three – with at least 15 receptions? With wingman Mike Williams down for the count, wouldn’t be a shock if Allen extends that mark before this year is out.”

Touchdown Wire: 11 (Previous: 11)

“The Chargers are like the latest Halloween franchise. More so, Justin Herbert’s career has had the same arc as the iconic horror films. The first two movies, much like Herbert’s first two seasons, were fantastic. And then Halloween III: Season of the Witch happened, and lots of people were annoyed by the lack of Michael Myers. Now, the young quarterback is trying to salvage this season and make it his Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers- one of the best movies in the franchise. They play Dallas next week on Monday night, which is sure to feature some incredibly stupid football.”

NFL: 13 (Previous: 13)

“The panic meter dropped after the team hit the bye at 2-2 with two straight victories. But reality sets in: The Chargers must play games in 13 straight weeks, and the remaining schedule includes the following foes: the Cowboys this coming Monday, the Chiefs in Week 7 (and Week 18), the Lions in Week 10, the Ravens in Week 12 and the Bills in Week 16. Close victories over the Vikings and Raiders don’t inspire enough confidence that all is right in Chargerville heading into that stretch. The biggest worry is limiting explosive pass plays, and many of L.A.’s remaining opponents throw the ball pretty well. There’s a long road ahead.”

CBS Sports: 18 (Previous: 16)

“They come off their bye with a big home game against the Cowboys. That will be a challenge for Justin Herbert and gang.”

ESPN: 12 (Previous: 12)

Fantasy surprise: WR Keenan Allen

“Through the first five weeks — including a bye week for the Chargers — Allen has the seventh most fantasy points in PPR leagues of any receiver, ahead of other top receivers, including A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen’s best game came in Week 3, where he broke franchise and league records, catching 18 passes for 215 yards and throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass in a win over the Minnesota Vikings.”

Yahoo Sports: 13 (Previous: 14)

“The Chargers’ next game, on Monday night against the Cowboys, is a big game for both teams. The Chargers probably would be better off if Dallas hadn’t been embarrassed on Sunday night, but nothing they can do about that. Cowboys at Chargers will be a fun game (probably attended by 90 percent Cowboys fans).”

The Athletic: 13 (Previous: 11)

“If (when?) Brandon Staley gets fired, this draft class will be thrown into the list of reasons. Not high, but it’ll be there. First-round wide receiver Quentin Johnston, 4.49 speed at 6-foot-4, has six catches for 44 yards. Fourth-round receiver Derius Davis, 4.36 speed, has four catches for 24 yards. Second-round defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu is the only rookie contributing.”

5 Chargers players who need to step up vs. Cowboys

The Chargers could use a push from these five players when they face the Cowboys.

Following the bye week, the Chargers will now face the Cowboys with a chance to go over .500 on the season. 3-2 would certainly feel like a step in the right direction after the team’s 0-2 start.

Winning against Dallas will not be easy, though. After a 42-10 loss to the 49ers on Sunday night, the Cowboys will be under intense pressure to get back on track offensively and defensively. Here are some players who need to perform to prevent a rebound game for Big D.

CB Michael Davis

The story that dominated Chargers headlines during the bye was cornerback J.C. Jackson being traded to the Patriots. With that trade completed, Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. are officially locked in as the outside corners for the rest of the year. Unlike Weeks 1 and 2, there is no more three-man rotation to deal with on the outside.

That’s why there’s even more pressure on him to perform. To this point, the former BYU product has struggled. Davis has allowed 286 receiving yards and a 71% completion percentage when targeted, both on pace to shatter records for a single season in his career. The most penalties he has given up in a season is six. He’s already at five penalties committed in 2023.

Quarterbacks are throwing for a 138.8 passer rating on Davis targets. The sledding does not get any easier for this defense with Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes coming up in their next games. As he nurses an ankle injury, Davis will need to find a way to get back to his form from the end of the 2022 season in order to stabilize the secondary.

C Will Clapp

Corey Linsley remains on the NFI list with a non-emergent heart condition. Until there are more details on the situation, it should probably be assumed that Linsley is out for the foreseeable future with the Chargers not giving him a four-week injured reserve distinction.

Linsley coming back feels much more like an if than a when at this point. Clapp had a decent game against the Raiders in relief. He only allowed one pass pressure on 68 snaps played. There will likely be some communications and tweaks on the offensive line that need to be ironed out, but so far Clapp is off to a good start.

The Dallas defensive line will bring its own set of challenges. They have been the best front in the league when it comes to creating pressure and have the third-highest sack percentage. A lot of the offensive lines’ responsibilities in pass and run blocking will fall on Clapp without Linsley.

WR Joshua Palmer

Palmer will enter the last 13 games of the season in the team’s WR2 spot. The three main sets will likely be Keenan Allen, Palmer, and Quentin Johnston for the rest of the season (barring injury).

He’s been in this position before. Last year, Palmer was effectively the team’s first receiver on the depth chart in several games that Allen and Mike Williams missed.

If this Chargers’ offense is to remain a potent threat, they cannot lose the efficiency they’ve had on the field this year with both Williams and Allen in the lineup. Palmer doesn’t necessarily have to replace Williams’ production by himself, but the Chargers have to hope that he and Johnston can at least come close on a per-game basis.

The tight end room

Gerald Everett has not had the receiving production that most expected this year. He stands at 107 yards over four games. That puts him almost 10 yards per game behind his 2023 pace. In filling the Williams’ load this offense will be missing, Everett probably has to be one of the more consistent sources of offense for the team.

Donald Parham has a wrist injury that will likely take a few weeks to heal in terms of using him as a red-zone scoring threat. What really concerns me with this unit though is the below-average blocking. Stone Smartt and Tre’ McKitty both have PFF run-blocking grades under 35.

The tight end group needs to get a little more resolved from a receiving standpoint, but the blocking is the more important aspect that needs to get better in running Moore’s multi-tight end formations.

EDGE Khalil Mack

Mack had his best game as a Charger which earned him a 92.3 PFF grade against the Raiders. A six-sack, nine-pressure game was an effort that was much needed after an underwhelming first three weeks of the season.

Mack will need to have premium performances against good offensive lines as well, and that starts with Dallas. The former Bear is also increasingly more important with how banged up Joey Bosa is. It’s likely that Bosa will be able to return against Dallas in Week 5, but who knows how many snaps he’ll be able to play after dealing with nagging toe and hamstring injuries.

Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bosa continuing to rack up pressures would put the Chargers’ in a really solid position with their EDGE room. But Mack regressing a bit to his average level in his LA career would be tough considering the state of the secondary behind him.

Cowboys’ Mike McCarthy compares RB Tony Pollard to old EF Hutton TV commercial

Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy showed his age when he compared RB Tony Pollard to an EF Hutton TV commercial from the 1970s.

Mike McCarthy knew he was showing his age, but there was no better way to describe the leadership style of his Pro Bowl running back.

McCarthy fielded questions on Wednesday during the second day of mandatory minicamp, and the Dallas Cowboys coach went deep into the vault of TV commercials from the 1970s to find an apt comparison for Tony Pollard.

“I’ll tell you what,” McCarthy said. “He’s a little like E.F. Hutton — showing my age here — the commercial.”

Put simply, when Pollard talks in the meeting room or on the field, his teammates are listening, particularly the younger running backs.

Aside from Ronald Jones, all of the backs on the roster aren’t as tenured in the NFL as Pollard. Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle, and sixth-rounder Deuce Vaughn are all looking up to Pollard.

“Now watching him assert himself more, he has a commanding presence and I think he’s done an excellent job with the younger players,” said McCarthy. “You could see how they look up to him.”

Pollard sets an example for the younger players with his actions as well. The former 2019 fourth-rounder is now the lead back in Dallas’ offense with the departure of running back Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard will be quarterback Dak Prescott’s new pass protector.

Said McCarthy: “Tony always asks excellent questions because we’re doing some things differently protection wise, a little different as far as our coursework and things in the run game. And Tony has a really good feel of how things fit together, and he’s a great, great example for our young players.”

Pollard generated 1,378 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns en route to his first career Pro Bowl selection last season. As long as the former Memphis product is keeping up his end of the bargain production wise while setting a good example for the younger backs, the Cowboys offense should be able to handle the loss of Elliott.

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