Tag: Jeff Heath

Witten, Heath, Maliek Collins join Raiders as Cowboys defections mount

The Raiders have signed three former Cowboys, including Jason Witten.

The chaos of NFL free agency is in full swing even in Dallas as the Jason Garrett era is officially over. Players who have been staples of the last decade plus are moving on from the organization and are finding homes with familiar friends.

The newly-minted Las Vegas Raiders signed a trio of former Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, including tight-end Jason Witten. DE Maliek Collins and safety Jeff Heath will join him, and reunite with former DC Rod Marinelli on Jon Gruden’s staff.

Witten agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million.

The writing had been on the wall in recent weeks. The Cowboys never seemed too interested in re-signing Witten to another contract, and already committed to his replacement, Blake Jarwin to a 4-year extension earlier this week.

Still, losing Witten will take some time getting used to for the Cowboys faithful.

The details of the deal are not yet full disclosed on Collins’ deal. Collins was productive all four of his years in Dallas and so it makes sense that Marinelli, the new Raiders defensive line coach, would want to bring in his former pupil.

Heath joined Las Vegas for a reported two-year deal worth up to $4M annually.

 

For those counting at home, that’s now four starters from last year’s Cowboys defense that will be in different locations: Byron Jones (MIA), Robert Quinn (CHI), Maliek Collins (LVR), and Jeff Heath (LVR).

For what it’s worth, the Cowboys have started to refill the holes left on their defense. The team re-signed safety Darian Thompson to a two-year deal, according to the busy Todd Archer. Thompson, just 26 years old, started in four games last season and is necessary depth for the recently depleted Dallas secondary.

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Raiders agree to terms with former Cowboys FS Jeff Heath on two-year deal

Raiders agree to terms with former Cowboys FS Jeff Heath

The Raiders have been shopping for safeties this offseason and have found their target. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Raiders have signed former Cowboys safety Jeff Heath to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million.

Heath is the third former Cowboys player that the team has signed this afternoon and the second defender. Heath is one of the best special teams players in the NFL, but also can function as a free or strong safety. He also has experience as an emergency kicker and kickoff specialist as he was a former kicker in high school.

Heath has started 54 games in his NFL career and has tallied eight interceptions to go along with 346 tackles. Expect him to be the team’s third or fourth safety in 2020. This is a quality signing that will only improve the Raiders’ depth in the secondary.

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News: Dez Bryant clarifies TE role, Cowboys assistant to be honored by Packers

Also in the news, Dak Prescott’s ranking among all 2019 starters, a decision coming at linebacker, and a former Cowboys coach lands a job.

A former Cowboys position coach has found a new team. And a new Cowboys assistant is being honored by his old team.

In addition, Dallas has a decision to make regarding two members of their linebacking corps, Dak Prescott ranks lower than you think on one particular list, and there are guesses as to what the team might do in free agency if they want to make a “splash.” Oh, and Dez Bryant is tweeting directly to fans, which is always fun. This time he’s plotting out his responsibilities should he get his wishes with a return to the Cowboys roster. That’s on tap in this edition of News and Notes.

Former Cowboys wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal is headed to the Seattle Seahawks :: Blogging the Boys

The dust is still settling from the coaching staff blowup in Dallas, and now one of the pieces has settled somewhere else. Former wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal will take over the same responsibilities in Seattle, it was announced Friday. Lal was with the Cowboys in 2018 and 2019, helping Amari Cooper get acclimated as a target for Dak Prescott and aiding in the development of Michael Gallup.

Lal will now work with a group that includes receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. The Cowboys will get reacquainted with Lal in 2020 when they travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks.

QB Index: Ranking every quarterback to start a game in 2019 :: NFL.com

Fifty-seven different men started at least one game at quarterback in the NFL last season. The league website efforts to rank them all based on their 2019 performances. The top of the list includes the usual suspects: Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Drew Brees.

Cowboys fans will have to scroll further than expected to find Dak Prescott. Despite a career-best year and being one of only five QBs since 1950 to post a passer rating of 95-plus in at least three of his first four NFL seasons, Prescott placed just 11th on the list. While that puts him ahead of Matt Ryan, Tom Brady, and Jimmy Garoppolo, it also (somewhat questionably) ranks him behind Ryan Tannehill, Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, and Carson Wentz.

Four splashes the Dallas Cowboys can make in free agency :: The Landry Hat

Word circulated last week that Jerry Jones “wants to make a big splash” at the 2020 NFL Draft, according to a team insider. But with free agency looming, he wouldn’t have to wait that long to generate some big waves within the Cowboys locker room.

Terence Watson looks into his crystal ball and forecasts four names that could conceivably turn the tide for the 8-8 Cowboys next season. Among his picks? A potential Robert Quinn replacement that would give Dallas a dangerous pass rush, a former first-round safety who would be an immediate upgrade over Jeff Heath, and a big-leg kicker who the Cowboys’ new special teams coach already knows quite well.

Cowboys assistant Al Harris finalizes plan to enter Packers Hall of Fame :: CowboyMaven

Before Al Harris gets down to the real nitty-gritty of coaching the cornerbacks in Dallas, he has a little unfinished business back at Lambeau Field. Harris will be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame on April 18 alongside his fellow Packers CB Charles Woodson. Hall has chosen his agent, Jack Bechta, to be his presenter.

Harris played in Green Bay from 2003 to 2010. In 2007 and 2008, under then-Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, the former Texas A&M star turned in consecutive Pro Bowl seasons. After retiring as a player in 2013, Harris interned on the staff in Miami and was an assistant coach in Kansas City for six seasons before reuniting with McCarthy in Dallas.

Dez Bryant clarifies willingness to play tight end for Cowboys :: Heavy.com

Yeah… about that “role they gave Witten” thing Dez Bryant said a while back…

Bryant has taken to engaging selective fans via Twitter as he continues his comeback bid, and his vocal pass on interior blocking duties was just one example from over the weekend. Bryant was also asked where he thinks he could contribute on the already-loaded roster.

“Easy.. guys will need a breather… I’m a huge target in the redzone.. you create all different types packages with all of the talent… my motto is scoring.. I don’t care about yards.. all I care about is 6,” he wrote to a different follower regarding his self-projected duties.

Will Cowboys have to choose between LBs Sean Lee and Joe Thomas? :: Inside the Star

Sean Lee’s future in Dallas is in flux, but what the organization decides to do with fellow linebacker Joe Thomas may be the deciding factor. Lee is, of course, the more decorated of the two, the more established member of the Cowboys family. And any conversation regarding Lee must at least acknowledge his injury-riddled past.

Thomas is five years younger and has history with Mike McCarthy. He was with the Packers in his rookie season when a knee injury put him on injured reserve; he returned later to the team’s practice squad. After two weeks on the Cowboys’ practice squad in 2015, Thomas was brought back to Green Bay and played in 37 games under McCarthy, including five postseason contests through the 2017 season.

Jess Haynie writes that both linebackers could be re-signed by Dallas, but warns that “if it comes to one or the other, Cowboys fans shouldn’t assume that Sean Lee is the easy pick.”

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News: Leighton Vander Esch may love new CBA, Randy Gregory not so much

The Dallas Cowboys have a huge decision to make regarding the future of Byron Jones. Safety and defensive tackle positions are discussed.

The safety and defensive tackle positions also have their share of questions that need to be answered for the Dallas Cowboys. March could see quite a few faces at these positions leave the building and adjust how the Cowboys formulate their plan for 2020 when free agency starts.

Meanwhile, the NFL and NFLPA are working towards a new CBA and wrinkles of proposed changes could certainly impact Dallas and their players. Meanwhile, the Cowboys strength of schedule next season and potential free-agent bargains are covered in this edition of News and Notes.

According to 2019 records, Cowboys have third-easiest strength of schedule in 2020:: Blogging The Boys

While they await the NFL Combine, the beginning of free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cowboys can focus on something they already know; the 2020 opponents. The Cowboys will face the NFC West, the AFC North, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Dallas finds itself with the third-easiest projected schedule just behind the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

— DS

New CBA would give first-rounders a path to fifth-year franchise tag :: Pro Football Talk

The Cowboys didn’t have a first-round pick in 2019 . . . some say they didn’t have a second-round pick either, but we digress. They will have one this year, barring a trade down, and with a new CBA on the horizon, there may be more money down the line for whomever they draft, and also Leighton Vander Esch. According to sources (read: NFL leaks) the fifth-year option could become more lucrative. Currently, top 10 picks get the transition tag level of one-year extension for their team options. Those outside the top 10 receive a much smaller number, the average of No. 3 through No. 25 at their respective position.

For Vander Esch, potentially jumping from around $10 million for his option (if there’s no extension worked out) to around $17 million is a whole entire big deal.

— KD

New CBA would shrink annual marijuana testing window to two weeks :: Pro Football Talk

What the new CBA giveth, they also ruin by doing something hardly anyone would agree with. Maybe (likely) it’s all public negotiation, but this other section of the proposed labor agreement makes no sense. The momentum for the NFL to catch up with state laws on the curtailing of policing marijuana seems very strong. However the league may still be looking to roll up, their sleeves, that is.

According to PFT, there will not be an elimination of the marijuana policy, but rather a shrinking of the testing window and reduced penalties for those who are not habitual line steppers.

For the Cowboys, Randy Gregory, who has been suspended for 46 games in five seasons (playing 28), he’d most likely fall into that category.

— KD

Cowboys roster breakdown: New direction coming at defensive tackle:: Blogging The Boys

Big decisions are to be made on Maliek Collins (UFA), Antwaun Woods (ERFA) and Daniel Ross (RFA). Blogging the Boys list big-name free agents to target along with drafting possibilities in order to get this very important piece of the depth chart solidified.

— DS

Biggest Potential Bargains in 2020 NFL Free Agency:: Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report does a little digging and finds some of the players that may fall under the radar and become a little bit more valuable without the bigger contract.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown finds himself on this list. Coming off a season-ending injury, Brown has found more success when working in the nickel and could be looked at by NFL teams looking to improve their slot cornerback position.

— DS

Dallas Cowboys 2020 Offseason Preview: Safety:: Inside The Star 

One position the Cowboys have been trying to figure out for some time is safety. They seemingly have their guy at free in Xavier Woods, who is coming off of his best season as a pro.

Jeff Heath has been the starter opposite him for the last few years. While solid mostly, he still hasn’t locked down the position as one would want. Now, he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent, leaving a hole to possibly fill. This piece discusses where the Cowboys safeties are as far as contracts go, depth at the position, and how new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan could bring a new philosophy to getting this area corrected.

— ML

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7-11: Cowboys need to choose quality over convenience with these free agents

A look at 2020 free agency for the Cowboys with an eye on players they should allow to walk away from the organization.

Earlier, we looked at several of the Dallas Cowboys pending free agents who should be donning the star once again in 2020. With five surefire names along with four other possibilities that depend on the preferences of new head coach Mike McCarthy, that leaves more than a handful of other names to make decisions on.

With 24 unrestricted free agents, scheme fit is going to be paramount in that thought process. However, regardless of how that goes, the Cowboys are almost certainly going to be better off if they let these five players walk away.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Some of the departures may happen organically as a pair of legends in TE Jason Witten and LB Sean Lee could opt for retirement.  The sheer volume of players out of contract makes a number of defections a virtual certainty.  Among those left should command varying degrees of interest, with several of the team’s blue chip free agents looking for a pay day that may not gel with the Cowboys’ course of action.

CB Byron Jones

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Jones will be at the top of the free agency shopping list for most teams looking for help on the perimeter.  His kind of athleticism and consistency in coverage could very easily demand peak market value for his position.  Given the cost to retain two other top layer free agents in Prescott and Cooper, there may not be room to comfortably slide Jones into the group.  The Cowboys should entertain re-signing him but will likely push themselves away from the table when the numbers get huge.

DE Robert Quinn

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Quinn was a superb acquisition that provided excellent bang for the buck last season.  His value to a team looking to add a quality situational rusher will be higher than Dallas would see for a soon-to-be 30 year old.

DT Maliek Collins

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

In the case of Collins, he will market himself as a player capable of being a disruptive force in the middle and should get a deal relatively early in the period.  He has been a good soldier as a Cowboy.  The issue is that in all honestly he fits the fool’s gold that is often mined as cash-flush teams break the bank on potential and minimize the lack of top shelf productivity.

SS Jeff Heath

Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The much-maligned yet productive safety could be hotly debated when the decision makers sit down to hash out their offseason plan.  His value to the new coaching staff  may not result in priority status and he is still a cut above a special teams maven.  If the former members of the defensive staff surface elsewhere, he could easily follow.

OG Xavier Su’a-Filo

(AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

Although Su’a-Filo came through in the pinch when needed over the past two seasons, his time may be up.  The combination of his fibula fracture, zone scheme fit and the availability of 2019 draft pick Connor McGovern should have him on another team’s roster as a modestly priced reserve.

Other possibilities: WR Tavon Austin, DT Christian Covington, FS Darian Thompson, SS Kavon Frazier

You can chat with or follow C.C. on Twitter @boozeman811.

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5 & 4 Possibles: Cowboys have FAs in spades, who they should book in 2020

An examination of the 2020 free agency period for the Dallas Cowboys with five to keep, five to go and five to pursue.

The tidal wave of change brought in by the hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy has engulfed the Dallas Cowboys franchise and once the waters recede and the situation calms, the team and the organization will likely have a very different look.  The effect is already evident on the coaching staff, where it appears only a select few, including OC Kellen Moore, have survived the sweeping alterations.

Soon, the roster will undergo the same transformation once the 2020 league year starts as the front office will look towards getting the team’s top free agents inked to new deals.  This activity will make for some tough decisions for both Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones, despite the club’s expected cap space of close to $90 million dollars.

The Cowboys have an incredible 24 unrestricted free agents and another five either restricted or exclusive rights players to mull over.  They will not keep all and may not even keep many as the new staff may have its own outlook on the talent and where they want to start remodeling to flesh out their version of the team.

Here are 5 suggestions for the team to keep.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Some of the keepers are very easy to identify.

QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper are not going anywhere.  Despite the anxiety that was created by the fact McCarthy had yet to speak to Prescott after a week on the job, he will be a Cowboy one way or another.  Whether it is a blockbuster long-term deal or franchise tag, he will be leading the team into the season.  Cooper is slightly less of a sure bet, but it is still very likely he gets a deal of some kind as well.  The cost to acquire him for less than two seasons of production is simply too much to bear, especially given how weak the 2019 draft class was without a first round pick.

That leaves three more.

WR Randall Cobb

(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Cobb’s history and relationship with McCarthy will likely be a deciding factor.  At a fairly modest price tag of $5-7 million and some juice still left in his legs, he could come back on a short term deal fitting a player of his age.  His familiarity with the offensive design will be invaluable as the staff installs their scheme that will feel very different to many, including the quarterback.

OT Cameron Fleming

(AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Capable swing tackles are a valuable commodity in this league for all teams, but more especially the Cowboys.  With Tyron Smith sitting out three games per season over the past four campaigns, a veteran who can step in and not be a huge liability is priceless.  Dallas has an option on his contract they can exercise and they would be wise to do so.

CB Anthony Brown

(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Bringing back Brown may not be the most glamorous commitment but it may be the most practical given the decisions that will have to be made.  Brown will be rebounding from a triceps injury and should be relatively easy to sign back to return and provide a veteran buffer as the Cowboys go after youth at the position in April.

Other possibilities: DT Kerry Hyder, K Kai Forbath, LB Joe Thomas, CB C.J. Goodwin

You can chat with or follow C.C. on Twitter @boozeman811.

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News: Woodson snubbed again by HoF, Garrett decision still looms

A Dallas assistant may be a college coordinator candidate, several players head to Las Vegas, and the original Hail Mary is up for a vote.

Day 4 of the Jason Garrett-Dallas Cowboys lovefest standoff was seeming to come to an uneventful close, and then ESPN happened. One assistant sat down with a rival team to talk about their head coaching job and another staffer is being touted as the frontrunner for a college coordinator gig.

Also, a yellow-jacket snub for a Cowboys legend, end-of-year bonuses for two defensive standouts (and a career decision in the offing for one), and a call for votes regarding the most famous play in team history. Next year’s opponents have been finalized, this year’s offensive prowess is put into painful perspective, and an early look at free agency puts the talents of two Cowboys on display.

All that, plus a posse of starters take the Vegas Strip, the best audio captured during Week 17’s big win, and a former Cowboys coach says goodbye to the game. That’s on tap in this edition of News and Notes.

ESPN joins speculation Jason Garrett will not be part of Cowboys future

Ed Werder said something, ESPN bosses claimed he said more than that and Thursday morning arrived with Jason Garrett still on the Cowboys’ payroll.

Giants interview Cowboys coach Kris Richard for HC gig :: Giants Wire

Kris Richard has had a sit-down session with the New York Giants about their head coaching position. The Cowboys’ passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach met Thursday with Giants president John Mara, general manager Dave Gettleman, and team vice president Kevin Abrams as the team begins its search for Pat Shurmur’s replacement.

Dallas has won the last six meetings with Big Blue; Richard has been on the Cowboys’ coaching staff for the past four. Richard’s unit helped hold New York to under 275 yards in two of those games, and 18 points or less in three of them.

Past/Present: Hall of Fame finalists set :: The Mothership

The list of Modern-Era finalists to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been announced. Cowboys Ring of Honor safety Darren Woodson, the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, was one of 25 semifinalists. Once again, though, the five-time first-team All-Pro did not make the cut.

Linebacker and Texas native Zach Thomas, who played one year in Dallas  after a 12-year stint with the Dolphins, was named one of the 15 Modern-Era finalists.

Several other former Cowboys are 2020 finalists for Canton in various categories. Jimmy Johnson and Dan Reeves are finalists in the Coaches category, while Drew Pearson and Cliff Harris are among the Senior finalists. Team founder Clint Murchison is a Contributors finalist.

The 2020 Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be announced February 1.

Sean Lee will wait on career decision :: The Mothership

Tight end Jason Witten was the one noticeably shaking hands with teammates at the end of 2019’s season finale, but he’s not the only longtime Cowboy who may have played his final game in a Dallas uniform. Linebacker Sean Lee may decide to hang up his cleats or even move on to different NFL pastures.

After agreeing to a reduced role in 2019, Lee played in all 16 games for the first time in his 10-year career. But the game has taken a toll, and the Penn State alum says he’ll have a decision to make.

“I’m going to take some time, talk to the wife, talk to the family and see where I’m at physically in a month or two and make a decision then,” he said.

Lee is set to be a free agent in March.

Sean Lee, Jeff Heath earn 2019 bonuses :: ESPN

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, veteran linebacker Sean Lee netted a million-dollar incentive bonus for playing in 59.1% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2019. Safety Jeff Heath collected $250,000 for playing more than 65% of the snaps.

Archer also notes that the team ended 2019 with approximately $19.5 million in cap room that can be carried over to 2020, citing NFLPA figures.

Cowboys exceptionally bad at being good :: Cowboys Wire

Fans still looking for answers on exactly how the Cowboys’ season could possibly be over won’t find any helpful answers in this piece. That’s because if you look at just the numbers, this Dallas squad ranks among the best ever in a few select categories.

Take, for example, teams since 1960 with the most wins of 30+ points, 400+ yards, and a 10+ point differential in a season. In other words, teams who had a habit of demolishing their opponents. Of the 14 teams atop that list, the 2019 Cowboys are the only bunch to not make the postseason. Most went quite deep into the playoffs. Take away Dallas, and the average team of that group boasted a 13-win record.

Crunch the numbers with Tony Thompson and see precisely where these Cowboys rank among 8-8 teams throughout history.

Five names to know in Washington’s offensive coordinator search :: The Seattle Times

“Here’s your frontrunner.”

That’s what they’re saying in the Pacific Northwest about Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the open OC slot at the University of Washington. Chris Petersen, Moore’s collegiate head coach at Boise State, stepped down as the Huskies’ coach in early December, and now new coach Jimmy Lake has let go of his offensive coordinator after UW defeated Boise State in the school’s recent bowl game.

Moore, who grew up in the state of Washington, would certainly be an attractive candidate after boosting the Cowboys offense to big numbers in the 2019 season, his first as an OC at any level.

Sounds from the sideline :: The Mothership

In the season’s final installment of this popular segment, listen in as microphones pick up on-the-field chatter during the Cowboys’ blowout win over Washington.

Among the highlights are linebacker Sean Lee doing some coaching up of the defensive unit, great team reactions to wideout Michael Gallup’s acrobatic second touchdown catch of the day, and running backs coach Gary Brown offering some heartfelt proclamations to his guys in the midst of his own uncertain future with the organization.

Cowboys 2020 schedule: List of home, away, AFC and NFC, 2nd place opponents :: Cowboys Wire

Dallas’s list of 2020 opponents is set, based on the Cowboys’ second-place finish in the NFC East as well as the rotation of divisional pairings across the league.

At home in AT&T Stadium, Dallas will host Philadelphia, Washington, the New York Giants, Arizona, San Francisco, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta.

The Cowboys will travel to take on Philadelphia, Washington, the New York Giants, Seattle, the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Baltimore.

Dates for the games will be announced in April.

Cowboys’ ‘Hail Mary’ up for Greatest Moment in NFL History :: NFL.com

As part of the league’s centennial celebration, fans are being asked to help choose the single greatest moment in NFL history. Each team has one signature moment in the running, with an online vote to help narrow things down round by round.

The 32 clips make for the ultimate highlight reel: John Elway’s helicopter run, The Ice Bowl, The Immaculate Reception, The Catch, the Patriots’ 28-3 Super Bowl comeback, the Chargers-Dolphins Epic in Miami in the 1981 playoffs, David Tyree’s helmet catch, and the Music City Miracle, to name just a few.

The Cowboys’ moment? The original “Hail Mary” pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson that moved Dallas past the favored Minnesota Vikings in the 1975 playoffs, advancing them to the NFC championship game and, eventually, Super Bowl X.

Voting is open now. The Greatest Moment in NFL History will be revealed during Super Bowl LIV.

The top 10 non-quarterback free agents on offense of the 2020 season :: Pro Football Focus

Dallas wideout Amari Cooper tops this list of free agents who don’t play quarterback. Despite a memorable number of drops, a frustrating dip in output in away games, and an apparent laundry list of minor maladies that kept him operating at less than full capacity, the quantifiable lift Cooper still brings to the team’s offense “is the best explanation for quarterback Dak Prescott’s increase in production and Cooper’s spot atop the offensive free agent list.”

A polarizing Cowboy also leads the list of best defensive free agents. “Many will point to [cornerback Byron] Jones not picking off a pass over the last two years, but his 74.1 coverage grade in single coverage is 11th-best during that time and Jones has also shown the ability to match up against tight ends when called upon.”

Cowboys players heading to the desert :: @rjochoa (Twitter)

The season is over, the lockers are cleaned out, the offseason has begun. And for a group of Cowboys starters, it’s getaway time.

Cowboys fans are hoping what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. And off TMZ.

Lions DC Paul Pasqualoni steps down amid staff shake-up :: ESPN

Paul Pasqualoni has stepped down in Detroit. The 70-year-old defensive coordinator, one of coach Matt Patricia’s first hires when he took over in the Motor City, says he is stepping away from football.

Pasqualoni spent time on the Dallas coaching staff over his storied career. He served as tight ends coach in 2005 and is credited with helping to guide a young Jason Witten to his second straight Pro Bowl that season. In 2006, he moved to linebackers coach and was instrumental in DeMarcus Ware’s development as a second-year player. He left Dallas after the 2007 season, but returned for 2010 as the team’s defensive line coach. When head coach (and defensive coordinator) Wade Phillips was fired halfway through that season, Pasqualoni was tapped to serve as interim DC for the remainder of the season… under interim head coach Jason Garrett.

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Lee’s potential absence from Cowboys-Rams undercuts return for 2 others

Tony Pollard, Jeff Heath returns to practice while Sean Lee misses practice for the second consecutive day.

The Dallas Cowboys have just three games remaining in their 2019 campaign, and with a chance to make the playoffs contingent on winning the NFC East, all hands must be on deck if they are able.

The outcome of Sunday’s contest against the Los Angeles Rams affects their playoff changes by about 20 percent, per ESPN FPI.   There is no time to wait, yet Dallas is looking like their linebackers corps may be even more depleted than first thought.

Sean Lee who is filling in for injured starter Leighton Vander Esch still has not participated in practice this week as he deals with a pectoral issue, so it remains to be seen if he will play against the Rams.   Vander Esch is definitely out for this game, and it’s a question whether he suits up again this season.

If Lee is unable to suit up, rookie linebacker Luke Gifford will be called into major action for the first time this season as the third in the rotation behind Jaylon Smith and Joe Thomas.

The Cowboys had six other players who were limited participants on Thursday:

  • DL Michael Bennett (foot)
  • RG La’el Collins (knee)
  • CB Byron Jones (hip)
  • P Chris Jones (adbomen)
  • DT Antwaun Woods (knee)

There were however two welcome changes to the injury front as safety Jeff Heath and backup running back Tony Pollard were upgraded to full participants in Thursday’s practice.

Heath has been dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered against the Patriots back in Week 12 and Pollard suffered an ankle injury and did not play against the Bears.

The Rams are relatively healthy compared to the Cowboys, with only starting tight end Gerald Everett not participating as he deals with a knee issue. Relatively is the key word, as the offensive line has dealt with a major reshuffling this season already.

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News: Cowboys coaching candidates continue to emerge, Elliott says wins over stats

Cowboys Nation is still breaking down the Bears game and exploring possible coaching hires, while a franchise icon talks about being GM.

The long break between games has given Cowboys players extra time to get healthy, Cowboys fans additional time to dwell on the crushing defeat in Chicago, and the Cowboys rumor mill bonus time to swirl with possibilities and speculation.

Time to get caught up on who’s ready to play, who’s looking for wins over yards, and who’s looking like a problem when the tape comes on. There are names to mull over in the coaching carousel- including one that hasn’t gotten much publicity yet- and a familiar name who may have a GM job on his mind. Here’s the latest News and Notes.

Vander Esch not close to return; several others should vs. Rams :: Cowboys Wire

The Cowboys look to be nearing full strength coming off their mini-bye and heading into Week 15’s game. Wednesday’s injury report showed running back Tony Pollard, defensive tackle Antwaun Woods, and safety Jeff Heath all back at practice.

Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, though, did not practice due to his lingering neck issue. The second-year star is unlikely to play this weekend, and the coaching staff states it could be “a little time” before he is ready to return.

–TB

Individual milestones don’t mean much to Elliott :: The Mothership

The league’s defending rushing champ is having a down year by his standards. But that’s not what’s bothering Ezekiel Elliott these days. Despite topping 1,000 yards for the third time in four seasons as a pro, the number that Elliott cares about is the one in the team’s win column.

“Who cares if you rush for 2,000 and don’t even make the playoffs?” Elliott asked on Wednesday.

The two-time Pro Bowler is on track to see the second-lowest rushing attempt of his career, thanks in large part to the addition of a capable change-of-pace backup in Tony Pollard. But Elliott doesn’t mind the lightened workload so long as it helps the team.

“Whatever is in the game plan, whatever the team needs me to do to win, I’m going to go out there and do,” Elliott said. “They know I’m always ready to get as many touches as they need me to get.”

–TB

Film room: Inside Cowboys CB Chidobe Awuzie’s struggles, and how they affect the secondary’s future :: Dallas News

Chidobe Awuzie was supposed to be the future for the Cowboys at cornerback. Not only has the third-year Colorado product failed to live up to those lofty expectations, he seems to be regressing. His biggest issue? Inconsistency.

Awuzie is capable of being very good, but according to John Owning, his technique has failed him throughout the season, often leading to big plays the other way. To the casual observer, Awuzie’s issue is refusing to look for the ball when it’s in the air. The true problem, though, runs much deeper than that. He remains a player with untapped potential, but his drop in performance in 2019 may bring salary cap ramifications moving forward.

–TT

The Richard Report: Cowboys’ defensive effort shows ominous signs of surrender in Chicago :: The Athletic

If the Dallas defense seemed particularly bad at tackling during their Week 14 loss at Soldier Field, that’s because they were.

Want a sobering perspective on 19 missed tackles in one night? New England’s defense has missed 56 tackles all season long.

For fans who have the stomach to sit through the Chicago nightmare again, Bob Sturm brings the film study, including Xavier Woods and Jaylon Smith putting forth abysmal effort on perhaps the game’s biggest play.

–TB

Why did the Cowboys bother re-signing FB Jamize Olawale? :: Inside the Star

An awful miss while open on a crucial red zone pass play against Chicago in Week 14 is the strongest impression many fans have right now of Cowboys fullback Jamize Olawale. The third-down incompletion from Dak Prescott was just the second time the eight-year veteran had been targeted all season. He has logged zero rushing attempts and has been on the field for only 11% of Dallas’s offensive snaps in 2019.

Olawale “has some proven receiving and rushing talent from his days in Oakland,” points out Jess Haynie, “yet the Cowboys have been unwilling or unable to find a way to use him more on offense.” For all of that, the North Texas alum currently earns $1.8 million per season and is the fourth-highest-paid fullback in the league.

Fullback is a tricky position to quantify in today’s NFL, but on the surface, Olawale’s seems to be a textbook case of getting way too little bang for way too many bucks.

–TB

Cowboys legend Troy Aikman wants to be a GM, though doesn’t see it under Jerry Jones :: Cowboys Wire

The Hall of Fame quarterback has expressed interest in possibly returning to the league someday as a general manager. But the Cowboys icon doesn’t expect it to ever be with his former team… at least under its current ownership.

Speaking with Dallas radio station 1310 The Ticket, Aikman shot down the notion of taking a front office role under Jerry Jones, describing his ex-boss as “real stubborn and steadfast in that he’s the one in charge.”

With Jones as both owner and GM, the team famously has not advanced beyond the NFC divisional round since Aikman himself was taking the snaps in the 1995 postseason. Aikman is now the A-team color analyst for FOX Sports and in recent years has been a vocal critic of the longstanding power structure in Dallas.

“I think in a lot of ways,” the three-time Super Bowl winner continued, “until that changes, this team’s going to have some problems.”

–TB

Week 15 head coach replacement rankings: 35 potential names for Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire

While a Super Bowl appearance is still possible and would change everything for the Cowboys, a divorce in Dallas seems more likely than ever. K.D. Drummond plays matchmaker and swipes through 35 possible candidates to replace Jason Garrett if the Red Ball regime does, in fact, come to an end after this season.

From promising young up-and-comers (49ers special teams coach and assistant Richard Hightower) to former players climbing the ladder (Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich), and seasoned veterans (former Carolina/Denver/Chicago coach John Fox) to collegiate legends (national championship winner Bob Stoops), every option is explored and graded.

And yes, the list also includes a few current Cowboys employees, many of the usual suspects for any coaching vacancy, and He Who Shall Not Be Named (but whose name rhymes with Furban Squier).

–TB

Dan Mullen: If NFL calls, I’d probably consider it :: 247Sports

But wait, there’s more! Add another name to the list of potential candidates. Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen went on record this week as saying he would “probably consider” an opportunity presented to him by an NFL team. That quote made its way to The Rich Eisen Show courtesy of FOX reporter Bruce Feldman, who in turn was citing a report from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah; he had mentioned Dallas as a possible suitor for Mullen’s services should Cowboys owner Jerry Jones part ways with current coach Jason Garrett.

If Mullen’s name rings a bell with Cowboys Nation, it may be because he was instrumental in helping to develop a young Dak Prescott while roaming the sidelines at Mississippi State.

For what it’s worth, Mullen is also a protege of former Ohio State and Florida head coach Urban Meyer, the name most closely associated with any rumored coaching change in Dallas.

–TB

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Notes: Aikman rips Cowboys front office, 3 Cowboys out vs. Bears

Jerry Jones has a cryptic comment about his coach, a HOFer has harsh words for his ex-boss, and the team’s new triplets close in on history.

A Thursday gameday has Cowboys Nation already looking at final injury reports for both Dallas and Chicago in advance of their primetime meeting on Lake Shore Drive. Three Cowboys have been ruled out, along with one familiar face in the Bears secondary.

Khalil Mack has good things to say about the Dallas offense, but Troy Aikman isn’t as gracious when it comes to the Cowboys front office. Owner Jerry Jones offers a cryptic comment about coach Jason Garrett’s future, and a noted football insider has a bone to pick regarding the current playoff seeding structure. All that plus the Cowboys’ new triplets close in on team history, and a closer look at some killer cleats for some exceptional causes. Here’s your News and Notes slate ahead of Week 14’s game.

Updates: 3 Cowboys ruled out vs. Bears :: The Mothership

The trio of Cowboys who were on the fence for Thursday’s game in Chicago will now officially be wearing street clothes on the Soldier Field sideline. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is still dealing with a neck issue, defensive tackle Antwaun Woods has a knee problem, and safety Jeff Heath is working through a double shoulder ailment.

The ankle injury that kept running back Tony Pollard out of Tuesday’s practice is still a source of some concern; the rookie is listed as questionable for the Bears tilt.

Injury update: Amukamara doubtful with hamstring :: chicagobears.com

Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara had some memorable meetings with Dallas when he was a member of the Giants from 2011 to 2015. Thursday night was to be the former first-rounder’s first time facing the Cowboys since leaving New York. But that rematch may have to wait; Amukamara is listed as doubtful for Week 14’s showdown due to a hamstring injury sustained on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago’s game versus Detroit.

The Bears’ official website lists offensive tackle Bobby Massie, wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, tight end Ben Braunecker, and linebacker Danny Trevathan as out.

Khalil Mack says Dak Prescott will be huge challenge for Bears defense :: NBC Sports Chicago

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has had a stellar 2019 campaign, despite the team’s overall performance. The leader of Chicago’s defense thinks keeping him in check will be “a big challenge.”

Mack says of Prescott, “The guy knows how to put his team in a position to win games. He’s a hell of a ballplayer. He plays with a lot of heart, and you see it. You see it reflected in the film.”

But Mack and his defensive mates know they won’t be able to key solely on stopping the Dallas air attack. Of two-time rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott, Mack says, “He’s one of the most physical running backs in the league. It’s going to be a huge task. He’s a guy who runs the ball like he’s angry. It’s going to be our job to make sure he feels us.”

Aikman: Way organization is run is to ‘detriment of the Cowboys’ :: NBC DFW

Troy Aikman thinks his former quarterback understudy Jason Garrett has “the hardest job in football” as head coach of the Cowboys and says he’s “done a really nice job” in that capacity over the past decade. But the Hall of Famer admits that sometimes a change at the top is needed. If the team doesn’t go on a late run and find postseason success, that change could be coming soon to Dallas.

Aikman even had some harsh words for his former boss and went on to talk about the unique front office situation that a prospective new coach would be walking into.

“It’s not run, traditionally, the way most organizations are. I think that’s to the detriment of the Cowboys. I don’t think you can look at three playoff wins in the last 25 years and surmise that all of the problems over that time have been a result of coaching.”

Aikman goes into detail of how Jones meddles, and one can’t help but wonder how this will impact any coding search.

Jones waxes poetic on Jason Garrett with empty rhetoric yet again :: Cowboys Wire

The NFL’s annual head coaching carousel started turning a bit earlier than expected on Wednesday when Ron Rivera was shown the door in Carolina. Almost on cue, talk in sports radio circles turned to whether Rivera might be a fit in Dallas if Jason Garrett also gets his walking papers.

Even with a lackluster 6-6 record, Garrett’s team is- improbably- still favored to win the division title. Talk of a coaching change in Dallas might, then, seem premature. But it turns out the buzz had gotten a little louder just hours earlier, when owner Jerry Jones spoke with 105.3 The Fan that very morning.

The outspoken owner had plenty to say about Garrett’s aptitude and qualities. He talked about the high bar for NFL coaches in the chase to win Super Bowls. But he ended with the bombshell heard ’round the league: “In my opinion, Jason Garrett will be coaching in the NFL next year.”

Lots of room for interpretation there. Acres upon acres, in fact.

Cowboys’ new triplets close in on history :: @dannyphantom24 (Twitter)

Somewhat lost in the disappointment of a middling 6-6 record has been just how statistically good the Cowboys offense has been. Quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and wideout Amari Cooper are all putting up very good numbers. And while the individual totals might not be translating to as many wins as all involved would prefer, the trio of stars is on the cusp of doing something historic in the annals of Dallas football.

Big Facts: Cowboys haven’t lost TNF in 40 years :: The Mothership

Dallas has played on the Thursday night after Thanksgiving in each of the past three seasons. They won all three contests. They also appeared on Thursday Night Football in 2014 and 2007. Both were victories. In fact, the last time Dallas lost on a Thursday night? 1978.

Also explored in this compendium of trivia: Randall Cobb’s prowess this season against his former NFC North rivals, Jason Witten knocking on the door of the franchise’s touchdown reception record, and a look at the coldest games in team history.

Revised playoff seeding is long overdue :: ProFootballTalk

The winner of the NFC East- either Dallas or Philadelphia- will host a playoff game at their home stadium. Either San Francisco or Seattle will come in to that matchup with a much better regular season record, but as the runner-up in their division. That means they’ll be the visitors, with the lesser-performing team getting home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. It’s happened before. And now that’s it’s happening again, it’s sparking discussion about whether that’s right.

As Mike Florio suggests, “Maybe the rule should be that the division winner has to have a winning record to host a wild-card game. Maybe the division winner should be required to generate a record of 10-6 or better. Whatever the formula, the current one is grossly unfair.”

Take note: If the existing seeding system benefits Jerry Jones and the Cowboys and helps them beat a seemingly-superior team and advance in postseason play, it just may be enough for another of the NFL owners to propose an official change during the league meetings in March.

Cowboys wearing their hearts on their cleats :: The Mothership

For the fourth year in a row, NFL players will showcase their personal causes in the My Cause My Cleats campaign. More than 900 players will wear custom-made cleats with artwork highlighting the charities and initiatives they support off the field.

From children’s hospitals and anti-bullying programs to cancer research and youth services, the Cowboys’ cleats will give attention to a long list of worthy causes when the players hit the field in their artsy footwear prior to Thursday night’s game in Chicago.