Tag: Noah BRown

Amari Cooper out; Could another Cowboys WR have a Miles Austin moment vs Chiefs?

In 2009, a bench WR stepped up in Kansas City and became a superstar; which current Cowboys player could repeat the feat this Sunday? | From @ToddBrock24f7

In the final hours leading up to an away game at Arrowhead Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys lose their biggest name at wide receiver. Winning on the road in Kansas City is a challenge for a team at full strength, but depending on a little-known depth player to step up at a key playmaking position in the notoriously-hostile environment puts the Cowboys at a distinct disadvantage.

Yes, that is the scenario enveloping the Cowboys this week as four-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper has been declared out of Sunday’s matchup after being placed on the Reserve/COVID list.

But that opening premise is actually describing the 2009 season, when Dallas and Kansas City were set to square off in a Week 5 meeting. By the time the dust had settled that day, a 25-year-old Cowboys benchwarmer named Miles Austin had become an instant celebrity.

Could history repeat itself this weekend to produce a new Cowboys legend? Who in the current Dallas locker room is best-suited to play the role of Austin in the 2021 reboot?

The Cowboys were 2-2 coming into that October contest 12 years ago. It was the third year on the job for head coach Wade Phillips. Wide receiver Roy Williams, in his first full season in Dallas after being acquired by trade from Detroit the previous October, was to become the team’s top pass-catching threat after the release of Terrell Owens. But a ribs injury suffered against Denver caused Williams to miss several days of practice the following week. On Saturday, the day before their game versus the Chiefs, Williams was not on board the team plane to Kansas City. Someone named Miles Austin was to get his first NFL start.

Most Cowboys fans know the rest of the story. Austin absolutely exploded that day, hauling in ten catches from quarterback Tony Romo for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including the 60-yard walkoff game-winner in overtime.

A star was born.

Williams was never again the undisputed WR1 for the rest of his short Dallas tenure. Austin, though, went on to lead the NFL in receiving yards that year and earned a Pro Bowl nod, the first of two straight. His 250-yard day at Arrowhead still stands as the franchise record for a receiver.

Austin was not a total unknown on his breakout day, though. He was officially listed as the team’s third receiving option after Owens’s release. The undrafted free agent was in his fourth season as a Cowboy, having seen action in 41 games. He had logged 23 catches on 45 targets for 435 yards and four touchdowns.

Clearly, though, Phillips and Romo and the rest of the offense thought enough of Austin to give him the opportunity when Williams was suddenly declared out.

So who is the under-the-mainstream-radar guy that the 2021 Cowboys might turn to for an Austinesque coming-out party in Kansas City? A look at the career stats of the current depth chart shows three players who all have not-dissimilar bodies of work coming into Sunday’s game.

Name Gms Tgts Recs Yds TDs
Miles Austin (entering 2009 KC game) 41 45 23 435 4
Cedrick Wilson 31 63 41 515 5
Noah Brown 45 52 31 358 0
Malik Turner 33 34 23 305 3

Wilson is the best-known of the bunch, both for his recent fill-in receiver work during Michael Gallup’s injury and for his current usage in many of the Cowboys’ gadget plays under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Turner just made a minor splash with two late scores in Week 9 to make the 30-16 loss to Denver seem less horrific than it actually was. And Brown has seen more playing time than any of them, although he hasn’t yet done anything that would light up a box score.

Wilson looks to be the primary beneficiary of Cooper’s COVID absence, but Dallas has shown a willingness to ride the guy with the hot hand. Should Brown or Turner catch fire by catching a few Dak Prescott passes in what promises to be a shootout, either could just as easily get their Miles Austin Mojo Moment this Sunday and provide the Cowboys with another weapon in the arsenal for when Cooper returns.

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Cowboys WR Noah Brown activated from COVID list, eligible for Week 1

Noah Brown is back on the active roster for the season opener in Tampa, but the WR and special teams player hasn’t practiced in over a week. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The Cowboys removed a name from the Reserve/COVID list on Wednesday. Just not the name that’s had the fanbase in a complete twist and spurned visions of the team jetting one player by himself to Tampa and chartering a limo with police escort to the Big Pirate Ship so he can make a dramatic run out from the tunnel just as the 2021 season officially kicks off.

All-Pro right guard Zack Martin remains in COVID protocol… but wide receiver Noah Brown is back, fully activated, and eligible to play Thursday night versus the Buccaneers.

Listed on the depth chart as the backup to starting wideout Amari Cooper, Brown also plays a key role on special teams. The former seventh-round draft pick out of Ohio State logged 14 receptions for 154 receiving yards in 2020 (both career bests). More crucially, he was on the field for 47% of the year’s special teams snaps for John Fassel’s unit, the most of any Cowboys offensive player.

The team had been holding an open spot on the 53-man roster for Brown, so no one needed to be demoted or let go for his return. While he could technically take the field Thursday, Brown hasn’t practiced since being placed in protocol August 31st.

Martin, meanwhile, is looking like less of a possibility with each passing hour. It was already a long shot that the six-time Pro Bowler would make the trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast as he awaits two negative COVID tests, but Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones didn’t do anything to stoke the fire on Dallas radio Wednesday.

Offensive lineman Brandon Knight also remains on the COVID watchlist, but apparently has a good chance to play in the season opener. He was classified as a “close contact” and has not reportedly experienced any symptoms.

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News: Some Cowboys still on roster bubble, another COVID add, considering Cam?

Several will have survived “final” cuts only temporarily to make room for returning COVID players; will the Saints use Cowboys’ home field? | From @ToddBrock24f7

Cowboys fans ended their Tuesday night with another episode of the reality series Hard Knocks, but several players lived it in true living color just hours earlier. So-called “final” roster cuts were the big story of the day, with two dozen players either released or waived. Some were axed only as a technicality and will be back within days; others made it onto the 53-man roster only as a temporary stay. We’re analyzing every move at every position as the true 2021 roster continues to take shape.

Within that, several interesting subplots. What- if anything at all- should Cam Newton’s release by the Patriots mean for the Cowboys’ backup quarterback situation? Which injured Cowboys will have to give up their roster spots to players coming off the COVID watchlist? And who just got put on that list?  The ’21 draft class continues an impressive streak in Dallas, an undrafted reality show winner gets the leading-man treatment in the incredible true story of his life, the Cowboys’ next big defensive star hooks up with one of the club’s past greats, our player profiles focus on the rising secondary, and Dez Bryant makes another clutch catch. That’s all on tap in this edition of News and Notes.

Winners and Losers: Cowboys QBs separate themselves in loss, a 5th WR emerges?

Cooper Rush and Ben DiNucci lead the winners and losers from the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason loss to the Houston Texans. | From @NoHuddle

The Dallas Cowboys extend their “meaningless” losing streak to three straight games after falling to the Houston Texans 20-14 in what was considered their dress rehearsal. The performances Saturday night would be best described as a mixed bag for a team that couldn’t score in the second half. As always, there are winners and there are losers, so it’s time to dive in.

Cowboys News: Randy Gregory ‘unstoppable” in camp, Dalton Schultz impresses

The Cowboys offense says of Gregory, “We can’t stop him;” Dalton Schultz, Ben DiNucci, and Maurice Canady are among other camp notables. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Several Cowboys players aren’t waiting around to make moves. Tight end Dalton Schultz may be pressing to keep the starting job as Blake Jarwin continues to work his way back from an ACL injury, and Randy Gregory appears to be putting on a clinic at defensive end, prompting a former player and coach to predict an All-Pro campaign for the veteran still on the comeback trail. Maurice Canady is finally getting his Cowboys career started after opting out of 2020, Ben DiNucci is gunning for the primary backup quarterback job, Connor Williams is taking snaps at center, and a new cornerback has been welcomed into the fold.

Plenty more tidbits from camp to start a new week, too. Fans in Oxnard hoping to catch a glimpse of Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence may have to wait, Troy Aikman stopped by practice to share his expectations for the 2021 offense, Noah Brown and Sean McKeon get the player-profile treatment, slick grass during morning practices may become an issue, and Dan Quinn could become a breakout star when the Cowboys hit HBO. All that, plus a look at the remarkable Hall of Fame journey of Cowboys safety Cliff Harris, and Dez Bryant may not be done quite yet. Here’s your News and Notes.

Noah Brown’s role as swiss-army knife with Cowboys could carve bigger role in 2021

Noah Brown used his versatility to become a consistent role player on offense and special teams, and may be on the verge of doing even more with the opportunity. | From @CDBurnett7

When it comes time to pay attention to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense, everyone looks towards the big names at wide receiver like Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup. All three have unique skillsets that when combined form one of the most formidable tandems across the league. Meanwhile Noah Brown is an unsung hero of the group, becoming a do-it-all player for Dallas since being drafted by the team in 2017.

The Ohio State product inked a one-year deal with the Cowboys this offseason, likely continuing his role as a rotational receiver as well as an important special teams player. Brown played 47% of the special teams’ snaps in 2020 and also had career highs in receptions and yards.

After playing every game of the season for the first time of his career, Brown should continue to be an underrated but important cog in the Cowboys’ success.

Ark Reactor: Cowboys bring WR Noah Brown back on 1-year deal

Noah Brown is the first signing of the 2021 free agency for Dallas, agreeing to return to the Cowboys on a one-year deal.

The NFL free agency tampering period started on Monday, with all teams now being allowed to discuss contracts with potential free agents before they can sign on Wednesday. After being quiet for most of the day, the Dallas cowboys made a move that they could have pulled off at any point since January.

After playing in all 16 games for the first time in his professional career, Cowboys are bringing back swiss-army knife WR Noah Brown to a one-year deal to try and build an ironman streak as the tough guy in the position room.

The Ohio State product was drafted by the Cowboys in 2017 with the 239th overall pick and has earned his spot on the roster as both a blocking receiver and a special teams weapon for Dallas. Brown missed the 2019 season due to a left knee surgery during the offseason and returned to the active roster in 2020.

Brown had his best year as a receiver for the Cowboys in 2020, totaling 14 catches for 154 yards during the season.  Playing alongside the likes of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, he attained career highs in catches and receiving yards. Known mainly for his blocking, this was a breakout year going into his first free agency in the NFL.

On special teams, Brown played 47% of the snaps, being one of the five most-used players for Dallas. Brown played a career-high in snaps in 2020 on both offense and special teams, amassing 445 total snaps during the season.

Going into the 2021 season, Brown will continue to be a large part of the special teams unit and should get more opportunities as a receiver with quarterback Dak Prescott returning from injury.

With the tender placed on RFA Cedrick Wilson earlier in the day, it appears Dallas is looking to enter 2021 with all of their 2020 weapons at Prescott and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s disposal.

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Cowboys’ Prescott ‘excited’ to unveil CeeDee Lamb, ‘take control’ in ‘Kellen’s show’

The Cowboys quarterback says he’s looking to take more control of the offense under OC Kellen Moore in Mike McCarthy’s first year in Dallas.

With the curtain on the 2020 season set to go up in just ten days’ time, there’s a talented ensemble cast waiting in the wings. And to hear their leading man tell it, they’re ready to put on quite a show.

Quarterback Dak Prescott sat for a brief conference call with reporters on Wednesday and set the stage for the unveiling of the Cowboys offense in Los Angeles in Week 1. But despite (or perhaps because of) a brand-new coach and just a handful of practice sessions in this shortened preseason, Prescott talked about picking things up where the Dallas offense left off in 2019.

There are some new faces in some key places, for sure, but this season’s offense won’t be a from-scratch overhaul. Mike McCarthy may be the head coach now, but it’s still offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s attack plan when the Cowboys have the ball.

“That continuity has been huge,” Prescott said. “Been important for me. And not just for me, but everybody within this offense, from some of the veteran offensive line guys to the receivers. I had a talk early on with McCarthy: just the importance of it being Kellen’s show and the way that he does things. The majority of the quarterbacks you look at in the league that have had a lot of success have stayed in the same system, so that was the big importance: for him to keep me and the rest of this offense in the same system and take what we’ve done over the past few years and grow on that. We’ve had some success, but we’re just trying to take that to the next level. And that’s what he offers us.”

McCarthy’s not the only addition that the Cowboys hope will take them to the next level. The most visible on-the-field change within the Dallas offense will be the introduction of rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb. Expectations couldn’t be much higher for the Oklahoma product, who was pegged by the team as the best pass-catcher in the draft, yet improbably fell in the Cowboys’ lap with the 17th overall pick.

Prescott’s already thrown to some elite talent over his short four-year career, but he says Lamb certainly lives up the hype.

“My confidence is to the roof with him,” Prescott said of Lamb. “When he came in, I had high expectations for him because of the guy that I initially met in the offseason when we were throwing and when we were getting together. You could just tell the type of guy he is, the type of player, the type of competitor he is. So my expectations for him rose immediately from that meeting. To get into training camp, to see what he’s done, to see what he can do… I think he’s had as good a camp as anyone has, any position on this team. It’s exciting. As I said before, he’s going to play a huge role in our success, not only this year but in the future. I’m excited for it. Excited for him.”

And it’s not just the starting cast. The Cowboys are blessed with a repertory of talented bit players, too. Guys like Noah Brown and Cedrick Wilson may not exactly be household names, but they’ve proven themselves to the point that the club released Devin Smith, a former second-rounder.

Prescott credited both Wilson and Brown for “their playmaking ability.”

“That ball is in the air, both of those guys feel like it’s their ball. Those are two guys you can almost throw fifty-fifty balls to and they’re going to come down with it more times than not. Very smart. Don’t make many mistakes, if any at all,” Prescott glowed. “Over the last couple of days in scrimmages, both of them have caught touchdowns and made big plays for this offense, so they’re just going out there and doing exactly what’s asked and letting their game speak for themselves.”

The first year of Moore’s offense was mostly successful. The Cowboys finished 2019 ranked third in the league in total passing yards behind Prescott’s best statistical year as a pro. With two more yards through the air, Prescott would have set a new Cowboys single-season record. As a unit, they scored 49 touchdowns, one away from placing in the league’s top five.

But that’s not to say that Prescott isn’t also looking to take a further step in his own evolution as an NFL passer. The two-time Pro Bowler will have a few new responsibilities on his plate in 2020.

“[I’m] Being asked to do some things, but I think they’re all things that I want to take. I want to take control of putting more of it in my hands, whether it’s getting from one place to another, whether it’s calling my own plays at certain times during two minutes, all things that makes the quarterback position special. More than anything, I’m happy that I get to take on these decisions and some of the things I’m being asked to do.

“I’m a guy that’s tough on myself, so I’m never to the point where I’m exactly where I want to be,” he explained. “But I’m always getting better, for sure, [I] can say that. Feel very comfortable in the offense, comfortable with the guys. Getting adjusted with communication, the new terms, the new words, that’s almost second nature, I guess you could say, now. I’m kind of right where I need to be and feel very comfortable with the offense and where we’re going as a team.”

McCarthy has put together an impressive cast, the kind that should be able to tear through whatever script Moore has crafted. But Prescott is the one with his name on the marquee. Where they ultimately go will largely depend on him and how he performs when the lights finally come up.

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Cowboys News: What Jamal Adams is worth, pass more, win less?

Dallas Cowboys new for June 19, 2020.

It appears Jamal Adams is finally on the trade block, despite trade rumors happening for over a year now and the Jets rapidly denying the availability of their best player. Adams has now requested to be moved, and Dallas is the frontrunner in much of the media’s mind. Its undeniable that Adams makes the Cowboys defense much better, but would his high cost be worth the addition? As the team stands now, who is the Cowboys second best defender? That role is for the taking by the multiple talents on the Dallas defense.

The Coronavirus pandemic got a lot more real for Cowboys fans, if it wasn’t already, when league sources announced that Ezekiel Elliott, among other Cowboys and Texans players, had tested positive for the virus. Patrik Walker from CBS Sports delivers his usual dose of science, and breaks down how the virus could impact a teams season.

Best trade fits for Jamal Adams, and what the New York Jets safety is worth :: ESPN+

Jamal Adams’ trade rumors have been swirling for months now. With his official trade request coming this week, the likelihood that the All-Pro safety is moved is at an all-time high. This ESPN plus article lists the best trade partners for the Jets, and what a realistic offer would be.

Lamb projected top rookie WR, but will Cowboys offense allow for it? :: Cowboys Wire

CeeDee Lamb’s talent is undeniable, and the production in the NFL will come, but when? Our own Tony Thompson determines the likelihood that Lamb reaches his production potential in a stacked Dallas offense.

Mailbag: Who Is The 2nd Best Player On Defense? :: Dallas Cowboys

Who’s the Cowboys second best defender behind DeMarcus Lawrence? And could newly signed defensive back Daryl Worley possibly move to safety? Cowboys staff writers David Helman and Jonny Auping do their best to answer fan questions in this edition of the mailbag.

Schultz searching for more than Cowboys’ peanuts in pivotal season :: Cowboys Wire

Dalton Schultz is a well-rounded player, but hasn’t took the next step yet in his NFL career. After posting fewer snaps in his second year than his rookie year, the former fourth-round pick is looking to find success in a Cowboys tight end room that is in need of a breakout player.

NFL coronavirus: How justified COVID-19 restrictions could wildly disrupt playoffs, Super Bowl hopes :: CBS Sports

This offseason, because of the Covid-19 outbreak, has been unlike any offseason before it. CBS Sports’ Patrik Walker looks ahead to the upcoming season, and all the problems playing football through a pandemic could potentially cause for NFL teams.

DE Aldon Smith Feels Fresh While Carrying New Weight :: Inside The Star

A lot has been made about the comeback of Aldon Smith, and for good reason. The former All-Pro has changed his body, he’s now heavier than what he played at before, but Smith believes this change will only help his rejuvenated game.

Noah Brown has to block frustration like he does DBs to make Cowboys 2020 roster :: Cowboys Wire

Noah Brown is a big-bodied wide receiver that made his talent evident during his time with Ohio State. Brown now has a chance to carve out his largest role in Dallas, as the fourth wide receiver spot is up for grabs in Dallas.

More passing meant more losing for the Cowboys in 2019, but the key to success is still Dak Prescott :: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys offense has slowly transitioned from a run-first to a pass-first scheme, but it’s really all about balancing the two. Dan Rogers from Blogging The Boys takes a deeper look at what more passing meant for Dallas last year, and what that might mean this year.

Noah Brown has to block frustration like he does DBs to make Cowboys 2020 roster

A healthier Noah Brown finds himself in a good position to become the Dallas Cowboys fourth wide receiver on the depth chart in 2020.

For Noah Brown, 2020 is an absolute prove-it year for him and the Dallas Cowboys. This is not only his contract year, but also one where he has the best chance of moving up the depth chart to land in the fourth spot.

When the Cowboys drafted wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb with the No. 17 overall pick, fans rejoiced over the big splash. On paper, the Cowboys wide receiver depth chart is as formidable as any in the league. Amari Cooper was recently extended with the emerging Michael Gallup opposite of him. Adding the explosive Lamb, who some have considered to be the best wide receiver in this years draft class. But then what?

What can Brown do for them?

Brown has bigger-than-prototypical size for the position, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in right around 225 pounds. He has been used primarily to use his size to block on special teams and sometimes that’s enough to keep you on a roster this deep at a specific position.

He left Ohio State after being a starter for just one season, and it was known that he needed some polishing to his game. The seventh-round pick will be just 24 years old entering his fourth season and has it all on the line after missing all of 2019.

When Brown played, he was used primarily as a blocking receiver, a motif opponents caught onto, stifling the Dallas running game in 2018.

He had been given some opportunities to shine in 2017 as a rookie, but didn’t come through, most notably down the stretch of the tumultuous season which was captured on Amazon Prime’s series All or Nothing.

Brown was able to catch just four passes for 13 yards as the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart as a 2017 rookie. That year he was competing with guys like Brice Butler, Lucky Whitehead and Lance Lenoir. All of these wide outs fell behind Dez Bryant, Cole Beasely, Terrance Williams and Ryan Switzer.

Competing with Brown now will be the likes of the speedy Devin Smith and Cedric Wilson. Both of those players showed flashes in 2019 but neither separated themselves from this battle for that premier fourth spot.

Wilson found himself on the IR in December after appearing in six games and making five catches. Smith made his presence felt early in the season with a 51-yard touchdown against the Redskins but became lost in the shuffle because of the team’s insistence that WR4 play special teams.

Evidence of Talent

Brown certainly looks every bit of a bulldozing WR in his highlights, which include one of the most memorable snags in recent college football history:

Injury History

In 2018, Brown started the year on the IR with a hamstring injury but was healthy enough to be brought back in November where he primarily carved out a niche for himself playing special teams. In that season he was able to grab just five catches for 54 yards.

In 2019, once again, began the year on the PUP (Physically unable to preform) list due to off-season knee surgery.  Unfortunately for Brown, that was the end of the road for the entire campaign.

Moving forward

There’s no shortage in talent at the top of the WR depth chart, but beyond that the chance is there. The Dallas offense is in a great spot to succeed both in the run and the pass. For  Brown, it’ll be about staying healthy, getting on the field in a potential shortened pre-season and showing that he needs to be the guy to look for after Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb. 2020 is a potentially big year for No. 85.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown. With 86 days* remaining until the NFL’s first game, up next is rookie tight end Sean McKeon.

| Antwaun Woods | Tyrone Crawford | Trysten Hill | Jalen Jelks |
| Dontari Poe | Randy Gregory | Gerald McCoy | Dorance Armstrong |
| L.P. Ladouceur | DeMarcus Lawrence | Blake Jarwin | CeeDee Lamb |
| Cole Hikutini | Dalton Schultz |

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