Daily News 19

Tag: Dak Prescott

  • Calls Grow for Jerry Jones to Relinquish Control of the Cowboys: “He’s selling the fans a fantasy”

    Calls Grow for Jerry Jones to Relinquish Control of the Cowboys: “He’s selling the fans a fantasy”

    The Dallas Cowboys’ latest defensive collapse has reignited scrutiny over Jerry Jones’ grip on the franchise, with Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens arguing the owner must cede football control.

    Jones entered the 2025 NFL season insisting Dallas would field a stronger defense. That confidence evaporated quickly after the Cowboys surrendered 28 points in a season-opening loss to the New York Giants.

    Owens: Jones ‘selling a fantasy’ to Cowboys fans

    Owens criticized Jones following the defeat, saying the owner continues to present supporters with an unrealistic vision.

    “It’s the same old same old,” Owens told Get To The Point. “I mean, Jerry Jones is really selling all these Cowboy fans, he’s selling them a fantasy, he’s selling them a dream.”

    “He needs to relinquish some of the control that he has with the team and allow some other people to kind of step in place.”

    “That’s kind of like a sign of narcissism, in a sense. And at the end of the day, he’s not even really worried about wins and losses.”

    Defensive rebuild fails first test against Giants

    The criticism followed a performance that made Dallas’ defensive overhaul look uncertain. The Giants repeatedly exposed weaknesses, converting nine of 11 third-down attempts—an 81.8% conversion rate representing New York’s strongest third-down showing since 1978.

    Dallas had invested heavily in the unit during the offseason. The Cowboys added veteran pass rusher Von Miller, hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, and brought in Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Dee Winters, and Rashan Gary.

    Despite the personnel influx, Dallas produced only the 21st-best pressure rate in Week 1 despite blitzing at the seventh-highest rate. The defensive struggles placed additional pressure on an offense featuring Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams. Even that star-studded unit could not hide the frailty as Dallas fell 28-20.

    Jones’ dual role contrasts with championship blueprint

    The situation has renewed attention on how Jones operates the Cowboys compared to when he first acquired the franchise. Decades ago, he worked alongside Jimmy Johnson: Jones handled business matters while Johnson directed football operations. That arrangement helped Dallas win two Super Bowls, but the organization’s structure has since evolved.

    Jones has remained deeply involved in football decisions while continuing as owner and general manager—a dynamic critics argue has hampered the franchise. At 83, he has shown little indication of relinquishing control and claims he still has work to do in pursuit of additional Super Bowl success.

    “I don’t have a succession plan, I don’t,” Jones told The Athletic. “One day I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in.”

    Jones is attempting to close the gap to Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots’ six Super Bowl titles. Doing so would require four more championships—a tall order for a franchise that has not reached the NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season.

  • Mick Shots: Inexplicably Rough Start to 2026 Road Schedule

    Mick Shots: Inexplicably Rough Start to 2026 Road Schedule

    FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys embark on a grueling 2026 season opener Sunday night at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants, kicking off a punishing seven-week stretch that features four nationally televised night games, a transcontinental trip to Brazil, and a travel itinerary totaling approximately 18,000 air miles.

    Brutal Early Schedule Tests Cowboys Depth and Durability

    The Cowboys’ first seven weeks include road games at the Giants (Sunday, Sept. 13, 7:20 p.m. ET), at Green Bay (Sunday, Oct. 18, 7:20 p.m. ET), and at Philadelphia (Monday, Oct. 26, 7:15 p.m. ET), plus a Thursday night home game against Tampa Bay (Oct. 8, 7:15 p.m. ET) on short rest. The NFL designates Dallas as the “home team” for a Sept. 27 game against the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro — a designation head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted with sarcasm.

    “I think the way the schedule is this year for the first couple of games we’re not going to have much of a routine, and that’s why again the live in the moment of the day I think matters,” Schottenheimer says, knowing the importance of starting the season with two NFC East Division games against the Giants and the Commanders. “We have to plan ahead, knowing Rio is right down the street.”

    Speaking of that, Schotty says he has to pay attention to sports science factoring in the amount of travel facing this team.

    “We’ve got a unique situation when you look at these next five weeks really when you factor in getting home at 5 a.m., the trip to Rio which is kind of a short week for us, then the league did us a favor (tongue in cheek) by getting us going to Houston and come home on Thursday (to play the Tampa Bay game), that was cool, so we’re just trying to do what we can to avoid the heat.”

    Travel Logistics: 18,000 Miles in Seven Weeks

    The travel breakdown underscores the physical toll:

    • Sept. 13 at Giants: Return to DFW ~4:30 a.m. Monday
    • Sept. 27 vs. Ravens in Rio: 10-hour flight Thursday night, 10-hour return, projected DFW arrival 7:45 a.m. Monday
    • Oct. 4 at Houston: Short flight, noon kickoff
    • Oct. 8 vs. Tampa Bay: Thursday night, four-day turnaround
    • Oct. 18 at Green Bay: Return ~3 a.m. Monday
    • Oct. 26 at Philadelphia: Monday night, return ~4 a.m. Tuesday

    Total air miles during this stretch: right at 18,000 — the equivalent of three oil changes for a car. The only tangible benefit of the “home team” designation in Rio: the Cowboys’ charter flight departs Galeão International first, ahead of the Ravens.

    Extreme Heat Forces Practice Indoors

    Schottenheimer moved the first regular-season practice indoors Wednesday after temperature readings hit 102°F with a 114°F heat index. The Cowboys’ heat-monitoring device registered “extreme,” the highest danger level. The team uses hybrid urinals to measure player hydration levels and requires weigh-ins during outdoor practices to track fluid loss.

    Offensive Line Depth Bolstered by Veteran Signing

    With All-Pro guard Tyler Smith on IR-Return and T.J. Bass elevated to starter, the Cowboys signed 34-year-old veteran Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad. A 2011 first-round pick, Tomlinson has started 162 of 173 career games over 12 NFL seasons, providing experienced depth at guard and center behind Nick Leverett, who was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

    9/11 Tributes at MetLife Stadium

    Sunday’s game falls on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Players, coaches, and staff from both teams will wear commemorative NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD hats on the sideline, along with special “Never Forget” T-shirts during pregame warmups. The phrase “Never Forget” will be stenciled onto the field. The NFL plans similar remembrances at all season-opening games.

    Cowboys Welcome Giants with ‘Empire State of Mind’

    At Wednesday’s first practice of the week, players stretched to “Empire State of Mind” — complete with the elongated “Newww Yoooork, Newww Yoooork” chorus — a pointed reminder of the venue awaiting them Sunday.

    Locker Room Notes: Number Swaps and Milestones

    Fullback Hunter Luepke gave up No. 40 to newly acquired edge rusher Von Miller, receiving a stake in Miller’s Greener Pastures Chicken company in return. Asked about the trade, Luepke said, “I’m a big chicken guy.”

    Miller, 37, owns 138½ career sacks (ninth all-time) and needs one full sack to tie for seventh. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and wide receiver George Pickens played on the same peewee team in Alabama. The Cowboys opened the 2011 season at MetLife against the Jets (a 27-24 loss), 10 years after 9/11. Quarterback Dak Prescott made his first career start against the Giants in the 2016 opener (a 20-19 loss) and is now 14-3 vs. the NFC East rival.

    Schottenheimer Names Captains, Praises Quinnen Williams

    Schottenheimer announced four 2026 captains: Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Dak Prescott, and Brandon Aubrey. Of Williams, acquired via trade for the 10th game last season, Schottenheimer offered high praise:

    “From the minute he’s gotten here he’s been about one thing and it’s winning,” Brian begins. “You know, he’s never won in the NFL, and the leadership is real, the talent is incredible, but every decision that guy makes is what’s best for us winning and I love that about him and it’s infectious, it rubs off.”

    “And I love hearing him talk to the young linemen, the young defenders – he was very, very involved in some of the things to help the defense to grow and learn and all that stuff. So terrific young man, great dad – he and Maranda are great parents. Just thrilled to have him here, man.”

  • Jerry Jones Gets Major Dak Prescott Boost That Could Silence Critics

    Jerry Jones Gets Major Dak Prescott Boost That Could Silence Critics

    Jerry Jones has received an encouraging prediction about Dak Prescott ahead of the new NFL season, with the Dallas Cowboys quarterback tipped to challenge for the MVP award.

    Prescott has faced persistent criticism over his playoff record and Dallas’ inability to make a deep postseason run. However, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the veteran quarterback could be poised for a huge year.

    Dak Prescott receives bold MVP backing

    Orlovsky went as far as placing Prescott ahead of some of the NFL’s biggest names in his early MVP conversation.

    “If I had to pick an MVP right now, I’d probably pick Dak Prescott,” Orlovsky said.

    That prediction puts Prescott in rare company, with the Cowboys quarterback expected to compete against Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and other elite quarterbacks.

    Orlovsky believes Dallas has enough offensive talent around Prescott to give him a legitimate chance to win the award.

    “I think this offense is going to be really good,” he said. “I think Dak is going to play really well.”

    For Jones, that kind of public backing will be welcome after another offseason filled with questions about whether Prescott can finally turn strong regular-season production into a deeper postseason run.

    Cowboys quarterback still has plenty to prove

    Prescott has already produced MVP-caliber stretches during his career, but the biggest criticism has consistently emerged when the playoffs begin.

    That has not stopped Orlovsky from backing him ahead of Mahomes and Allen in his early projection.

    “I think Dallas is going to score a ton of points,” Orlovsky added.

    The Cowboys will need that optimism to translate into results if Prescott is to remain in the NFL MVP conversation throughout the season.

    Jones has continued to put his faith in the quarterback despite the scrutiny surrounding both Prescott and the franchise.

    An MVP campaign would go a long way toward changing the tone around Dallas, particularly if it came alongside another playoff appearance.

    Prescott will not silence every critic simply by putting up big regular-season numbers. But if Orlovsky’s prediction proves accurate, Jones may finally have the kind of answer he has been waiting for after years of debate over whether Prescott is truly capable of leading the Cowboys back among the NFL’s elite.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Jerry Jones Sends Dak Prescott a Clear Message About His Backup After Cowboys Preseason Games

    Jerry Jones Sends Dak Prescott a Clear Message About His Backup After Cowboys Preseason Games

    Since 2010, every NFC team except the Dallas Cowboys has appeared in the NFC Championship Game at least once. Dallas, the world’s most valuable sports franchise, has not reached the doorstep of the Super Bowl since winning its last championship during the 1995 season.

    As the Cowboys confront that frustrating drought, which includes a recent two-year playoff absence, quarterback Dak Prescott has declared that the current season is strictly “Super Bowl or bust.” Prescott noted that outside criticism will always follow the franchise, making a trip to the Super Bowl the clearest way to silence the doubters.

    Dallas Cowboys Focus on Defense and Dak Prescott’s Legacy

    Dallas’ biggest weakness in recent seasons has been its defense. The unit ranked last in franchise history last year for points allowed per drive, prompting the front office to hire defensive coordinator Christian Parker and use seven draft selections on defensive talent.

    On offense, the Cowboys remain anchored by Prescott, but the quarterback’s biggest challenge arrives in January. His 2-5 postseason record contrasts sharply with his regular-season production.

    Following the 2026 season, Prescott could further cement his legacy as arguably the greatest regular-season quarterback in Cowboys history. He is already the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards with 35,989. Prescott also trails Tony Romo by only eight touchdown passes, with Romo holding a 248-243 advantage, while Prescott’s 83 victories leave him 11 wins behind the franchise record of 94 shared by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.

    Jerry Jones Hints Cowboys Could Keep Sam Howell and Joe Milton

    With Prescott firmly established as the starter for his 11th professional season, one of Dallas’ most difficult 53-man roster decisions concerns the backup quarterback competition between Sam Howell and Joe Milton.

    Because injuries can disrupt a season without warning, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones offered insight into the team’s thinking after the preseason finale, hinting to ESPN that Dallas may avoid choosing between the two quarterbacks.

    “That’s one that we may just split the difference and have two backup quarterbacks here,” Jones remarked.

    Howell held a narrow advantage during the early training camp workouts under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, but both quarterbacks delivered strong summer performances. Their close competition prompted Schottenheimer to describe the battle as completely “neck and neck”.

    The Cowboys therefore appear positioned to keep both quarterbacks on the active roster, providing additional emergency depth behind Prescott as they pursue a return to the playoffs and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1995.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Why a Former NFL Edge Rusher Believes the Dallas Cowboys Are Legitimate 2026 Contenders

    Why a Former NFL Edge Rusher Believes the Dallas Cowboys Are Legitimate 2026 Contenders

    The Dallas Cowboys enter the new NFL season determined to end a three-decade Super Bowl drought. With a revamped defense, a star-studded offense and renewed confidence in Dak Prescott, Dallas is viewed as a legitimate NFC championship contender.

    After finishing 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs last season, the Cowboys begin the year healthy and with one of the deepest rosters in the conference. Expectations are especially high for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams, Jake Ferguson, Quinnen Williams, Demarvion Overshown and Kenny Clark.

    Cowboys build around Dak Prescott and a deep roster

    The Cowboys have also focused on team chemistry, with the coaching staff taking Dak Prescott and the other quarterbacks Greek dancing in an unusual team-bonding move.

    CBS analyst Leger Douzable believes Dallas has the personnel needed to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first time since the 1995 season, with the offense serving as the team’s biggest strength.

    “The Dallas Cowboys, I know every year people say, ‘This is our year!’ This legitimately could be the year,”

    Douzable said.

    “The offense is gonna be there. They literally retained everybody who was on offense, which is unheard of. They were able to do that.”

    New additions aim to strengthen Cowboys defense

    Dallas’ defense was the team’s biggest weakness last season. However, the additions of Rashan Gary, Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence, along with the return of Quinnen Williams, could significantly improve the unit.

    “I really like what they have done. They refortified and revamped that defense, and just like the (Cincinnati) Bengals, we don’t need you to be in the top five (on defense). We need you to be in the middle of the pack because your offense is explosive,”

    added Douzable, who played 10 seasons in the NFL.

    Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also expressed confidence in the Cowboys’ overall depth and talent. After missing the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, Dallas knows there is little room for another disappointing campaign.

    The pressure is immense, and expectations from a fan base that has waited 30 years to celebrate another championship have never been higher.