By Brandon Simmons
What Does Dak’s Injury Mean for the Cowboys’ Immediate Future?
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reportedly has opted for season ending surgery on his hamstring, adding to another long list od problems for the Cowboys. Dallas has made headlines the past month for all of the wrong things. Injuries, taking shots at former players, snapping on reporters and disrespecting the head coach. None of these things point to a bright and promising future in the next year or even past that. And sure, things have been going haywire for a few weeks before this injury, but this injury to your franchise QB could lead to have a drastic impact on him and his abilities.
Simply put, the Dallas Cowboys should begin really investing not only into next year, but the next couple of years, evaluating every aspect of the product they put on the field. For too many years, the Cowboys have been predictably underwhelming. Stephen A. Smith calling them “an accident waiting to happen” might have been the most spot on phrase in sports history. For the most part, Dallas has put together some great rosters but could never close the deal in the postseason, missing the conference title game in all of their playoff appearances since 1996. Considering everything that is going on right now with them, they need to examine the process they are in and break the cycle. The culture that in place transcends anything that a new head coach could bring, no matter if it was Jason Garrett or Mike McCarthy. Once they figure some things, then act on the plan. Start gathering pieces to build for a team of the future. Now, the elephant in this conversation is what where would Dak fit into this “future”. He very well might not have a longer tenure with the Cowboys left, especially with the team paying him high dollar contracts and he has not lived up to the expectations. When the time is right, the Cowboys will find a way to get from under his contract and send him on his way. It’s an unfortunate time to bring that up about him but that is a possibility that could be faced. The Cowboys fans and organization both see how these recent events indicate that a change is needed soon and for the better.
Daboll done with Daniel?
It seems as if the Daniel Jones era has started ticking for a finish. New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll appeared to be reluctant in confirming the starting job of the Giants QB. This comes in the wake of a 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers, in Germany, in which Jones threw for 190 yards and 2 interceptions. The loss put the Giant to 2-8 and gave them their 5th straight loss.
Throughout his entire career, Daniel Jones – the giants’ 1st round pick in 2019 – has had only one good season, which was, ironically, Daboll’s first year as the NYG head coach. He led the team to a playoff berth well into the divisional round. That success led him to signing a 4 year $140 million contract. However, 2 years into the deal and Jones has nothing to show for it other than injury and regret from the Giants for not re-signing Saquon Barkley. That has no developed into benching the former first round pick. not just for now, but for the foreseeable future. In his last 16 starts, they are an abysmal 3-13 while this season he has thrown for 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Giants have been underwhelming for a long time now and it makes it worse that the main reason for this is making $140 million. The giants already passed on drafting a QB in this past draft, but things could be a different depending on where they land in the upcoming draft. Nothing is in stone right now, but don’t be surprised if this is the beginning of the end for Jones as the Giants’ starting QB.
Are the Lions Better than the Chiefs?
The Detroit Lions have a funny way of showing the NFL that they may very well be the best team in the league. Sunday night, Detroit beat the Houston Texans on a game winning field goal from their kicker Jake Bates, who happens to be from the Houston area. While that is a heartwarming story, it’s not even the detail that stands out from the game. The Lions overcame a 23-7 deficit in the 2nd half to win 26-23. An even more impressive storyline was that they had to overcome Lions QB Jared Goff throwing 5 interceptions through 3 quarters. For what it’s worth, the Lions have won some ugly games similar to another team, the Kansas City Chiefs, who are actually 9-0 right now, but winning without the polish they are used to showing.
Sunday’s win showed that the Lions are no longer a novelty act; they are in fact for real and could easily find ways to win a football game without the bells and whistles of explosive stats. While Goff does lead the league in completion percentage, he did not look like it Sunday. However, one man’s performance did not negate the rest of the team’s involvement. The front 7 generated 4 sacks, including linebacker James Houston IV, who had a sack and tackle for loss. Lions cornerback Carlton Davis grabbed 2 picks in the 2nd half; one on the first play of the 3rd quarter and another that literally prevented a touchdown.
Comparing this team to the Kansas City Chiefs of this year makes too much sense; it also makes sense to say that they are. Both teams are winning games but the Lions are doing it in a more dominant fashion at the moment. Detroit has the advantage that they are not ravaged by as many injuries as the chiefs have dealt with, but that makes them a much stronger opponent. Where the Chiefs hold an advantage, is that their defense has faced Lamar Jacksin, Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Justin Herbert and Brock Purdy so far. Facing Goff wouldn’t be an easy task, considering he’s arguably more equipped with weapons than most of the QB’s mentioned, but the Chiefs defense wouldn’t shy away from the challenge of stifling his game. If it wasn’t for that loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions would probably be looked at as not only the best team in the league, but the next Super Bowl champion. They are a complete team that can win games in a dominant manner but also find ways to win when things are getting tough.
Shoutouts/Shutouts
Shout out to Minnesota Vikings safety Cameron Bynum for his olympic-worthy celebration. Sunday, Bynum recorded an interception in the 4th quarter. As a celebration, he decided to do the infamous breakdance moves performed in this past Summer’s Olympics, performed by dancer Raygun. The latter’s moves drew ire and laughter throughout the world for its ridiculousness nature. Wasn’t as ridiculous as the Jacksonville Jaguars losing to the Vikings, who only scored with field goals.
Shut out to Washington Commanders Jer’Zhan Newton whose penalty prompted a Russell Wilson celebration. Sunday, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Commanders were lined up on defense on 4th and 1, when Steelers QB Russell Wilson gave a loud cadence, forcing Zhan to jump and commit a neutral zone infraction. Certainly Zhan costed his team a potential win and indirectly prompted Russell Wilson to bust a celebration.
Week 11 and a lot of teams are preparing to meet their fate or strengthen their playoff positioning The Philadelphia Eagles will kick things off by hosting the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football, in which both teams will be fighting for control of the NFC East. The Baltimore Ravens travel to the Pittsburgh Steelers for another chapter in their physical rivalry. The game of the week will be the Buffalo Bills hosting the Kansas City Chiefs. These two teams have become strongly competitive rivals due to their postseason battles in recent years and this game should be no different. It may not be the high scoring affair as expected from past battles but these two teams will put up a fight. But until then…I’ll holla.
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