JAN 26: ‘GET AWAY!’ No, not “get away” from the Cowboys. “Get away” from it all … just for a little bit.
That is the advice that Troy Aikman tells CowboysSI.com he would offer to Dak Prescott after what the Hall of Famer termed a “shocking” failure in the playoff at the hands of the underdog Packers.
Watch the Video Visit above for the full context of Aikman’s point, which includes him stating his belief in Prescott – “I am a big fan of Dak. I still believe his best days are ahead of him,” Aikman said – and his reply to our query about advice he’d offer.
“Get away!” Troy said with a chuckle. “Get away from everybody and regroup.”
JAN 24 VIC TO NFC EAST? The Dolphins and Vic Fangio have “mutually agreed to part ways” – you know, “fired” – but we bet Vic is happy about it. Why? Because Fangio, we believe, might have already arranged to land with the Philadelphia Eagles to hire as their defensive coordinator.
This would pus Fangio closer to his family in Pennsylvania and would be a reunion as he worked for coach Nick Sirianni in an advisory role last year.
JAN 21 RON TO EAGLES? A Cowboys could keep Ron Rivera off the unemployment line … and in the division.
The Philadelphia Eagles are interviewing Rivera – just fired as head coach in Washington – as Nick Sirinanni works to build up his staff.
This NFC East coach shuffle of course works under the assumption that Nick is retaining his big chair in charge.
Dallas might also be seeing a change at coordinator as Dan Quinn has second interviews to be a head coach in two NFL cities.
JAN 8 DQ REQUESTS If you can’t beat ‘em … hire ‘em?
The Washington Commanders, who on Monday fired Ron Rivera, are quickly assembling a head coach wish list. And now, along with the Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview Dan Quinn.
Carolina has tabbed nine coaches so far in their search and per NFL Network, the Cowboys top assistant is among them. The list …:
Quinn is being discussed as one of the “hottest” names – as has been the case in the last three cycles, with him opting each time to remain in Dallas.
JAN 7 TYLER EXPECTED OUT The Cowvoys were hoping to give this a go, but now the “expectation” is reportedly that left guard Tyler Smith (plantar fascia tear) will not play this afternoon at the Commanders.
This note comes from Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan.
That would mean TJ Bass will get the start at left guard in the Week 18 regular-season finale as Smith works toward returning for the playoffs.
We are awaiting word on defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (ankle) and his availability for today.
JAN 4 COOK SIGNS That didn’t take long.
Dalvin Cook passed through waivers on Thursday afternoon and amid talk among other bidders, the four-time Pro Bowl running back has signed with the Super Bowl favorite Baltimore Ravens.
The Dallas Cowboys had expressed some interest in this pursuit but will now head into the NFL playoffs with their running back room led by Tony Pollard.
DEC 31 ONE GAME It’s all so simple now.
The Cowboys will play the Commanders next Sunday, with the game now scheduled for 3:25 CT. Dallas opens as a 13.5-point favorite against a Washington team that has little motivation; in fact, given the NFL Draft order, there are benefits to Washington folding the tents here.
Meanwhile … The Cowboys will be NFC East champions with a win over Washington – in part because of the Eagles’ Sunday collapse.
The complete breakdown is below explaining how Dallas is suddenly set to host at least two playoff games at AT&T Stadium – where the 11-5 Cowboys have now won 16 straight games.
DEC 30 OUT-SMARTED The Dallas Cowboys got out-smarted twice in a short second-quarter span by the Detroit Lions – yes, twice! – but the Dallas defense balled out and bailed out to help the home team cling to its first-half lead.
Savvy play No. 1: As CeeDee Lamb was reaching in for a second TD pass from Dak Prescott, just shy of the goal line a Detroit defender punched the ball loose, resulting in a Lamb fumble through the end zone … and a touchback.’
No TD. Loss of possession.
On the ensuing Detroit drive, Dallas’ D held .. But the Lions pulled off a fake out of fourth-down punt formation, a long completion on the trick keeping their drive alive.
But again … with Detroit in the red zone, Dallas’ D held, forcing an incompletion on fourth down and allowing the Cowboys to stay ahead, 7-3.
DEC 28 GOOD ON TYRON The Dallas vs. Lions FINAL Practice and Game Status Report offers good news at left tackle.
Moving up to “questionable” is Tyron Smith (back). He is expected to play on Saturday night against the visiting Lions.
Meanwhile. Johnathan Hankins and Rico Dowdle are OUT.
