Nick Sirianni Told Eagles Wearing 'Beat Dallas' Shirt in 2021 Was 'Stupid on My Part'
Oct 16, 2022
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 09: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles calls a timeout during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Last season, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni wore a "Beat Dallas" t-shirt to a news conference ahead of the team's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Before Sunday's matchup against America's team, Sirianni, while holding up the "Beat Dallas" t-shirt, said that wearing it last season was "stupid on my part."
Of course, the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry dates back to the dawn of time, but instead of focusing on that rivalry, Sirianni wants his players to focus on playing for each other and getting the win because it's all that matters this week.
With a win, the Eagles will move to 6-0 on the season. They are the only team in the NFL that is still undefeated. A loss would drop them to 5-1, tied with Dallas for the division lead.
Cowboys Rumors: Dak Prescott Won't Play vs. Jalen Hurts, Eagles amid Injury Rehab
Oct 16, 2022
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 02: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on before kickoff against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will not play in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles and is not guaranteed to return to practice in Week 7, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Rapoport also reported Prescott's surgically repaired thumb "must improve" for him to be on the practice field Wednesday.
Prescott suffered a thumb injury that required surgery during a Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was given a six-to-eight-week timetable. Dallas elected not to place him on injured reserve, and there was no shortage of updates as he recovered.
The 29-year-old said he could grip a football ahead of the Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams, though he hasn't seen the field yet.
Any long-term injury to Prescott figured to derail the Cowboys' season at the start of the campaign, but Cooper Rush has filled in admirably and has gone 4-0 as a starter.
It has kept Dallas in the early playoff picture, and now Rush will get another start versus the undefeated Eagles.
Cowboys' Stephen Jones Feels 'Pretty Strongly' Dak Prescott Will Return by Week 8
Oct 14, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts as he warms up prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott was listed as questionable for the Dallas Cowboys' Week 6 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, but it appears a more likely timeline for the veteran signal-caller to return is Week 8.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Friday during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas that he's pretty confident Prescott will return to the field against the Chicago Bears on Oct. 30.
"By the Bears game? I would feel pretty strongly that he'll definitely play by the Bears game. But we'll see," Jones said, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
Prescott is recovering from thumb surgery following an injury suffered in the team's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 11. He completed 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards and one interception in a 19-3 loss.
The 29-year-old has struggled to stay healthy of late. After four consecutive seasons of appearing in every game to start his career, Prescott suffered a gruesome ankle injury in Week 5 of the 2020 campaign that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
The Mississippi State product appeared in 16 games during the 2021 season but missed a few weeks of training camp entering the 2022 campaign after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
In Prescott's absence this year, Cooper Rush has been highly effective, leading the Cowboys to a 4-0 record while completing 61 percent of his passes for 839 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
The Cowboys are tied with the New York Giants for second in the NFC East with a 4-1 record.
Commanders' Rivera on Snyder Report: 'I'm the F--king Guy' That Wanted Carson Wentz
Oct 14, 2022
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera once again said that he was the person who advocated for Carson Wentz in a fiery exchange with reporters on Thursday night, after ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham and Tisha Thompson reported earlier in the day that it was owner Daniel Snyder who pushed to trade for Wentz this offseason.
"Everybody keeps saying I didn't want anything to do with Carson," Rivera said in his postgame comments after Washington's 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears. "Well bulls--t. I'm the f--king guy that pulled out the sheets of paper, looked at the analytics, that watched the tape when we were freaking in Indianapolis, OK? And that's what pisses me off. Because the young man doesn't deserve to have that all the time."
Ron Rivera VERY fired up responding to a question about a report that he didn’t pick Carson, Synder did: pic.twitter.com/jx6oObewu1
That was in contrast to ESPN's reporting, with one source familiar with the Wentz trade saying it was " 100 percent a Dan move."
ESPN's reporting added that current and former executives and team staffers have told people around the league that Snyder pushed for Wentz.
The timing of that reporting couldn't have been much worse for the organization after Rivera raised eyebrows earlier in the week when he was asked why the then 1-4 Commanders were lagging behind the rest of the teams in the NFC East, which came into Week 6 a combined 13-2, and promptly answered "quarterback."
He attempted to make the point that the other quarterbacks in the division have had more time with their current teams and the chance to grow in those systems, while Wentz is still adjusting to his time in Washington.
Coach Ron Rivera shares his thoughts on why the Commanders are trailing other NFC East teams. pic.twitter.com/DGiNxqKIkc
This was Ron Rivera's main point today. That Carson Wentz showed improvement yesterday and should keep improving as he acclimates to the offense. https://t.co/UhtlkQPctY
The public perception, however, was that Rivera was scapegoating Wentz and left the quarterback out to dry.
On Tuesday, Rivera said he apologized to Wentz for the remarks and how they were perceived nationally.
"Carson and I had a nice conversation, so I think we're ready to roll," he told reporters.
"Coach addressed it, handled it, nothing for me that I'm overly concerned about," Wentz added. "Coach is a very straightforward, upfront guy. He addressed it in the team meeting, which I thought was really cool, in what he meant by it all. I feel very confident in that."
It clearly remains something of a sensitive subject for Rivera, however, even after the Commanders pulled out an ugly win on Thursday Night Football.
Carson Wentz Compared to Taysom Hill, Ripped on Twitter in Commanders' Win over Bears
Oct 14, 2022
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 13: Carson Wentz #11 of the Washington Commanders warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Here's how bad Carson Wentz was in the Washington Commanders 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night: His best play of the night, and one of the key plays in the game, was... a block he threw for running back Brian Robinson.
But still. He's the quarterback. It was the traditional quarterbacking things that Wentz didn't do very well on Thursday, finishing 12-of-22 for 99 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions while taking three sacks. He also rushed twice for two yards.
And even on the game-winning touchdown drive, the Commanders took over on Chicago's six-yard line after a muffed punt and promptly ran the ball twice.
So really, the best thing you could say about Wentz—in an overall ugly game where he was clearly battling a sore hand after taking a hit—was that he didn't have the one major gaffe that blew the whole thing.
Granted, folks on social media had more creative things to say about his evening than that:
People who said it will deny it now but the most common reaction to the Eagles drafting Jalen Hurts was, "What a waste of a draft pick! They already have Carson Wentz!"
Carson Wentz 1st-and-goal from the 10 is a bomb defuser emphasizing to his subordinate "if he so much as nicks one wrong wire, this entire place blows"
Ultimately, a win's a win, and the 2-4 Commanders desperately needed one, especially amidst another tumultuous week (in what has seemed like a decade of them).
When head coach Ron Rivera was asked about what separated the Commanders this season from the rest of the NFC East—a combined 13-2 to start the year—he answered "quarterback."
The point he was trying to make, apparently, was that the other quarterbacks in the division weren't adjusting to new teams and schemes like Wentz has had to do this season. You know, those well-established superstars like Daniel Jones and Cooper Rush.
But after Thursday's performance—win or not—it's hard to argue that Wentz isn't at least partially holding this team back. There are plenty of other issues at every level of the organization, but Wentz was poor against the Bears.
This time, it didn't cost Washington. But it has in the past, and if his level of play doesn't improve, it will in the future.
Troy Aikman: Dak Prescott vs. Cooper Rush a 'Real Question' Cowboys Have to Answer
Oct 13, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Rush #10 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate a win against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Even Troy Aikman can't help but get caught up in a potential Dallas Cowboys controversy.
The Hall of Famer wondered whether the Cowboys might stick with Cooper Rush over Dak Prescott if Dallas can beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
Troy Aikman on @dfwticket: “If the (Cowboys win Sunday), you start asking the question, ‘Do we put Dak back in?’ Considering what they’ve been able to do and how they’ve been able to win games with Cooper Rush, I think that becomes a real question the organization has to answer.” pic.twitter.com/sSk5yBe6Om
Rush is 4-0 as a starter since taking over for an injured Prescott in Week 1's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's thrown for 839 yards and four touchdowns without an interception and is fifth in the NFL with a 66.9 QBR.
With the Cowboys off to a hot start and Rush playing admirably in Prescott's stead, there has been an increasingly loud chorus wondering if he's their best option under center.
In a word: No.
There is nothing to be gained from the Cowboys sticking with Rush over the long term. His steady play has allowed Prescott to go through a natural recovery process rather than potentially rushing back to save the season, but there is no part of this Dallas offense lighting the world on fire.
The Cowboys are 27th in total offense, 24th in scoring offense and 27th in passing offense. This has been a team propped up by a dominant defense, with Rush playing the role of game manager well enough that he's earned himself a 12-year career and millions of dollars as a backup.
Even as Aikman speculated on whether the Cowboys should move forward with Rush, he made the only point that matters: "Dak is the quarterback of this franchise. I love the guy. And they're better with Dak at quarterback."
Prescott also carries $89 million of dead cap money if he's traded or released next offseason, per Spotrac. He carries an additional $39.9 million in the 2024 offseason.
There are no positive outcomes if the Cowboys bench a healthy Prescott for Rush. You risk alienating Prescott and then having to turn back to a disgruntled franchise quarterback when your backup starts playing like one.
The next logical step is giving the keys to the kingdom back to the guy who signed a $160 million contract a year ago and see if he can help the offense catch up to the elite defense.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys defends against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of a game at SoFi Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Micah Parsons came into Week 5 woefully underrated in Madden 23 at an 88 overall.
EA Sports is looking to rectify its mistake ahead of Week 6.
The Dallas Cowboys linebacker moved up four points in the latest ratings update to a 92 overall, making him the top-rated right outside linebacker in the game.
It would be fair to argue Parsons is still vastly underrated in the game. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year is off to a stellar start in 2022, racking up 19 tackles and six sacks through the first five games. He looks primed to compete for Defensive Player of the Year honors again after finishing second behind Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt in 2021.
On the offensive side, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis won the Gridiron Fan Boost and saw his rating move up from an 82 to an 83. Davis hauled in two long touchdown passes from Josh Allen as part of a three-catch, 171-yard performance in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Gabe Davis wins your Gridiron Fan Boost vote this week! 🙌🏿
After a 171-yard, 2 TD performance, his overall jumps to 83. 📈
Don't be surprised when there are more massive adjustments coming after a solid Week 6 slate of games.
Cowboys Rumors: Dalton Schultz Likely to Play Week 6 After Reaggravating Knee Injury
Oct 11, 2022
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboys gets set against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys will reportedly have one of their key weapons for Sunday's marquee NFC East showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, tight end Dalton Schultz "should be good to go" for the game as long as there are no setbacks even though he "reaggravated his sprained PCL" during the team's Week 5 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Durability has been something of a concern for the veteran tight end considering he already missed the Cowboys' Week 3 win over the New York Giants with a knee injury.
Dallas relied on Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot at tight end during that game and won the game 23-16. The rushing attack was key in that victory, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combining for 178 yards on the ground.
It seems like Schultz should be available against the Eagles, and perhaps this will be the game in which he rediscovers his form. He has just nine catches for 80 yards and zero touchdowns through four games as he deals with the knee concerns.
That production is a far cry from last season, when he posted 78 catches for 808 yards and eight scores, which were all career-high marks. He also impressed in 2020 with 63 catches for 615 yards and four touchdowns.
Fortunately for the Cowboys, they haven't suffered in the standings even though Schultz hasn't been as productive and quarterback Dak Prescott has been sidelined since suffering a thumb injury during a Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
They are 4-1 on the season and one game behind the undefeated Eagles in the NFC East standings. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush is 4-0 as a starter after winning his only start during the 2021 campaign.
While Prescott, who is a two-time Pro Bowler, will surely be the starter when he returns to health, Rush's ability to keep the team afloat even without Schultz as a major contributor figures to pay off by the end of the season.
That is especially the case if the tight end is healthy and returns to form, giving the team another offensive weapon for the stretch run.
Fantasy Alert: Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb 'Good' After Missing Practice with Groin Injury
Oct 6, 2022
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) participates in drills at the NFL football team's practice facility in Oxnard, Calif. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missed Thursday's practice with a groin injury but dismissed any long-term worries.
"I'm fine," he told reporters. "We're good. ... I don't want to scare nobody."
Lamb entered the 2022 season as the clear No. 1 wideout for the Cowboys after they traded veteran Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns during the offseason.
Through four games this season, Lamb has racked up 23 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
After a solid rookie year, the Oklahoma product enjoyed a strong sophomore season in 2021 and finished with 79 catches for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns. He led the Cowboys with 120 targets, establishing a strong rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott.
Lamb was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career as a replacement for Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp.
If Lamb did miss time, it would be another significant blow to the team's offense. Prescott is still out while recovering from thumb surgery. The Cowboys also lost left tackle Tyron Smith to a hamstring injury in training camp that required surgery.
Fortunately for Dallas and fantasy players relying on him, it doesn't seem like he will.
Commanders' Brian Robinson Talks Overcoming Adversity, Return to Field After Shooting
Oct 5, 2022
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Running back Brian Robinson #8 of the Washington Commanders warms up at FedExField on September 25, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
After returning to practice this week for the first time since being shot multiple times during an attempted robbery on Aug. 28, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson opened up about overcoming adversity and getting back on the football field.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Robinson called his first day of practice "beautiful" after having an "up-and-down" recovery process over the past six weeks.
"I'm the king of adversity," he said. "I've been dealt with so much adversity in my life."
Robinson didn't address whether he can play Sunday but did note how he approached rehab after doctors told him the injuries weren't career-ending:
Brian Robinson: "Once the doctors told me I'd be able to play ball again, my mind went to whatever I could do to get back on the field again."
Brian Robinson, on how he got through the mental part of his recovery: "Just staying grounded in what I want from this ordeal and what I want in my life. I want to be a football player."
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Robinson suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being shot in the glute and lower leg. NBC Washington noted the Commanders running back was confronted by two teenage boys as young as 15 years old who attempted to rob him at gunpoint.
Washington D.C. Chief of Police Robert Contee told NBC Washington that Robinson was shot by one of the teenagers after wrestling a gun away from the other.
Head coach Ron Rivera told reporters on Aug. 30 that Robinson was discharged from the hospital the following day and met with Washington doctors at the team's facilities.
Robinson was cleared by doctors Monday, and he was activated off the non-football injury list Wednesday. The move opened up his 21-day practice window while the Commanders decide whether to move him to the active roster.
The 23-year-old was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2021 as the starting running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He ran for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games.
Washington used the No. 98 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft to select Robinson. He was competing with J.D. McKissic and Antonio Gibson to be the team's starter early in the preseason.
Robinson had 57 rushing yards and one touchdown on 14 carries in two preseason games.
The Commanders have until Oct. 26 to decide if they are going to add Robinson to their 53-man roster. They host the Tennessee Titans at FedExField on Sunday.
