Cowboys Mocked by Twitter After Collapse vs. Jaguars, Dak Prescott's Pick-6 in OT
Dec 18, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 18: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 18, 2022 at tIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys squandered the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth on Sunday with a 40-34 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, blowing a 21-7 halftime lead to drop to 10-4 on the season.
Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 23 of 30 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions. His second pick was returned for a game-winning touchdown by Rayshawn Jenkins in overtime.
While the offense could have been better, the Dallas defense turned in an abysmal performance against second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jags offense, allowing 503 total yards.
Lawrence completed 27 of 42 passes for 318 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in addition to rushing for 21 yards on three carries.
Zay Jones led all Jags receivers with six catches for 109 yards and three scores, while Travis Etienne Jr. rushed for 103 yards on 19 carries.
After the game, NFL Twitter roasted the Cowboys for their second-half collapse:
Wow. Cowboys lose a game they had no business losing.
First the disastrous performance against the Texans last week. Now they cough up a 27-10 lead to a 5-8 Jaguars team, to lose in overtime.
An abhorrent way to go into their most important game of the season, against Philly.
The Cowboys will still likely make the playoffs, but they're essentially out of the NFC East title race as the Philadelphia Eagles sit atop the division with a 13-1 record following a win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Dallas offense and defense have a lot to figure out moving forward, especially if the Cowboys want to win a playoff game for the first time since the 2018 season.
The Cowboys wrap up the regular season with games against the Eagles and then road games at the Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders.
Cowboys Rumors: Jerry Jones Personally Called Odell Beckham Jr. After Hilton Deal
Dec 18, 2022
Odell Beckham Jr. poses for a photo on the sidelines before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues his push to sign Odell Beckham Jr., even calling the receiver personally after the team signed T.Y. Hilton, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The signing of Hilton seemingly indicated the Cowboys were out on Beckham, who reportedly hasn't progressed well enough from his torn ACL and might not be available until mid-January, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
Jones still continues to speak to Beckham "almost exclusively" with the attempt to sign the star wideout.
Jones was confident the team would sign Beckham when speaking about the situation on Thursday.
"Odell's going to join us," Jones told Jarrett Bell of USA Today. "There's a good chance he will, with the complete goal of getting ready for a playoff game or two, and then I'll look to the future. But most of it being about now."
The Cowboys have put on a significant recruiting effort to land Beckham, who sat courtside at the Dallas Mavericks game alongside Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs earlier this month.
The Buffalo Bills and New York Giants are considered his other top suitors.
According to Rapoport, Beckham wants guaranteed money this year and next season but could be as much as six weeks away from playing.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler previously reported another option for the veteran could be sitting out all this season before signing as a true free agent in March, where he would be arguably the top option available.
Beckham can be a difference-maker whenever he does play, as he showed last year with the Los Angeles Rams. He totaled five touchdowns in eight regular-season games with the team before adding two more in the playoffs on the way to a Super Bowl title.
The Cowboys also have Super Bowl aspirations this year after improving to 10-3 with a four-game winning streak.
Eagles' Jalen Hurts Gifts Offensive Linemen Louis Vuitton Travel Bags for Holidays
Dec 16, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 04: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts rewarded his offensive linemen with Louis Vuitton travel bags for the holidays:
Louis Vuitton boxes greeted #Eagles’ o-linemen at their locker stalls today.
QB Jalen Hurts gifted his blockers travel bags for the holidays.
A.J. Brown noticed and jokingly (maybe) wondered what WRs were getting.
“I know how expensive those bags are because I have like 3.”
Hurts has been an MVP candidate this season, leading the squad to a 12-1 record while totaling 22 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns and just three interceptions. The offensive line has also been a key part of the success, clearing paths for the No. 2 rushing attack in the NFL.
Pro Football Focus ranks the Eagles as the No. 1 offensive line in football heading into Week 15.
The holiday gifts are a nice sign of appreciation from the quarterback, although it's not as though Hurts has that much excess money. The 2020 second-round pick is still on his rookie contract and ranks just 61st among NFL quarterbacks in total cash earned this season, per Spotrac.
Hurts' $1.64 million cap hit ranks 28th on the Eagles, behind each of the five starting offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, Isaac Seumalo and Landon Dickerson.
The breakout season likely means Hurts will get a contract extension before too long, but in the meantime, maybe his teammates should be buying him gifts.
Jerry Jones Says 'There's a Good Chance' Odell Beckham Jr. Signs Cowboys Contract
Dec 16, 2022
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. looks on prior to the start of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Dallas Cowboys' decision to sign T.Y. Hilton apparently wasn't an indication they were pivoting from Odell Beckham Jr.
Speaking to USA Today's Jarrett Bell, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said there is a "good chance" they will sign Beckham,
"Odell's going to join us," Jones said. "There's a good chance he will, with the complete goal of getting ready for a playoff game or two, and then I'll look to the future. But most of it being about now."
There has been so much speculation about Beckham in recent weeks that it's hard to know what him signing with a team would even mean for this season.
It looked like Beckham was on the verge of signing with Dallas after visiting the team last week, but he wound up leaving Texas without a deal.
Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, the Cowboys had concerns about Beckham's potential availability because they "can't see him run routes" and "can't see him cutting" because he didn't go through a workout.
Slater noted it "would be a push" to have Beckham available even if the Cowboys advanced to the Super Bowl.
Something appears to have changed with Beckham's status, or Jones has just decided he would rather take the risk of bringing him with the hope he can play in the postseason.
Bell noted that Jones maintained Beckham's deal with the Cowboys could become official after Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this week that "several NFL teams believe" Beckham was leaning toward sitting out this season and would wait to sign when free agency begins in March.
"Beckham isn't expected to be ready to play football until the playoffs, and joining a new team and offense for a playoff run comes with injury risk," Fowler wrote. "Leaguewide attrition at the position could change the outlook and prompt a team to sign Beckham to a strong offer this year."
The contract terms will also be interesting if a deal does happen. Jones didn't provide financial details to Bell, but he said he expects the deal will be for the rest of this season.
Beckham previously indicated he wanted to sign a multiyear contract that would cover the rest of his prime years.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Beckham has been a free agent since March. He suffered a torn ACL while playing for the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.
If the Cowboys only sign Beckham for the rest of this season, there's very little downside for them. They have the third-highest scoring offense in the NFL this season without him.
If Beckham is able to play in the postseason, he can be a difference-maker for a team that already looks good enough to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl.
Cowboys' Micah Parsons: 'Not Once Did I Ever Disrespect' Jalen Hurts With MVP Remarks
Dec 15, 2022
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys is seen on the field against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons doesn't believe he disrespected Jalen Hurts with his recent MVP remarks about the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback.
"I was just having a good conversation with Von [Miller], a person I look up to, helped him on his podcast and the next thing I know it's a...storm. Not once did I ever disrespect Hurts," Parsons told reporters Thursday. "I mean, you guys [media] get to talk—all day. Why can't we talk a little chatter?"
Still, he knows how the Eagles probably feel about him following his remarks to Miller.
"I'm pretty sure they hate me," Parsons said, via ESPN's Todd Archer.
During a recent appearance on Miller's The Voncast, Parsons questioned Hurts' MVP candidacy. He suggested that Philly's "system and team" are what has propelled the third-year quarterback to the top of the MVP debate.
Miller added that the Eagles have a "great offensive line, which helps Hurts" and noted that the Alabama and Oklahoma product has some of the best wide receivers in the game in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Miller said the numbers Hurts has put up this year make him "MVP-worthy," but he then brought up Patrick Mahomes before Parsons declared the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback this season's MVP.
In 13 games this season, Hurts has completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,157 yards and 22 touchdowns against three interceptions, in addition to rushing for 686 yards and 10 scores.
While Hurts is having a career year, this is also the first season he has had a complete, capable offense, which is certainly worth considering when discussing the MVP debate.
With the offense firing on all cylinders, the Eagles are atop the NFC—and the NFL—with a 12-1 record. They have already clinched a postseason berth and will be the team to beat come playoff time.
Mahomes, meanwhile, has completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 4,160 yards and 33 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, in addition to rushing for 280 yards and two scores. He arguably doesn't have as good of an offense to work with, but the Chiefs are still 10-3 and can clinch the AFC West with a win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Hurts responded to Parsons' comments while meeting with reporters Wednesday, noting that he's focused solely on the Chicago Bears, whom Philadelphia will face Sunday. A win at Soldier Field would only widen the Eagles' gap over the Cowboys (10-3) and the remainder of the NFC East.
The Eagles and Cowboys will meet at least one more time this season, and Parsons' remarks should make for a great matchup between the two on Christmas Eve.
Philly and Dallas last met on Oct. 16, when the Eagles beat the Cowboys 26-17.
Report: NFL Owners Expect Dan Snyder to Sell Controlling Stake in Commanders
Dec 15, 2022
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Team co-owner Dan Snyder speaks during the announcement of the Washington Football Team's name change to the Washington Commanders at FedExField on February 02, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
NFL owners believe the Dan Snyder era with the Washington Commanders is coming to an end.
Per A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports, there is a "growing sense" among some owners that Snyder will sell at least a controlling stake in the Commanders.
"It certainly looks that way," one team owner told Perez.
The speculation comes as NFL owners gathered this week for league meetings in Irving, Texas. Snyder was not in attendance as the Commanders continue to go through the sale process.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who previously said there was "merit" to removing Snyder from power, told Perez on Wednesday "maybe some other solutions can be found."
Speaking to reporters after the meetings wrapped up, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was asked if he anticipated Snyder would sell full control of the franchise.
"I don't have any expectations on that," Goodell said. "Dan's statement was that he was exploring that. And we will continue to work with him on that."
Mark Maske, Liz Clarke and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reported on Wednesday there were "growing expectations" that Snyder will sell the entire franchise, with Bank of America getting ready to release a prospectus to potential buyers.
Dan and Tanya Snyder said in a statement on Nov. 2 they retained Bank of America Securities to consider "potential transactions."
Snyder's ownership of the franchise has been riddled with controversy, especially in recent years.
The United States House Committee on Oversight released a report on Dec. 8 stemming from its investigation into allegations of a toxic workplace.
According to the report, it was determined the Commanders and NFL covered up decades of sexual misconduct within the organization. Snyder was found to have "permitted and participated in this troubling conduct," including inappropriately touching a former employee at a dinner and trying to "aggressively push" her into his limousine.
Snyder purchased the Commanders in May 1999 after previous owner Jack Kent Cooke died. The franchise has had six winning seasons and made the playoffs six times during his tenure as owner.
Colts' Jim Irsay Says He's 'Not Ready' to Vote Dan Snyder Out as Commanders Owner
Dec 15, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 30: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor induction ceremony during halftime of a game against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Wednesday that he is "not ready" to vote out Daniel Syder as owner of the Washington Commanders.
"I'm not ready to vote him out. I need to hear more here. ... I'm not ready to vote him out," Irsay said, per Mark Maske of the Washington Post. "Again, it's something where we want to get more information about everything."
Irsay also commented on the matter in October, saying that removing Snyder as owner of the Commanders should be carefully considered.
"I'm not sure how that report's going to come out. But what already has come out is extremely disturbing, and I disagree with the process. And I most likely disagree that we haven't discussed something more severe such as him being removed as owner. As I said, it's not something that I'm saying we should do. I'm saying it's something that has to be given serious consideration."
Twenty-four owners would need to vote in approval of ousting Snyder as owner of the Washington franchise. However, it might not need to come down to a vote.
Snyder and his wife Tanya announced in November that they had hired Bank of America Securities "to consider potential transactions" involving the Commanders.
Bank of America is set to release the prospectus on the Commanders to potential buyers and sources believe Snyder will "most likely" sell his full stake in the franchise, Maske, Jhabvala and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Snyder purchased the Commanders for $800 million in 1999. The franchise is now valued at $5.6 billion, according to Forbes.
Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage Mat Ishbia and media entrepreneur Byron Allen have been linked as potential buyers of the NFL's Washington franchise.
The potential sale of the Commanders comes after Snyder and the franchise were under investigation by the United States House Committee on Oversight for allegedly fostering a toxic workplace environment, in addition to sexual harassment allegations.
The year-long investigation headed by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney found that the NFL and the Commanders "covered up decades of sexual misconduct":
"The Committee's investigation shows that sexual harassment, bullying, and other toxic conduct pervaded the Commanders workplace, perpetuated by a culture of fear instilled by the Team's owner. Despite the NFL's knowledge, through its internal investigation, that the Team's owner permitted and participated in the workplace misconduct, and engaged in tactics used to intimidate, surveil, and pay off victims, the NFL aligned its legal interests with the Commanders, failed to curtail these abusive tactics, and buried the investigation's findings."
The NFL also conducted its own investigation into the Commanders' workplace culture and fined the franchise $10 million in July 2021 but did not release a written report of the probe's findings.
In addition, the U.S. attorney's office in the Eastern District of Virginia opened an investigation into the Commanders in November for alleged financial improprieties.
The franchise allegedly withheld security deposits from season-ticket holders or made them difficult to get back. It was then fined $250,000 in a settlement with Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh in relation to the security deposits.
In addition, Washington is accused of keeping two accounting books to avoid sending the NFL money meant for the league's revenue-sharing pool.
Report: Commanders Sale Process Progressing; Dan Snyder Expected to Sell Full Stake
Dec 14, 2022
LANDOVER, MD - FEBRUARY 2: Co-owner Dan Snyder gives remarks as the Washington Football Team announces their new team name the Commanders at a morning event at FedEx Field on February 2, 2022 in Landover, MD . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Dan Snyder is expected to sell his full stake in the Washington Commanders.
Per Mark Maske, Liz Clarke and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, Bank of America is moving forward with the sale process of the NFL franchise by getting ready to release the prospectus to qualified potential buyers.
The report noted it's "not certain" that Snyder will sell the entire franchise, but sources believe it's most likely going to be the outcome from this process.
Dan and Tanya Snyder announced Nov. 2 that they retained Bank of America Securities "to consider potential transactions."
The move came as Snyder and the organization were under investigation by the United States House Committee on Oversight for a history of alleged workplace misconduct and sexual harassment.
In the findings from the investigation released Dec. 8, the congressional committee determined the Commanders and NFL covered up decades of sexual misconduct.
The report states that Dan Snyder made attempts to interfere with investigations into allegations of a toxic workplace. He also "permitted and participated in this troubling conduct," including inappropriately touching a former employee at a dinner and trying to "aggressively push" her into his limousine.
Former Commanders video production employee Brad Baker told the committee that team executives "tasked us with producing a video for Snyder of sexually suggestive footage of cheerleaders, obviously unbeknownst to any of the women involved."
Melanie Coburn, a former Commanders cheerleader and marketing employee, said in the report Snyder "ordered the director of the squad to parade the ladies onto the field while he and his friends gawked from his suite through binoculars."
Mike Ozanian of Forbes reported in November at least four groups had called Dan Snyder with interest in buying the NFL franchise.
Amid multiple investigations into Snyder's tenure as owner and long-term questions about his viability in that role, ESPN's Seth Wickersham, Don Van Natta Jr. and Tisha Thompson reported in October that Snyder told at least one close associate he had enough information to "blow up" other team owners, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league office.
There has been a divide, at least publicly, among two team owners about Snyder. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke out against the allegations Snyder was being investigated for.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay told Maske and Jhabvala there was "merit to consider removal" of Snyder. A vote would require at least 24 owners to approve removing Snyder from his position.
Snyder bought the Washington franchise in 1999 for a then-record price of $800 million. Forbesestimates the Commanders are currently the sixth-most valuable NFL franchise at $5.6 billion.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 11: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts wasn't about to give Micah Parsons any bulletin-board material, even if that is exactly what the Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher did for him.
During a discussion with Von Miller on The Voncast, Parsons suggested Hurts is an MVP candidate more because of Philadelphia's "system and team" than his individual talents:
When asked for a response to Parsons' comments on Wednesday, Hurts told reporters, "I'm worried about the Bears," the Eagles' upcoming opponent in Week 15.
After facing the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Hurts' Eagles will square off against Parsons' Cowboys on Christmas Eve in a game that could decide control of the NFC East.
The 12-1 Eagles are two games up on the 10-3 Cowboys, and they beat Dallas in Week 6, although the Cowboys were without quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys will now be at home for this Christmas Eve clash against a motivated Hurts.
Although Hurts didn't publicly take exception to Parsons' comments, he surely internalized them ahead of the latest chapter in the rivalry.
The MVP candidate has completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,157 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 686 yards and 10 scores on the ground in 13 games this season. He has taken tremendous strides after throwing for 22 touchdowns to 13 picks in his first two seasons and is a major reason why his team has the best record in the NFL.
Yet there is something to be said about the talent he has around him, which Parsons hinted at.
The offseason addition of wide receiver A.J. Brown has made everything easier for the offense. He is nearly impossible to stop with single coverage, and he opens up passing and running lanes for everyone else when he draws double-teams.
Playmakers such as DeVonta Smith and Miles Sanders are also dangerous, and defenses have to account for Hurts' legs as well.
Quarterbacks will always benefit from having more talent around them, but Parsons' comments will surely turn heads ahead of the Christmas Eve game.
Texans Rumors: Lovie Smith 'Could Be' on Hot Seat; Eagles' Jonathan Gannon Linked
Dec 14, 2022
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Houston Texans looks on prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Lovie Smith could wind up being one-and-done as Houston Texans head coach.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Smith is currently on "shaky ground" amid the team's 1-11-1 start.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is reportedly among the names that would be atop Texans general manager Nick Caserio's list of candidates. Gannon interviewed for the position after the Texans fired David Culley last offseason.
Smith was a surprise hire given the fact he was the defensive coordinator for an underperforming Texans team last season. Promoting from within a staff of a fired head coach is always going to raise some eyebrows, especially so in this case because it was not a situation where Culley was fired midway through 2021 and Smith turned the team around as an interim coach.
Smith had previous experience coaching the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers but hadn't had success in a decade. Even his jaunt to the college ranks at Illinois featured five straight losing seasons and a 17-39 record.
All of which is to say it's perfectly understandable that the Texans might want to move on.
That said, the optics in this particular situation would be awful. During a period of time the NFL is being sued for discriminatory hiring practices, the Texans would be firing its second Black head coach in as many seasons after only giving him one year to turn things around.
Culley was thrust into a situation where he was taking over a 4-12 team that lost Deshaun Watson as he sat out the entire 2021 season amid sexual misconduct allegations. Houston still managed to win four games and played competitive football, but Caserio fired him anyway.
Smith was saddled with by far the NFL's worst roster—one seemingly designed to land the Texans the top pick in the 2023 draft—and the team has performed to its talent level.
While Gannon is one of the best assistant coaches in the NFL and deserving of a head-coaching job, the Texans would be opening themselves up to fair scrutiny by hiring a white coach precisely at the time the organization's fortunes could start turning around.
