Cowboys' Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs Fined for Unsportsmanlike Conduct vs. Eagles
Oct 22, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 16: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs were each fined for unsportsmanlike conduct in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Parsons was fined $10,609 for flexing over Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, and Diggs was fined $9,577 for taking his helmet off following a late touchdown by Philadelphia.
With the Cowboys down 20-10 to the Eagles in the third quarter, Parsons dove to break up a pass intended for Goedert before getting up and flexing. He also began talking to Goedert and was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Diggs' penalty came after the Cowboys gave up a touchdown that put the Eagles up 26-17 in the fourth quarter. He took off his helmet and slammed it to the ground in frustration.
The Cowboys dropped to 4-2 on the season with the loss, while the Eagles improved to 6-0. Philadelphia owns a commanding lead over Dallas in the NFC East standings, though the New York Giants are still in play for the top spot at 5-1.
After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, Parsons is off to a hot start this season. Through six games, he has posted six sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, 26 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 12 quarterback hits.
Diggs, who was named a Pro Bowler last season, is also off to a solid start, posting two interceptions, nine pass breakups and 18 tackles in six games.
The Cowboys are set to face the 1-4 Detroit Lions on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. They don't face the Eagles again until Dec. 24.
Jerry Jones Says Daniel Snyder Allegations Aren't Supported by 'Tangible Facts'
Oct 21, 2022
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 2: Washington Commanders owners Tanya Snyder, left, and Dan Snyder on the field before the Dallas Cowboys defeat of the Washington Commanders 25-10 at AT&T Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Arlington, TX. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doubted on Friday the authenticity of some of the allegations that have been levied against Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder.
During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (h/t Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post), Jones said the following when asked if he feels obligated to protect Snyder and other NFL owners:
"Not at all. Not at all. I'm just not aware of the kind of issues. I hear the media speculation, but that's all I hear. That's not supported by tangible facts. Those are being presented and being looked at and I'm sure there's other things, but you could do those things on any subject matter. But I'm not aware of anything myself that rises to the level that is being speculated, whether or not he's with the Washington team or not."
Among several other allegations, it was reported by ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham and Tisha Thompson this month that Snyder has "dirt" on other NFL owners, including Jones, that he believes he could use to "blow up" the NFL if he so chooses.
While Snyder and Jones are longtime friends, a source told ESPN that Snyder has kept a "file" on Jones and as many as six NFL owners overall through the use of law firms and private investigators.
The Commanders denied the allegations in a statement, calling them "simply ridiculous and utterly false."
Snyder is also the subject of an NFL investigation into the Commanders organization fostering a toxic workplace culture following allegations of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and a hostile work environment.
When the initial investigation concluded in July 2021, the organization was fined $10 million, and Snyder was ordered to surrender control of the Commanders to his wife, Tanya Snyder, "for at least the next several months."
Snyder was not seen around the team at all last season, but he resurfaced earlier this season when he was on the field at the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium prior to a game between the Commanders and Cowboys.
There have also been multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Snyder, including one from former Commanders cheerleader and marketing manager Tiffani Johnston.
While speaking to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform earlier this year, Johnston said Snyder once touched her leg under the table during a business dinner and then tried to take her to his limo afterward.
It was also reported by Will Hobson of the Washington Post in June that a former Commanders employee alleged in 2009 that Snyder sexually harassed and assaulted her.
The woman was paid $1.6 million as part of a confidential agreement, but Snyder claimed the payment was not an admission of guilt and was only made at the "guidance of an insurance company."
There has recently been talk of the NFL potentially making a move to force Snyder to sell the Commanders, although it is unclear if the other owners would support it.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay suggested this week that there would perhaps be enough of a push from other owners to make it happen, saying, "I believe there is merit to removing him," in reference to Snyder, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Cowboys' Jerry Jones Says He Expressed Himself 'Not in Good Taste' to Robert Kraft
Oct 21, 2022
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 17: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft talk before their game at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has addressed the report that he told New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft "don't f--k with me" during a heated exchange Tuesday at the NFL owners' meetings.
"In this particular case, it's probably accurate that I did express myself in probably a way that's not in good taste," Jones said Friday on 105.3 The Fan (h/t Jon Machota of The Athletic).
ESPN's Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. provided context on the incident, reporting Jones was the only owner to vote against allowing the compensation committee to open negotiations for a new contract for commissioner Roger Goodell.
Kraft was among the 31 owners who voted in favor of such a measure and replied "excuse me?" when Jones seemingly lashed out.
"Don't mess with me," Jones reiterated.
According to Wickersham and Van Natta, Jones' issue with Goodell's potential new contract is that the triggers for bonuses are "too vague and not connected to a strict set of financial goals and metrics."
He spearheaded an effort to change the commissioner's contract from primarily salary-based to bonus-based using performance metrics in 2017.
"He believes in corporate good governance and wants accountability on the financial goals tied to Roger's bonus," a league source said. "He is sensitive to awarding a big bonus to Roger before he performs and earns it."
Jones echoed those sentiments during Friday's interview.
"Let me be real clear, I'm a real supporter of Roger Goodell as our commissioner," he said. "I think he's done outstanding. … [I had] an issue with the structure regarding how we were going to address the commissioner or his successor. [It was] not [about] my support for Roger."
Jones and Kraft are among the most public faces of the NFL's owners, who have to approve any contract renewal for Goodell.
Goodell has been the NFL commissioner since 2006.
Cowboys' Dak Prescott Expected to Have No Limitations in Return from Thumb Injury
Oct 18, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 16: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys do not expect Dak Prescott to have any restrictions when he returns from a fractured thumb, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday.
"I think he's gonna get there," Jones said on Shan and RJ (7:45 mark). "We feel, physically, he's at a position that the risk-reward justifies him being out there in terms of any recurrence of the injury. ... It's a question of him getting ready, and he's gonna be given every opportunity this week.
"He had a very impressive throwing session before the game in Philadelphia. Ball placement, throw the ball, strength, spin, zip, really the whole repertoire of being able to throw that football. ... I don't think there will be any limitations."
Prescott is expected to receive clearance for a full return to practice this week. He practiced on a limited basis late last week and was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Cooper Rush started as expected.
Rush helped lead the Cowboys to a 4-1 record as a starter in Prescott's stead, serving as a steady game manager as the Dallas defense did the bulk of the work. He threw for 1,020 yards and five touchdowns against three interceptions, with all three picks coming in the road loss to Philadelphia.
While some inexplicably called for Rush to remain the starter even after Prescott was healthy, the Cowboys never seemed to give that serious consideration. Prescott is the unquestioned franchise quarterback in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract.
The Cowboys can find comfort in knowing Rush is a capable long-term backup, but their offense should return to being one of the best once Prescott is 100 percent.
"Sky's the limit," wide receiver CeeDee Lamb told reporters Sunday of his expectations when Prescott returns. "The offense is very good, and everyone knows this. When we get him back, we're going to show everybody."
Cowboys' Dak Prescott Says He Plans to Return from Thumb Injury For Week 7 vs. Lions
Oct 17, 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)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said Sunday night that he plans to play in next week's game against the Detroit Lions.
"Yeah, for sure," Prescott said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "That’s my plan."
Prescott has been out since suffering a thumb injury in Week 1, which required surgery. He was initially given a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks, although the Cowboys chose not to put him on injured reserve.
Though he was listed as questionable ahead of Week 6, the quarterback was eventually ruled out, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reporting it was "no sure thing" he would return to practice the following week.
Cooper Rush has filled in for Prescott this season, leading the team to a 4-1 record as a starter while helping it stay in contention in the NFC East.
Dallas had not lost a game with Rush as the starter until Sunday, when the Philadelphia Eagles pulled out a 26-17 victory. The Cowboys fell to 4-2 on the season with the loss, putting them in third place in the NFC East.
Prescott is still a difference-maker when on the field, finishing 2021 with 4,449 passing yards and 37 passing touchdowns in 16 games. The Cowboys had the No. 1 offense in the NFL in both points and yards last season.
Cooper Rush-Dak Prescott Debate Mocked by NFL Twitter After Cowboys' Loss to Eagles
Oct 17, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 16: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws the ball during the first half of the National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles on October 16,2022, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If there was ever going to be a quarterback controversy for the Dallas Cowboys, it would have come after Cooper Rush pushed his record as a starter this season to 5-0 with a victory over the league's only undefeated team.
So much for that.
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Cowboys 26-17 in Sunday's NFC East showdown and improved to 6-0 in the process. Dallas fell to 4-2 in a strong division that also features the 5-1 New York Giants.
While Rush deserves plenty of credit for keeping his team afloat with four straight wins after Dak Prescott suffered a fractured thumb that required surgery in a Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the magic ran out under the Sunday Night Football spotlight.
He finished 18-of-38 for 181 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, and social media didn't hesitate to put an end to any starting quarterback debate with Prescott approaching a return:
To Rush's credit, he overcame an abysmal first half to help the visitors climb back into the game after falling behind 20-0. His touchdown pass to Jake Ferguson in the fourth quarter helped cut the deficit to a mere three points and brought a concerned hush over the Philadelphia crowd.
Yet the Eagles responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that Jalen Hurts capped off with a touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith before Rush threw Dallas' chances at a comeback away with his third interception overall and second pick to C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Next up for the Cowboys is a home game against the Detroit Lions, which may be when Prescott returns to the field and reclaims his unquestioned spot as the team's starting quarterback.
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.
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. 📈
