Cowboys' Dak Prescott 'Very Confident' on Chance of Facing Eagles in NFL Playoffs
Dec 25, 2022
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys speaks to a reporter after a win over the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
After Saturday's 40-34 win over the Philadelphia Eagles to split the regular-season series, there's a chance that the Dallas Cowboys meet their NFC East rivals once again in the playoffs.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott acknowledged the possibility of a rubber match and told reporters he would relish the opportunity to face the Eagles in a postseason game:
Dak Prescott on the possibility of facing the Eagles in the playoffs: “Very confident.”
Prescott threw for 347 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the Christmas Eve thriller. Dallas faced a 27-17 deficit in the second half before mounting a comeback. The Cowboys defense forced four turnovers in the win.
Dallas (11-4) will quickly turn the page to its Thursday Night Football matchup against the Tennessee Titans (7-8).
Dak Prescott Touted by Cowboys Twitter for 'Carrying' Team in Win vs. Eagles
Dec 25, 2022
Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
On just his third pass of the day, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw a pick-six against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Prescott would not let the early blunder deter him as he powered Dallas to its biggest win of the season.
The 29-year-old threw for 347 yards, three touchdowns and an interception to lead the Cowboys to a thrilling 40-34 victory over their NFC East rivals, who were hoping to clinch a division title on Christmas Eve.
Dallas had trailed 27-17 early in the second half before storming back to hand Philadelphia its second loss of the year. With the win, it is still mathematically viable for the Cowboys to win the NFC East in the final two weeks of the season.
Prescott showed flashes of brilliance on Saturday with dazzling throws that wowed the home fans at AT&T Stadium. His connection with star receiver CeeDee Lamb was clicking all day, as the wideout racked up 10 catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
NFL Twitter heaped praise on Prescott for his heroics in the intense rivalry game:
Hope Dak's back is going to be OK after carrying the team for 95% of the game
Dak Prescott has his first 300-yard passing game of the season, and it’s against the No. 1 pass defense in the league. #Eagles had not allowed a 300-yard passer.
I've been critical of Dak's deep ball throws over his career, but that might have been his best one yet. The deep ball to Hilton was a rope, and then the TD pass to CeeDee was pretty good, too.
Dak the only reason this is a game. Philly shutting down the run completely, getting pressure, the Eagles are owning Cowboys defense(minus a self inflicted fumble) & Dak just cutting the Philly defense up. Sucks he had that 1 throw that gave the other team 7 points or it’d be pic.twitter.com/FuIQvqCKJZ
Saturday's performance was Prescott's first 300-yard game of the 2022 season, and it came at the perfect time. With back-to-back road games to end the season, Dallas will need its signal-caller to be at his absolute best as the playoffs approach.
The Cowboys (11-4) will look to keep the momentum going with they return to action on Thursday Night Football this week to visit the Tennessee Titans (7-8), who have lost their last five games.
Eagles Twitter Blasts Team for Turnovers in Jalen Hurts' Absence in Loss to Cowboys
Dec 25, 2022
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 24: Gardner Minshew #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass during the first half in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In a game where they could have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the Dallas Cowboys 40-34 on Saturday at AT&T Stadium to drop to 13-2 on the season.
It was a very winnable game for the Gardner Minshew-led Eagles, but four turnovers, including two interceptions by Minshew, resulted in Philly dropping their second game of the season.
Minshew completed 24-of-40 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions in the loss. He also fumbled once, as did running back Miles Sanders.
Following the loss, NFL Twitter ripped the Eagles for their string of turnovers, three of which came in the second half:
Two fumbles by the Eagles RB for absolutely no reason lost them this game. Oh well. Next week win and clinch, looking forward to having to Jalen coming back.
Turnovers did the #Eagles in. Quez has to fight harder on the two picks, failed exchange to Boston looked more on the RB from TV, and Miles fumble was bad
Can’t turn the ball over that much and expect to win. Eagles are the better team, but way too sloppy without Hurts. Sanders ball security & Lane’s injury status are main takeaways
Whatever. No reason it should’ve been that close with 4 turnovers. If they meet in the playoffs Dallas will lose by triple digits at the Linc with Hurts. Can’t wait.
Now the Eagles clinch the NFC and a Top 10 pick next week at home vs the Saints. Christmas not ruined. I think.
The Eagles still have a very good chance of locking up the No. 1 seed, especially if Jalen Hurts returns to the lineup next weekend against the New Orleans Saints.
Hurts missed Saturday's game with a shoulder injury. Before the matchup, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported the signal-caller would push to return to the field against the Saints if the Eagles lost to the Cowboys this week.
Carson Wentz Replaces Taylor Heinicke as Commanders QB vs. 49ers in Week 16
Dec 24, 2022
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 24: Carson Wentz #11 of the Washington Commanders warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders have replaced Taylor Heinicke with Carson Wentz in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Washington was down 30-14 at the time it inserted Wentz into the game. Heinicke completed 13 of 18 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns against one interception before being pulled.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (h/t NFL insider Dov Kleiman) reported before the game that the Commanders had a "plan" to bench Heinicke in favor of Wentz if he struggled in Saturday's game.
Additionally NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the leash was getting shorter for Heinicke following poor performances against the New York Giants on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18.
While Heinicke wasn't necessarily playing that poorly, the Commanders needed any kind of spark they could get against a 49ers team that has played very well behind rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.
Wentz, who returned from a stint on injured reserve late last month, told reporters Wednesday that he was "physically feeling good" and would be ready to go against the 49ers if his number was called.
The 29-year-old began the season as Washington's starter after coming over in a trade from the Indianapolis Colts. In the team's first six games, he completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,489 yards and 10 touchdowns against six interceptions as the Commanders went 2-4.
Heinicke has started every game since, going 5-3-1 including the 37-20 loss to the 49ers. He entered Saturday's game having completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,693 yards and 10 touchdowns against five interceptions.
Despite falling to 7-7-1 on Saturday, Washington is still very much in the NFC playoff picture.
Giants Mocked by NFL Twitter for Failing to Clinch Playoff Berth in Loss to Vikings
Dec 24, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 24: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants warms up against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The New York Giants squandered the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot on Christmas Eve, falling to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 at U.S. Bank Stadium to drop to 8-6-1 on the season.
The Giants had numerous opportunities to win Saturday's game, but a combination of drops and questionable decisions led to a disappointing afternoon for New York.
Quarterback Daniel Jones completed 30-of-42 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown in the loss, but an interception and a blocked punt in the fourth quarter ultimately cost them the game.
While the Giants went on to tie the game at 24 late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings won on a 61-yard field goal.
Following the loss, NFL Twitter mocked the Giants for failing to secure a playoff berth:
That was the most painful loss of the year for me. @Giants damn.
I remember this chick said at the beginning of the season that the Giants should’ve tanked and everyone was pissed. What have they accomplished? You played all these nail bitters and close wins to barely miss the playoffs and not get the number one pick
Earlier this season, fans were confident that the Giants would make the playoffs, but now the team's postseason hopes remain uncertain in a tight NFC race that has several teams on the bubble.
The Giants haven't made the postseason since 2016. If they make it this campaign, they could end up seeing the Vikings again.
NFL Rumors: Lamar Jackson's Return from Injury May Hinge on Ravens' Playoff Picture
Dec 24, 2022
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson could return from his knee injury next week, but it could come down to the team's playoff standing, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The Ravens want to test him in "football-related movements" before clearing him to return, but Rapoport noted "a decision also could depend on where things stand in the playoff picture."
At 9-5, Baltimore is currently the No. 5 seed in the AFC. It could clinch a playoff berth in some scenarios in Week 16. The team might be more cautious with Jackson if it is already guaranteed to make the postseason and the AFC North is out of reach.
Conversely, a loss Saturday against the Atlanta Falcons could push the Ravens to use Jackson sooner.
The 2019 MVP sprained the PCL in his knee in a Week 13 win over the Denver Broncos and was later categorized as week-to-week by head coach John Harbaugh, who would not rule him out for the season. Jackson went on to miss Weeks 14 and 15, while Tyler Huntley started in his place.
Any injury to Jackson is cause for concern, especially for a Ravens squad that has relied on him heavily this year. The 25-year-old has completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 12 games. He has also rushed for 764 yards and three scores.
Baltimore is 1-1 in Jackson's absence this season, although Huntley has thrown zero touchdown passes in two starts and has only one rushing score.
The 24-year-old Utah product also started four games for Baltimore in 2021 and appeared in seven games overall. He completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 1,081 yards and three touchdowns against four interceptions, in addition to rushing for 294 yards and two scores.
Cowboys' Jerry Jones Ordered to Take Paternity Test by Judge amid Legal Dispute
Dec 24, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 18: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on 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)
A Texas judge has ordered Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to take a paternity test in a case brought by 26-year-old Alexandra Davis, who says Jones is her father, per Jake Bleiberg of the Associated Press.
Jones has denied the allegation, and his lawyers plan to appeal the decision.
Davis' mother, Cynthia Davis, allegedly agreed to a financial settlement in 1998 that said Jones would support them financially if they didn't say publicly that Jones was the father. Alexandra Davis, who was born in 1996, filed a lawsuit in March claiming she wasn't bound to the agreement made by her mother.
In April, she dropped the lawsuit and planned to pursue a paternity test.
"Alexandra has just decided that she wants to go ahead and proceed with parentage and DNA testing," Jay Gray, one of Davis' lawyers, told the Associated Press. "She wants to remove any doubts that Jerry's her father."
On Thursday, a judge granted the motion to have Jones undergo testing.
The 80-year-old has been married since 1963 and has three children with his wife, Gene.
Eagles Rumors: Jalen Hurts Uncertain for Week 17 vs. Saints amid Shoulder Injury
Dec 24, 2022
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 18: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass during the second half in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 18, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is "uncertain" for his team's Week 17 game against the New Orleans Saints, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Hurts suffered a shoulder injury during Philadelphia's Week 15 win over the Chicago Bears, which will force him to miss the team's highly anticipated Christmas Eve showdown with the rival Dallas Cowboys.
The SC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder could cause him to miss more time, depending on his recovery and the team's position in the standings.
From @NFLGameDay: #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, out today with an SC joint sprain, wants to play. But if Philly wins, playing him again in the regular season may not make sense. Either way, expect extreme caution. pic.twitter.com/AvCtrGjDqz
While the Eagles were firmly in control of the NFC East at the time of the setback, it was still disappointing for Hurts on an individual level since he was at the forefront of the MVP discussion.
He has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 3,472 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions to go with 747 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Philadelphia will turn toward Gardner Minshew II under center while Hurts is out. While he can't replicate the dual-threat impact the starter has on the field, he is a solid backup with starting experience. Minshew went 7-13 as a starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and 2020 and also started two games for the 2021 Eagles.
The Eagles also have a number of offensive weapons in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Miles Sanders to help Minshew move the ball.
The 13-1 squad just needs to win one of its last three games to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Mat Ishbia No Longer Pursuing Purchase of Commanders After Suns Agreement
Dec 23, 2022
FILE -Former Michigan State player Mat Ishbia laughs as he are introduced along with Michigan State's 2000 national championship NCAA college basketball team during halftime of the Michigan State-Florida game in East Lansing, Mich. Mortgage executive Mat Ishbia has agreed in principle to buy the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury from the embattled owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
UWM Holdings Corporation Chairman and CEO Mat Ishbia is "no longer pursuing" a purchase of the Washington Commanders.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post relayed the news Friday from a spokesperson representing Ishbia, who recently agreed to buy controlling interest in the Phoenix Suns and Mercury for $4 billion.
Ishbia told the Post'sMaske and Nicki Jhabvalain early November that he was "interested in exploring this opportunity [to buy the Commanders] further in the very near future."
That was after team owners Dan and Tanya Snyder announced Nov. 2 that they retained the services of Bank of America to "consider potential transactions" for the franchise.
Per the Post, Ishbia was among the bidders for ownership of the Denver Broncos, but a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton ended up buying the team.
Ishbia's purchase of the Suns and Mercury marks the most expensive sale of an NBA team all-time, breaking Joe Tsai's previous record of $3.3 billion for the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.
As far as the Commanders go, the Post reported this month that "a full sale is the most likely outcome."
The team is worth an estimated $5.6 billion, but bids have come in "well north" of $7 billion, per Michael Ozanian of Forbes. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is also expected to make a bid for the team.
Jets WR Coach Miles Austin Suspended 1 Year for Violating NFL's Gambling Policy
Dec 23, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receivers coach Miles Austin of the New York Jets talks with Garrett Wilson #17 during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The NFL suspended New York Jets wide receivers coach Miles Austin for violating the league's gambling policy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Rich Cimini. Schefter added the suspension was for at least one year.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that there's no confirmation Austin bet on NFL games and that he might have wagered on other sporting events, which is also prohibited.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston shared a statement from Austin's lawyer, Bill Deni, who said his client "[wagered] from a legal mobile account on table games and non-NFL professional sports." Austin is appealing the punishment:
Statement from Bill Deni, attorney for Miles Austin, who was suspended by #NFL for gambling. He is appealing #Jetspic.twitter.com/wXl7ucCcAj
This is the second notable suspension within the last year for a gambling-related offense. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was banned through at least the 2022 season after he bet on games during the 2021 campaign.
Austin joined New York's staff in 2021 after the team hired Robert Saleh as head coach. He and Saleh had worked together in 2019 when Austin was an offensive quality control coach for the San Francisco 49ers.
As receivers coach, the 38-year-old has been tasked with helping to develop a group that includes 2021 second-round draft pick Elijah Moore and 2022 first-rounder Garrett Wilson.
Moore's future with the team has remained murky after he requested a trade in October. Wilson, on the other hand, looks like a long-term piece of the passing game and is leading the team in the three major receiving categories (71 receptions, 996 yards and four touchdowns).
Before entering the coaching ranks, Austin spent 10 seasons in the NFL as a player. In 129 appearances, he caught 361 passes for 5,273 yards and 37 touchdowns, and he was named a Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys in 2009 and 2010.
