The Dallas Cowboys are coming off their bye week to take on the Los Angeles Rams, and there’s some questions about the offensive line that need answering. Yet again, left tackle Tyron Smith finds himself on the injury report but Jerry Jones remains optimistic that he will play. That becomes evermore crucial because Dallas needs continuity on a unit that’s seen better days.
Behind that front is quarterback Dak Prescott, whose poise in the face of adversity continues, and he doesn’t get caught up in the criticisms. That doesn’t mean his teammates won’t defend him, and the Lion stood his ground about any unnecessary commentary going his quarterback’s way. Heading into this week, it’ll also be interesting to see if Prescott has the same usage in the rushing game that was so successful against the Chargers.
The trade deadline is approaching and there could be reinforcements at cornerback if the Cowboys elect to be aggressive. Who the perfect fit at the deadline is, Prescott’s respect for a Los Angeles star and more in the latest News and Notes.
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones ‘optimistic’ about Tyron Smith’s neck injury, Week 8 availability :: Cowboys Wire
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The rare case of a healthy Dallas offensive line on Sunday is in jeopardy, but the Cowboys owner believes Smith could play. It’s a sense of optimism, but it’ll be key to watch ahead of game time.
Cowboys’ offensive line struggles have this fairly simple explanation :: Cowboys Wire
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A once vaunted group, the Cowboys offensive line has struggled at times in 2023. Health plays a large factor, and our own Reid Hanson believes that’s the catalyst for the Dallas front showing improvement.
Assessing 10 NFL offseason adds: Who is working, who is not :: ESPN+
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Dallas made key additions in the offseason, but the addition of Cooks has gone stale early. Good news is observers saw a flash with a touchdown before the bye week, and it’s momentum the Cowboys offense needs to continue.
Gut Feeling: Cowboys vs. Rams staff predictions :: The Mothership
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The Cowboys come off their bye week against a Rams core they’ve proved to handle, and the Dallas staff writers are unanimous in believing this to be another case of dominance in AT&T Stadium.
Dak on criticism, disrespect: ‘It really doesn’t matter’ :: The Mothership
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Prescott has faced all the challenges of being the Cowboys franchise quarterback, and continued to respond. With the criticism hurled Prescott’s way, Micah Parsons put his foot down and won’t stand for the disrespect.
Cowboys vs. Rams: Each team’s X-factor player for Week 8 :: Blogging the Boys
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The X-factor for Dallas comes on the defensive side, with a young linebacker whose role and play have taken the next step with the injury to Leighton Vander Esch. For Los Angeles, it’s the prolific rookie wide receiver that continues to give NFL defenses fits.
Will Dak Prescott’s Mobility Continue To Be a Pattern for the Cowboys’ Offense? :: Pro Football Network
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The win over the Chargers featured a blast from the past. Dallas relied on Prescott as a rusher often, something that has been phased out of the offense for a couple years. It paid dividends for the Cowboys to see it return, but will it continue?
Cowboys: Dak Prescott offers candid take on Aaron Donald ahead of Week 8 :: AtoZSports Dallas
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Numbers may not show it early in 2023, but Prescott believes Aaron Donald is still Aaron Donald. It’s a clear show of respect for the future Hall of Fame, and a challenge that the Cowboys have to be prepared for with the Rams.
One deal each NFL contender should make ahead of trade deadline :: CBS Sports
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It’s almost the NFL’s trade deadline, and it’s time for contenders to stake their claim. For Dallas, it’s at cornerback and securing a deal for a starting Patriot could be the remedy, landing Jalen Mills to fill out the unit for Dan Quinn.