Cowboys can’t play defense, COVID and NFL, power rankings and more
The Dallas Cowboys are a wreck, staying in step with the NFC East. After an offseason or changes and odd decisions, we could have a disaster in Dallas.
Someone should tell the Dallas Cowboys they’re allowed to play defense.
Through four weeks, each NFC East team has been atrocious. None more disappointing than the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas, suspected by many to be a Super Bowl contender, has allowed a whopping 126 points over the past three weeks. All told, coordinator Mike Nolan’s unit has surrendered 36.5 points per game.
To underscore how bad the Cowboys have been, consider quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown for 450 yards in each of the past three games, setting an NFL record with 1,424 over said stretch. Dallas is somehow 1-2 in those contests, getting a miracle against the Atlanta Falcons for its lone victory.
Now, there is good news for the Cowboys. The upcoming schedule has home dates with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals up next, followed by road games with the Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles. At a minimum, Dallas is favorites in three of those.
The other good news is the rest of the division.
New York is 0-4 with quarterback Daniel Jones resembling a walking turnover. He’s yet to play a game this season without committing at least one. In Washington, Dwayne Haskins is on the hot seat while being surrounded by a lack of weapons sans Terry McLaurin. There’s little hope for the Football Team to turn things around this year.
Then there’s Philadelphia, which likely would have strongly considered benching Carson Wentz already if not for his gaudy contract. Wentz is leading the NFL with seven interceptions and looks like a shell of his former self. And yet, the Eagles lead the group at 1-2-1.
Yet for all the positives Dallas can site, there are more negatives. The offensive line is banged up, with Joe Looney leaving early (knee) on Sunday while right tackle La’el Collins (hip) is out for the season. Defensively, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is lost for 2020 (quad), while linebackers Sean Lee (pelvis) and Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) are out extended periods.
As for healthy players, the Cowboys’ defense has offered no resistance. Last week, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw five touchdowns. This weekend, the Cleveland Browns registered 307 rushing yards in their 49-38 conquest.
All offseason, we were told Mike McCarthy replacing Jason Garrett at head coach would make a monumental difference. It has done anything but. The Cowboys still look undisciplined and lost in situational football. The play-calling early has been questionable, and in Seattle, it was puzzling during the final drive, highlighted by a screen pass to Ezekiel Elliott in the dying seconds.
Maybe McCarthy figures things out. In fairness, he was without OTAs, minicamp and preseason games. Of course, so was the rest go the NFL, and other teams with less talent have fared far better.
The Cowboys haven’t bothered to play defense over the season’s first quarter. Maybe they’ll decide to give it a shot sometime during the second.
Power rankings
Worst 10 NFL teams since the ALF-NFL merger
1. 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14; outscored 412-125)
2. 2017 Cleveland Browns (0-16; only six losses were one-score games)
3. 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16; allowed 517 points)
4. 1990 New England Patriots (1-15; 14-game losing streak, outscored 446-181)
5. 1973 Houston Oilers (1-13; outscored 447-199)
6. 1980 New Orleans Saints (1-15; 14-game losing streak to start year)
7. 1991 Indianapolis Colts (1-15; outscored 381-143)
8. 1996 New York Jets (1-15; allowed 30+ points nine times, coached by Rich Kotite)
9. 2001 Carolina Panthers (1-15; 15-game losing streak to end season)
10. 1992 Seattle Seahawks (2-14; scored a record-low 8.8 points per game)
Quotable
"“He’s going to be the face of this franchise for a very long time.”"
– Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates on his teammate, quarterback Joe Burrow
Burrow won his first game in an NFL uniform, as his Bengals defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 33-25. For the third consecutive game, the former No. 1 overall pick eclipsed 300 passing yards, accomplishing a feat no rookie ever had before.
Watching Burrow has been a treat through four contests. He’s poised, he gets the ball out on schedule and he’s willing to take the hit. Of course, not everything has been perfect. He’s thrown a pair of bad interceptions and has been inaccurate on the deep ball.
Still, the overwhelming early returns are positive. Congrats on what should be the first of many victories for Burrow.
Podcast
Random stat
The Kansas City Chiefs have won 12 straight games. They’ve covered in 11 of them.
Info learned this week
1. COVID begins plying havoc with NFL season in Week 4
It was inevitable. So far, though, the NFL has to be content with the results.
Throughout last week, the Tennessee Titans went through an outbreak which still rages through their locker room. Their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was moved to Week 7 with minimal disruption, however, keeping things relative on-schedule for the league.
Then, on Saturday, it appeared things were beginning to spiral with New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton tested positive before their game with Kansas City. An hour later, news broke of Chiefs scout-team quarterback Jordan Ta’amu also testing positive. Incredibly, the game is slated for Monday night at 7 p.m. ET with no positive tests on either side since.
For the NFL, this week brought anxiety but avoided disaster. Now, commissioner Roger Goodell, the owners and the NFLPA must have lengthy discussions about doubling down on best practices.
This early in the season, a situation like Tennessee’s was easily navigated in the scheduling sense. Once more bye weeks have come and gone, the flexibility will be very limited.
2. Bills have case for AFC’s second-best team after win over Raiders
The Buffalo Bills are 4-0 for the first time in 12 years. This time, it feels more permanent.
Buffalo beat the Las Vegas Raiders, 30-23, earning the victory behind Josh Allen’s 288 passing yards and two touchdowns. Stefon Diggs continued to dominate with six catches for 115 yards on seven targets, while the defense forced the Raiders into a pair of turnovers.
Bills’ fans have to feel great. The record is perfect, but more importantly, for the long term, Allen has improved greatly under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The veteran coach has Allen getting the ball out quickly while scheming receivers into wide-open areas, solving some of the accuracy issues which have plagued him since his days at Wyoming.
As the Chiefs and Patriots ready for their Week 4 showdown, it’s arguable whether Buffalo is the biggest challenger to Kansas City. The Ravens would like a strong word and deserve one, despite their lopsided loss to the Chiefs a week ago. Baltimore has won 15-of-16 regular-season games and has the league’s most dynamic player under center.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also have an argument with Ben Roethlisberger healthy and perhaps the league’s most complete defense. Still, Buffalo has to be in the conversation if not leading it.
We’ll soon find out exactly how well the Bills stack up with the AFC’s best. Come Week 6, they’ll host the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football, getting Kansas City as it plays its third game in 10 days.
Until then, we’ll continue to watch Buffalo progress, and wonder what its ceiling is.
3. Tom Brady, Justin Herbert offer ample hope in shootout
One quarterback taking wing. One proving he can still play.
In the 38-31 win for the Buccaneers, Tom Brady showcased the ability to dominate at 43 years old. Against a good defense in the Los Angeles Chargers, Brady went for five touchdowns and 369 yards. It was especially impressive considering tight end O.J. Howard left early (Achilles), Mike Evans was at half-speed (ankle) and Chris Godwin wasn’t suited up.
Meanwhile, the Chargers have to be giddy about their future. While blowing a 24-7 lead will have head coach Anthony Lynn up nights, Justin Herbert looks like a star. The rookie threw for 290 yards on 20-of-25 passing with three touchdowns and an interception.
Still, Herbert’s effort was more impressive than the stats. He had two beautiful deep balls for scores, along with a wonderful back-shoulder chuck to tight end Donald Parham. Under pressure, he stood tall and delivered accurately time and again.
The Chargers are 1-3 and facing the Saints at the Superdome on Monday night. The season may spiral. Even so, Herbert looks fantastic, and that’s far more important than their record at this juncture.
4. Kyler Murray struggles again in Cards’ loss to Panthers
Kyler Murray has largely received praise early in his career — this space included. Over the past two weeks, he hasn’t been to standard.
After beating the San Francisco 49ers and Washington in Weeks 1 and 2, the Cardinals have now lost to the Lions and Carolina Panthers on consecutive Sundays. Against Detroit, Murray threw three interceptions in a last-second loss at home. Facing the Panthers, Murray ran for 78 yards and tossed three scores without a turnover. Problem? Only 133 passing yards on 31 attempts.
If Murray is going to be treated as a top-tier quarterback, he can’t have back-to-back performances like this against poor teams. The Cardinals have talent across their offense and faced two defenses with little pass-rush ability. Yet Murray wilted, something he can’t do with a middling defensive unit at his side.
The talent is there for Murray. He’s got a great arm, he’s accurate and he can throw from multiple platforms. Still, the results have been uneven in 2020 despite better weapons around him. Let’s see how he responds in Week 5 against the Jets.
5. Race for Trevor Lawrence is going to be full of suitors
The Jets and Giants are terrible. The Falcons are also winless heading into Week 4’s clash with the Packers. Denver has a win, but it doesn’t appear to have many ahead. The same can be said for the Jaguars, Football Team and Lions.
Most in the league believe Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be the No. 1 overall pick next April. He’s looked fantastic so far this year with the Tigers, throwing for 848 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions in three games. Lawrence has it all, from arm strength and build to pocket awareness and accuracy. He’s the best quarterback to come out of college since Andrew Luck from Stanford in 2012.
In the summer, most thought Jacksonville to have the inside track for Lawrence. Now, the Jets have the strongest position, although their co-tenant of MetLife Stadium won’t be going away without a strong fight.
Most years, a few teams separate themselves as the league’s worst early on. While Gotham has two candidates, there are myriad franchises looking at long campaigns ahead with the potential for an ultimate draft prize.
Gambler’s game
On Sunday, the Ravens host the Bengals. Baltimore is a 13-point favorite. Lay the points.
The Ravens handled Washington by a 31-17 score over the weekend, and while the Bengals are a more talented adversary, they also play into Baltimore’s schemes. The Ravens can overwhelm Cincinnati’s beleaguered offensive line while covering man-on-man with Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters.
Offensively, Baltimore will run the ball at will. Lamar Jackson wasn’t great through the air against Washington, throwing for 193 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Yet the reigning MVP rushed for a team-best 53 yards including a 50-yard score. He’ll only be more dangerous against the Bengals’ front.
Thirteen points is a huge spread. This week, don’t fret it.
Two cents
The McNair family needs to forget the money and fire Bill O’Brien.
O’Brien has been the head coach of the Houston Texans since 2014. His record? A mediocre 52-48. Early on, the quarterback play was awful. He’s now had Deshaun Watson for the last four seasons. He has a single playoff win to his credit.
Presently, Houston is 0-4 after losing to the previously-winless Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Watson isn’t without blame — he creates many of the sacks with his lackluster pocket awareness — but O’Brien’s errors are impossible to ignore.
Over the past two years, O’Brien has also taken on general manager responsibilities. Three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins was traded away. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was acquired for two first-round choices and a second-round pick. Incredibly, Tunsil wasn’t extended when the deal went through. A year later, with all the leverage, Tunsil signed a three-year, $66 million pact with $58 million guaranteed.
The bad moves go on endlessly. The result is Houston is without a victory, and without its first two picks come April.
O’Brien is signed through 2022. It’s time for the McNair’s to swallow hard and make the move.
Inside the league
Antoine Winfield was a damn fine player in his day. His son may prove to be better.
The Buccaneers’ rookie second-round safety was quiet on Sunday, notching two tackles in the Tampa Bay win. In the three games prior, Winfield amassed two sacks, a forced fumble and a pair of passes defensed. The University of Minnesota star has led a resurgent Buccaneers’ secondary, something which isn’t shocking many within the league.
This is most true for Tampa Bay, which couldn’t be happier with the youngster. Talking to one source with knowledge of the situation, Winfield was described to FanSided as being a pro with everything he does, acting like a 10-year vet. This jives with the impression he gave at the Scouting Combine, where many league personnel men were inspired by his intellect and maturity.
While the Buccaneers have mostly made headlines this offseason for the additions of Brady and Rob Gronkowski, their draft class is also paying off. Winfield and first-round left tackle Tristan Wirfs have been fantastic, giving them long-term pillars on each side of the ball.
General manager Jason Licht was charged with finding high-impact players from the jump in this draft. He did so, led by a pugnacious safety who provides a thump both as a cover man and blitzer.
History lesson
On Thursday night, Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien made his first NFL start and beat the Jets, 37-28. It was a banner moment for the Rypien family, one which includes his uncle, Mark.
Mark Rypien is a fascinating study, authoring a largely middling career with one incredible exception. The former Washington quarterback reached two Pro Bowls but did his best work in 1991, helping his club go 14-2 en route to a Super Bowl XXVI title. Rypien was known best for his ability to throw the deep ball, resulting in 28 touchdown passes that fabled season.
Afterward, Rypien played seven more seasons across five teams (Washington, Browns, Eagles, Rams, Colts), combining for 35 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.
Parting shot
The Chicago Bears should be ashamed of themselves.
After losing 19-11 to the Indianapolis Colts, the Bears are now the softest 3-1 in NFL history. The evidence? Mitch Trubisky has been benched, Nick Foles somehow looked at least as bad, the wins have come over the Lions, Giants and Atlanta Falcons, who have combined for a 1-10 mark.
But the record obviously isn’t shameful. It’s the quarterback situation.
General manager Ryan Pace knew all offseason Trubisky wasn’t the answer. Hell, he knew that halfway through the 2019 campaign. His answer was to trade for Foles and surrender both a fourth-round pick and three years of guaranteed money. All for a quarterback who, at best, is a marginal starter.
Pace could have signed Cam Newton for less than Chicago is paying Mario Edwards ($1.6M) and kept cap flexibility. Pace could have signed Jameis Winston. Instead, he landed Foles. While the Bears will point to their 3-1 mark, impartial observers will note their complete offensive ineptitude as a reason they won’t threaten the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.
Chicago has an excellent defense, a top-10 receiver in Allen Robinson and a capable running back tandem in David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen (the latter when healthy).
Yet none of it matters, because the quarterback pay submarines the entire team.