Cowboys News: How blocked FG happened, Lamb sets record, Jets’ QB question
Of all the memorable moments from Sunday night’s demolition of the rival Giants, Cowboys Nation spent much of Monday still talking about that blocked field goal that put the team’s first points on the board and triggered the avalanche that led to a historic 40-0 final. But the inside story of how that special teams highlight actually unfolded perfectly illustrates the unselfish team-first mentality that the 2023 Cowboys hope to ride all the way to a sixth Lombardi Trophy.
Elsewhere, the Cowboys will be paying close attention to news on Aaron Rodgers’s leg after an injury forced him out of Monday’s contest. Our postgame coverage and analysis of Week 1’s win includes thoughts from coaches and coordinators, a record set by CeeDee Lamb, a look at who dazzled and who fizzled, Micah Parsons looking for a commission, Tony Pollard previewing even bigger things from his RB room, Dak Prescott lighting up the stopwatches, and Dan Quinn paying special tribute to the heroes of 9/11. Here’s your News and Notes.
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What Aaron Rodgers’ injury likely means for Cowboys’ Week 2 meeting with Jets :: Dallas Morning News
The Cowboys tuned in to Monday night’s game with an eye toward scouting Aaron Rodgers. The Jets quarterback lasted just four snaps, though, before an apparent lower leg injury saw him carted off the sideline. While X-rays taken during the game came back negative, all eyes will be on updates coming out of New York. Dallas is set to face either Rodgers or backup Zach Wilson at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
Jets fear season-ending torn Achilles for Rodgers :: Rich Cimini
Breaking: Robert Saleh says they fear a torn Achilles for Rodgers. “It’s not good.” MRI tomorrow. They expect it to confirm the tear. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 12, 2023
Cowboys' blocked FG 'shut the lights out on' Giants; Juanyeh Thomas knew it was coming :: Cowboys Wire
Special teams ace CJ Goodwin saw something, and he told Thomas he might get a chance at a block. The 2022 undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech pounced and kicked off the scoring Sunday night. Teammates and coaches alike praised Thomas and several of the Cowboys’ younger players for stepping up and playing like veterans.
How walk-through at Cowboys’ hotel produced the play that ‘changed the game’ :: The Athletic
During the team’s gameday walkthrough at the hotel, Goodwin shared a tendency he had noticed from facing the Giants’ field goal unit for five seasons. Goodwin wouldn’t be able to exploit it, but Thomas- lined up next to him- might… if he followed Goodwin’s instructions precisely. It worked; replays show Noah Igbinoghene drifting over to a spot where the block would end up, and Thomas moved immediately to start blocking for him. It was exactly the way Goodwin had told them it would go.
Dak Prescott showed quick trigger Sunday night :: Matt Owen
Dak Prescott's TTT (time to throw) for Week 1 was 2.11 seconds 👀. That's ridiculously fast. His time was .21 seconds faster than the next quickest in the league.
— Matt Owen (@ProfessorO_NFL) September 11, 2023
Dan Quinn praises Diggs' physicality from his two takeaways :: The Mothership
The coordinators took to the podium Monday. Quinn liked Diggs’s “mindfulness approach” to getting the football and previewed the rest of the cornerbacks group with the Jets coming to town. Brian Schottenheimer confessed that the offense still has plenty of looks yet to be unveiled and confirmed that the team will have no qualms about going to Tony Pollard in short-yardage situations. John Fassel explained how Brandon Aubrey’s extra-point miss can be chalked up to a “timing error.”
Parsons looking for commission on Stephon Gilmore's interception :: Jori Epstein
Micah Parsons hit Daniel Jones on Stephon Gilmore INT. Cowboys rush-and-cover D working.
Micah: "I told him he owes me some money because I helped him get an INT."
How much? "I feel like it’s worth $1,000. He agrees." Really? "It’s all games & jokes.”https://t.co/iIQnCfF1Nv— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) September 11, 2023
Tony Pollard says Cowboys' run game ready to 'keep getting better' after 3-TD night :: Cowboys Wire
Rainy weather and a big lead led to a heavy-duty ground attack from the Cowboys at MetLife. Pollard racked up 70 yards and two scores; Rico Dowdle, KaVontae Turpin, and Deuce Vaughn had another 15 carries split among them; Turpin scored his first NFL touchdown on a run play.
CeeDee Lamb passes Dez Bryant in team receiving history books :: Dallas Cowboys Public Relations
With 77 receiving yards tonight, CeeDee Lamb (3,473) passed Dez Bryant (3,440) for the most receiving yards by a Cowboys player in their first 50 career games.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) September 11, 2023
Week 1 coverage and analysis :: Cowboys Wire
Studs & Duds: Cowboys defense takes starring role in Big Apple blowout
By the Numbers: A deep dive explains the Cowboys’ Week 1 dominance
'Skunked' Giants embarrassed by 40-0 loss to Cowboys on opening night :: NFL.com
Three turnovers, only 2.6 yards per offensive play, one red zone trip in 12 possessions, zero points. Giants players called the performance “embarrassing” and “humbling,” saying, “We got our teeth kicked in.” Head coach Brian Daboll added, “We just got skunked here.” The two teams will meet again in Arlington in Week 10.
Quinn honors heroes of Sept. 11 with extra day in sideline cap :: Clarence Hill Jr.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn said he wanted one more day in the hats they coaches wore Sunday night against the Giants in remembrance of 9/11. “Just making sure I was honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” pic.twitter.com/jaGyKncIER
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) September 11, 2023
How did Zeke Elliott perform in his first game as a New England Patriot? :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Elliott had seven carries for 29 yards in the Patriots’ 25-20 loss to Philadelphia. He added five catches for 14 yards receiving, but had a costly fumble in his New England debut.