Cowboys News: Prescott’s ‘Here we go’ becomes hit song, McCarthy surgery update
As if Sunday night’s NFC East clash needed any more juice: Cowboys players are aiming to notch a big win as a get-well gift to head coach Mike McCarthy, who got right back to work (remotely) after a midweek appendectomy. We’ve got full pre-game analysis, from using the 49ers’ blueprint for beating Philly to what Dan Quinn thinks could be the key to victory. We’ll look at how to fix a few of Dallas’s less-effective personnel packages, a few under-the-radar things to watch for, and why the guys in black and white could prove to be just as tough as the guys in midnight green.
Elsewhere in this edition of News and Notes, you’ll find an in-depth look at Dak Prescott’s comprehensive training regimen, you’ll meet the Cowboys staffer who’ll represent the franchise at this year’s Accelerator event, and you’ll learn what the Cowboys are doing to keep their rookie kicker as fresh as possible during a season in which he’s putting up exhausting numbers. All that, plus a mascot ranking that Cowboys fans will probably be able to guess the results of as it pertains to their team.
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Dak wants to 'gift a big W' to McCarthy vs. Eagles :: The Mothership
Things are about to get real now that it’s December. “This is the stretch of the season that — when you look at the schedule — you have to be excited about,” said Prescott. And on Sunday, there will be extra motivation for the Cowboys to show out for their head coach, just four days removed from emergency appendix surgery. “Everybody understands what this week means… It’ll be a good gift to him.”
Mike McCarthy back home, working remotely to prep Cowboys for massive Eagles rematch :: Cowboys Wire
The coach wasted no time reconnecting with his assistants and staff, checking in by phone and offering suggestions as the team gets ready for a big divisional game Sunday. McCarthy still expects to resume all his usual duties versus Philadelphia this weekend. “We don’t anticipate anything different,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer explained.
How John Fassel, Cowboys are handling Brandon Aubrey’s workload in record-setting season :: Dallas Morning News
The rookie kicker leads the league in 65 combined field-goal and extra-point attempts. His 81 kickoffs are 12 more than any other NFL kicker. The Cowboys are reducing the number of practice kicks he’s taking this week to ensure he stays fresh all the way through the postseason.
Cowboys' Quinn on defending Eagles' 3rd, 4th downs: 'We've got to go make those stops' :: Cowboys Wire
Given Philly’s knack for converting short fourth downs, Quinn would like his unit to shut down the Eagles on third to get them from ever getting to a tush-push situation. “To me, that’s where some of the secret sauce in this game is going to live,” predicted Quinn. Dallas’s defense has done well overall on third downs this season, but it’s been less impressive the past two games.
Dak Prescott’s ‘Here we go’ cadence: Everyone talking about it and there’s a ‘fire’ song, too :: The Athletic
Prescott’s new cadence has caught the ear of TV announcers and audiences alike this season. Turns out it was the coaching staff’s idea, to improve pre-snap communication and timing. Now it’s even been mixed into a song performed by a pair of die-hard Cowboys fans, with Prescott’s stamp of approval and even a bump from the team’s social media accounts.
Can the Cowboys offense copy the 49ers blueprint to beat the Eagles? Should they? :: Cowboys Wire
With over 300 yards through the air and nearly 150 yards on the ground, the 49ers seemingly moved the ball at will versus the Eagles last week. Pre-snap and at-snap motion should help the Cowboys do likewise, and sprinkling in some additional sweeps, screens, and multi-tight-end sets might pay dividends.
Cowboys draw Philly's favorite ref for Sunday night :: Eagles Nation
John Hussey will the the Head Referee for Sunday’s game against the #Cowboys. The #Eagles are 7-0 when he referees, including last year’s MNF vs. Cowboys, and the NFC Championship.
In those games, the Eagles were penalized just 6 times, compared to 21 for their opponents.
(via… pic.twitter.com/bKVZC6DY09
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) December 7, 2023
Here's how Cowboys can beat the Eagles: Avoiding laundry, stressing seams :: Cowboys Wire
Weaponizing Jake Ferguson and minimizing penalties will be two keys to a Cowboys victory on Sunday. If the offensive line can’t protect Dak Prescott or if the defense lets D’Andre Swift run wild, it could be a long night.
Here's how the Cowboys fix their most underperforming personnel groupings :: Cowboys Wire
There’s a fine line between mixing things up with a variety of personnel packages… and shooting yourself in the foot by getting away from what you do best. Dallas is most consistently efficient in 11 personnel, but they insist on forcing snaps in 21, 12, and 13 at times. Peyton Hendershot’s return could help one of those groupings, but maybe the team should dial back what’s not working down this home stretch of games.
Inside the daily training sessions of Cowboys' Dak Prescott :: ESPN
After injuries left their mark on the quarterback’s 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons, Prescott now says he leaves “no stone unturned” in taking care of himself. A typical week starts the morning after a game with a lifting session and recovery run, he pays special attention to the areas of his previous injuries, and he includes a lot of outside-the-building work with his personal physical therapist. The full seven-day regimen is staggering.
6 things to know about the Eagles include their night and day defensive units :: Cowboys Wire
Get ready for a heavy dose of the Eagles’ dangerous wide receiver duo, plus the return of Dallas Goedert and more of the steady ground threat from Jalen Hurts. Their D-line is top-notch, but their secondary may be a liability at times. Philly is ending their toughest stretch of games this season, just as the Cowboys are entering theirs. It should all make for a big-time battle.
Front Office & General Manager Accelerator to be held during December League Meeting in Dallas :: NFL.com
This year’s Front Office & General Manager Accelerator Program will be held Dec. 11-13 at the league meeting in Dallas. It’s the fourth time for the event, intended to help strengthen the pipeline of diverse candidates for the league’s top jobs. The Cowboys will send Brett Maxie II, a team scout and son of the longtime NFL player and secondary coach Brett Maxie.
Cowboys’ Rowdy mascot ranks low among fans. How low? You’ll be surprised. :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
A recent survey confirmed what Cowboys fans have known in their hearts since 1996. Rowdy is the least popular mascot in the NFL, as determined by follower count, engagement rates, and the percentage of followers reached with each post. Cleveland’s Brownie the Elf came in No. 1.
