Cowboys News: Teams eye DQ, McCarthy talks Packers, favorable path to NFC title game?
The Cowboys still have plenty of business to take care of in the postseason, but several teams are already looking ahead to Dallas’s defensive coordinator for next year’s business. We’ll tell you who’s pursuing Dan Quinn for a head coaching interview, even as he’s prepping his unit for a wild-card clash with Green Bay. And we’ll explain why Mike McCarthy says he’s taking a very different approach to facing his former club than he did last year.
Elsewhere, we look back at Week 18’s big win in Washington with an update on Stephon Gilmore’s shoulder injury, a look at how two undrafted offensive linemen stepped up as fill-ins, and why Brandon Aubrey’s first misses of the season might be a good thing. All that, plus a preview of who Dallas will face in 2024, a big-time honor for another member of the dynasty teams, the Cowboys have a laundry request for fans coming to Sunday’s game, and which quarterback do you trust the most heading into the playoffs? Yeah, News and Notes, here we go…
An offer for Cowboys fans
For the best local Austin news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Austin American-Statesman.
Dan Quinn, defense 'sharpening the ax' before playoffs :: The Mothership
Following their bad day in Buffalo, the Cowboys defense has buckled down. But Quinn knows his unit will now be tested by Green Bay’s best effort. “We’ll get tested again. That’s why going into the postseason, you have to have all of your [expletive] together,” the DC said.
Carolina Panthers request interview with Cowboys DC Dan Quinn :: Cowboys Wire
The 2-15 Panthers are the first team to request permission to speak with Quinn about their vacant head coaching position. Eight other names are on Carolina’s current wish list; all are currently coordinators for other teams. In-person interviews are not permitted until after the divisional round of the playoffs.
Commanders, Chargers reportedly get in line for Quinn, too :: Jordan Schultz
Sources: The #Chargers and #Commanders have submitted requests to interview #Cowboys DC Dan Quinn for their vacant head coaching position. @BleacherReport
That’s now three requests for Quinn, who also has one from the #Panthers. https://t.co/OdY18euBue
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 9, 2024
MRI gives good news on Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore for Packers showdown :: Cowboys Wire
Gilmore told reporters he’d be fine; now an MRI confirms it. The veteran cornerback appears to have dodged serious injury to his right shoulder after a hit in the second quarter of Sunday’s game. He expects to play next weekend versus Green Bay, possibly wearing a harness for added support.
McCarthy 'regrets' his approach to Packers in 2022 :: The Mothership
For all the obvious storylines about McCarthy having to go through his former Packers to get the Cowboys where he once took Green Bay, the coach is trying to block out the noise. “The drama of it, I’m sure you guys will love, but I will not participate in it this year,” he said. “Last year, I thought it was important for me to talk about Green Bay at the beginning of the week with the team. I regretted it.” The Cowboys lost an overtime heartbreaker in McCarthy’s return last year to Lambeau Field.
Cowboys' O-line 'should be back full force' in wild-card round after backups' big day :: Cowboys Wire
T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman filled in nicely for Tyler Smith and Zack Martin, respectively, holding Washington to no sacks or QB hits on Sunday. Stephen Jones said on Dallas radio that he expects both starters to be in the lineup for the team’s wild-card weekend meeting with the Packers.
Brandon Aubrey passes greatest test of the season in Cowboys Week 18 win :: Cowboys Wire
The previously-perfect kicker had his first field goal try blocked, then just missed his second. But by nailing a 50-yarder to close out his day, he hopefully won’t carry into the postseason any hint of the “yips” that doomed Brett Maher’s tenure in Dallas.
The Cowboys have favorable path to their first NFC title game in 26 years :: The Athletic
Green Bay is a talented team, but this year’s bracket offers the Cowboys a very viable path to the NFC title game. Should the Cowboys take care of business in the first round, they’ll host either the Lions or the winner of the Buccaneers–Eagles game in the second round. Tampa Bay is 1-5 against playoff teams, the Eagles have won just one of their last six games, and Dallas just beat Detroit. Now if someone can also topple San Francisco…
Cowboys-Commanders coverage, analysis :: Cowboys Wire
Cowboys seize NFC East crown, No. 2 seed with 38-10 win in Washington
Dak Prescott dissects Commanders with near-surgical precision in Week 18 romp
Studs and duds in Cowboys’ NFC East clinching 38-10 Week 18 win
Cowboys plan white-out for Sunday's playoff game :: Dallas Cowboys
#CowboysNation, you know the drill! Be loud, wear white Sunday @ATTStadium! 🗣⚪️#GBvsDAL | @BankofAmerica pic.twitter.com/NJcuKxD36R
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) January 8, 2024
Twitter reacts as Ron Torbert named referee for Cowboys-Packers wild-card game :: Cowboys Wire
Torbert and his crew have penalized home teams more often than the visitors, and like most referees in the NFL these days, he’s had his fair share of tumultuous contests.
Ranking all 14 NFL playoff quarterbacks by confidence they inspire :: Cowboys Wire
Patrick Mahomes understandably tops this list, the two-time Super Bowl MVP having worked his postseason magic several times before. But Prescott comes in second, mainly for the stellar season he had this year to get the Cowboys into the dance.
2024 Cowboys schedule: List of opponents set :: Cowboys Wire
In addition to the usual home-and-away series with Philadelphia, Washington, and the Giants, we now know the rest of the 2024 opponents. Dallas will host the Lions, Buccaneers, Saints, Ravens, Bengals, and Texans. They’ll travel to play the 49ers, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, and Steelers.
NFF announces star-studded 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class :: National Football Foundation
Among the 19 first-team All-America players and three coaches in this year’s class is former Cowboys cornerback Kevin Smith, who won three Super Bowls with the dynasty teams of the 1990s. Smith went to Texas A&M. He’ll join fellow college stars like Warrick Dunn, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Hutchinson, Randy Moss, Julius Peppers, and Alex Smith as inductees.
Wink Martindale landing spots: Three potential fits for ex-Giants DC who resigned after 2023 season :: CBS Sports
Now that Martindale has elected to leave Big Blue’s staff, where might he go next? Dallas is a real possibility if Quinn gets a head coaching job elsewhere. The 60-year-old reportedly soured on the Giants organization under Brian Daboll’s leadership; he might enjoy the opportunity to line up against them twice a year with Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland.
