Player News
The Cowboys Are Now Dak Prescott’s Team
A year ago this time, Dak Prescott was expected to simply be competing for a roster spot. Most thought he would be QB3, others hoped he could overtake current backup Kellen Moore for the QB2 role.
Neither happened.
Instead, Dak Prescott became the starting quarterback, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the projected franchise quarterback of America's Team.
The previous franchise quarterback, Tony Romo, has moved into retirement, now broadcasting NFL games for CBS. With Romo out of the locker room altogether, it is now on the young Prescott to take over the locker room in a full leadership role.
Sure, there are other veterans like Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and Tyron Smith still around, all of which are leaders. But we know how this works. The fans, the media, and to a certain degree the football team all look to the starting quarterback for direction and leadership, no matter how strong the rest of the locker room is.
Now, the entirety of this role falls the Dak Prescott's shoulders. And it appears he is ready for it.
Prescott told The Dallas Morning News that being in his first offseason as the full-time starter, he now "gets it," and admits that it's time for his voice to be heard within the locker room. Veteran tight end Jason Witten echoed those sentiments stating that Prescott has "earned that" right to leadership.
Even though he started all 16 regular season, and the only playoff game for the Cowboys in 2016, the shadow of Tony Romo loomed large all year. While the presence of Romo may have added extra pressure for Prescott, knowing that with any mistake there would be a faction of fans calling for a switch, Dak remained calm and excelled week after week.
Certainly, after such a fantastic rookie season in which Prescott overtook the starting role from a franchise legend, Prescott has shown he is more than ready to take over. Now, we must wait until year two begins on the field, to see just how well Dak has transitioned into this full-time role.
Spoiler alert: he's going to be just fine.
Player News
Report: Cowboys G Connor Williams to Undergo Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss a Few Weeks
Per Todd Archer from ESPN, Amari Cooper's MRI didn't reveal any structural damage in his knee and was diagnosed with a bruised knee. Cooper's now expected to practice on Friday as the Dallas Cowboys get ready to play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football.
Todd Archer on Twitter
Amari Cooper is expected to practice Friday and play Sunday against Minnesota after an MRI revealed he has a bruised knee, according to a source. Cooper was examined by the team doctors on Thursday and did not practice after being listed as a limited... https://t.co/jNps7m7ThL
This is excellent news for the Dallas Cowboys. Since acquiring Cooper from the Oakland Raiders last year, his presence has made a huge difference. There's been a noticeable difference when Cooper hasn't been in the lineup and they can't replicate his ability on the field in the slightest. He changes everything for Dak Prescott and the passing game.
Cooper's been dealing with minor injuries since training camp and has had to miss time in some games, sitting out nearly all of the loss to the Jets. Getting Cooper back the next week against the Philadelphia Eagles had a huge impact on the outcome of the week seven game. While Michael Gallup's taken a huge step forward in 2019, he hasn't proven to be capable of flying solo as the lead receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.
Against the Minnesota Vikings, the Cowboys offense will need to get off to a hot start and click on all cylinders against the Vikings number four ranked defense.
From Pro-Football-Reference.com
Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper have had an excellent connection in Cooper's now 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys. He's averaging 5.6 receptions for 83.9 yards and 0.7 touchdowns per game. His per 16 game average would be 89 receptions for 1,342 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those are elite numbers in a really good passing game.
The Minnesota Vikings pass defense is only allowing 225 passing yards per game. Against the likes of Julio Jones, Davante Adams, Darren Waller, Allen Robinson, Alshon Jeffrey, Marvin Jones, and Tyreek Hill the Vikings have allowed 8.42 receptions for 93.85 and seven touchdowns.
Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs in three of the last four weeks the Vikings have allowed 291.3 passing yards per game.
Amari Cooper and the Dallas Cowboys passing game could be in for a field day.
Each week, following Amari Cooper's injury status, is one of the most important reports. Getting good news on Cooper heading into the Cowboys final practice of the week on Friday is big news for the Cowboys in this huge NFC matchup.
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