The Dallas Cowboys started the season off with a 3-0 record, letting everyone think they would be a Super Bowl contender this year. Well, those three wins were against the Giants, the Redskins, and the Dolphins. Three teams with a total of three wins between them. Then Dallas visited the New Orleans Saints, hosted the Green Bay Packers, two very good and contending teams, then made another trip, this time to the New York Jets, who had not won a game this year. Just like what happened with Green Bay, Dallas allowed the Jets to start fast and furious, then couldn't catch up. The defense couldn't stop Sam Darnold and what now looks like a possible high-powered offense.
After the game Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, said that Jason Garrett's job is not in jeopardy. They are focused on their Sunday night game with the Philadelphia Eagles that will determine an early leader in the NFC East. It's already Thursday and there have been no changes to this stance. Garrett says he's focused on the Eagles (they're playing in Dallas) and that's where he is at the moment. During week 8, Dallas has their bye week. If they lay another duck while playing for the division lead early in the season, which could end up helping decide a division title, I honestly anticipate Jones to make a change at the top spot. Garrett is currently coaching in his 10th season and they have only won two playoff games during that time, with just three playoff appearances. Which is more frustrating? Not making the playoffs consistently, or, like Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati, have a really good regular season and always losing in the playoffs. We will be watching this as the week unfolds Sunday night in Dallas.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Rams pulled off a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to receive cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars receive two first-round picks in 2020 and 2021, and a fourth round pick, also in 2021. Ramsey is having a decent year with 13 tackles and 4 assists, he has no interceptions, though. The Jaguars it seems now, are in a rebuild type mode since they're currently with a 2-4 record. The Rams have struggled on defense, especially since losing in consecutive weeks to divisional rivals Seahawks and 49ers the last two weeks. This acquisition may help them some, but their offense seems to be a bit confused.
Games from last week...
Philadelphia @ Minnesota — This was just a high-octane filled resurrection of what everyone thought would be a contending offense in Minnesota. Quarterback Kirk Cousins completed almost 76% of his passes while throwing for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns, three of which went to wideout Stefon Diggs, who had expressed some discontent a couple weeks ago at not being utilized. Had the Vikings not been throttled by the Packers a couple weeks ago, I would say they are turning things around. They are, however, looking very good right now and I think would give Green Bay a good contest. The Eagles have not really been consistent this season, they're 3-3, having beaten Washington, Green Bay, and the Jets. Already up on Dallas with common opponents, they head to JerryWorld Sunday night to see who can be more inconsistent.
Houston @ Kansas City — Last week I said that the Texans would have to slow down the Chiefs if they wanted any chance of winning. Well, they did, giving Kansas City their second consecutive loss, both at Arrowhead. Patrick Mahomes is having an issue with an ankle he hurt against the Colts a couple weeks ago, so that could hobble him some. Are the Texans for real? They seem it. They're a fun team to watch and they're relatively healthy. Let's see if they can keep their momentum going as they head to Indianapolis this week.
Detroit @ Green Bay — Yes, I agree with everyone else that the Lions got royally screwed by horrible penalties on Monday night. With the available technology that's available, and being used in other professional sports, there is absolutely no excuse that someone grabbing someones jersey should be misunderstood as sticking their hand in their face. Okay, that's out. Detroit was only able to get the ball into the end zone once, and that was in the first quarter. Matt Stafford came out slinging the ball, starting with a 66-yard flea-flicker pass that got the crowd in Lambeau quiet. No one, and I mean no one (not even the Patriots) can rely on your kicker to win games when you're up against a team led by Aaron Rodgers. Had they been able to punch the ball into the end zone at least a couple of the other times they entered the red zone, the referees bad calls would not have been an issue. And, for the record, I'm not a fan of Booger McFarland. When discussing the "hands to the face" penalties with the official in the booth, McFarland was almost argumentative, despite the official attempting to explain how quickly things happen and how easy it is to miss things. Which brings this full circle to the first statements I made in this paragraph.
Games to watch this week...
Cardinals @ Giants — Not sure if this game will eventually mean something this season, but this does showcase two of the top young arms in the league, ones that we will be watching for years to come. Kyler Murray in Arizona has shown some toughness, starting from opening day. He's struggled, which is understandable, but he has not quit. Now he's won two straight games. Hope he can keep this up.
David Jones is the new Eli Manning, or so Giants fans would have us believe. He has played very well and is responsible for a couple of wins. I think this will be a fun game and will go to whichever young quarterback makes the fewest mistakes.
Houston @ Indianapolis — The Colts have won four of their last five contests versus the Texans, including the playoffs. Honestly, I think Houston is the better team this year. Jacoby Brissett is playing well and has a good team around him, but I really like what I see Bill O'Brien doing in Houston. Couple years ago I had them in the Super Bowl...not ready to go that far with them yet, but they should handle the Colts this week. Interesting little note, too, this game features the last two teams the Chiefs played, in Arrowhead, and lost to.
Minnesota @ Detroit — The Vikings are riding high after their win against the Eagles last week. The Lions are not happy with their loss Monday night. This game has a lot of intrigue in that these are divisional rivals. With Green Bay beating almost everyone they face, this could determine a wild-card game in January.
Baltimore @ Seattle — These are two very good teams. Lamar Jackson is, so far, making good on his promise to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl (yeah, I know, we still have a lot of games left) and Russel Wilson is, well, Russel Wilson. Both of these very mobile quarterbacks will have the opposing defenses chasing them, or trying to stop them from making those amazing passes while running.
Philadelphia @ Dallas — This is the game of the week, being on Sunday night. Two teams who hate each other. No love lost here and they will both be fighting hard until there are nothing but zero's on the clock. Can Dak Prescott rally his team to beat Carson Wentz and his? Wentz got a monster deal in the off-season, which to me is kind of funny since he's not finished a season since he's been in the league. Whereas, Prescott is waiting on the Cowboys to come up with a new deal so he can continue playing with the star on his helmet.
What to watch for...
Matt Bryant (Atl) can pass David Akers on the all-time points list by scoring just 5 points.
Frank Gore (Buf) needs 1 touchdown to pass Lenny Moore, Antonio Gates, and Adrian Peterson on the all-time touchdowns scored list. Gore can also move past Barry Sanders to number 3 all-time with 189 rushing yards.
Adrian Peterson (Was) needs 119 rushing yards to pass Jerome Bettis on the all-time rushing yards list. Also, Peterson is just 1 touchdown away from passing Frank Gore, Lenny Moore, and Antonio Gates for all-time touchdowns scored.
LeSean McCoy (KC) needs 104 rushing yards to pass Warrick Dunn for all-time rushing.
Terrell Suggs (AZ) can pass John Randall and Richard Dent with just 1 1/2 sacks this weekend against the Giants.
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