Seahawk update - Russell Wilson dealing with hamstring issues. Doug Baldwin most likely out for our game. MLB Bobby Wagner expected to return

Assassin said:

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Kinda wondering why Butler was brought back. Who on the WR squad is he better than? He kinda seems like the guys we already have. Never had a 100 yd game. One 5 catch and two 4 catch games in his three seasons here.

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My only explanation is he is the only big speed guy (6' 3") we would have that has some chemistry with Dak..

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Kinda wondering why Butler was brought back. Who on the WR squad is he better than? He kinda seems like the guys we already have. Never had a 100 yd game. One 5 catch and two 4 catch games in his three seasons here.

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My only explanation is he is the only big speed guy (6' 3") we would have that has some chemistry with Dak..

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really wish we had taken a flyer on Josh. A conditional 5th? Jeez...

Cowboys LB Sean Lee (hamstring) expects to play against the Seahawks in Week 3. He was able to do "more" at Thursday's practice after being listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Even if he's not 100 percent, we'd expect Lee to gut it out Sunday at Seattle.

Source: Jon Machota on Twitter
Sep 20 - 3:22 PM

Cowboys DE Randy Gregory (concussion) is practicing in full for Week 3 against the Seahawks. As expected, Gregory will return after missing Week 2 with a concussion. Gregory's return strengthens a Dallas pass-rush that recorded six sacks in last week's win over the Giants.

Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Kinda wondering why Butler was brought back. Who on the WR squad is he better than? He kinda seems like the guys we already have. Never had a 100 yd game. One 5 catch and two 4 catch games in his three seasons here.

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My only explanation is he is the only big speed guy (6' 3") we would have that has some chemistry with Dak..

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really wish we had taken a flyer on Josh. A conditional 5th? Jeez...

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Agree and we should have also gotten the safety from Cincinnati that went to Minnesota for the league minimum.

Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Kinda wondering why Butler was brought back. Who on the WR squad is he better than? He kinda seems like the guys we already have. Never had a 100 yd game. One 5 catch and two 4 catch games in his three seasons here.

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My only explanation is he is the only big speed guy (6' 3") we would have that has some chemistry with Dak..

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really wish we had taken a flyer on Josh. A conditional 5th? Jeez...

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Could be a bad influence on Gregory.

Machiavelli said:

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Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Kinda wondering why Butler was brought back. Who on the WR squad is he better than? He kinda seems like the guys we already have. Never had a 100 yd game. One 5 catch and two 4 catch games in his three seasons here.

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My only explanation is he is the only big speed guy (6' 3") we would have that has some chemistry with Dak..

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really wish we had taken a flyer on Josh. A conditional 5th? Jeez...

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Could be a bad influence on Gregory.

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Or Gregory good for him...either way it would be a risk.

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Kinda wondering why Butler was brought back. Who on the WR squad is he better than? He kinda seems like the guys we already have. Never had a 100 yd game. One 5 catch and two 4 catch games in his three seasons here.

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My only explanation is he is the only big speed guy (6' 3") we would have that has some chemistry with Dak..

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really wish we had taken a flyer on Josh. A conditional 5th? Jeez...

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Agree and we should have also gotten the safety from Cincinnati that went to Minnesota for the league minimum.

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no kidding. Not sure how all that happened

the reason Butler is back?

hmmm....

The Dallas Morning News reports Terrance Williams is facing a 2-4 game suspension for his offseason arrest.
Williams has made predictably zero impact through the Cowboys' first two games. We suppose his blocking will be missed if he earns a ban.

Source: Dallas Morning News
Sep 20 - 10:51 PM

Cole Beasley was added to the Cowboys' injury report on Thursday, getting in a limited session with an ankle issue. The Cowboys' No. 1 passing game weapon was apparently injured in Thursday's practice. As of now, there's no indication he will sit out Sunday's game against the Seahawks, but Friday's practice will tell the tale.

Sep 20 - 4:33 PM

Assassin said:

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the reason Butler is back?

hmmm....

The Dallas Morning News reports Terrance Williams is facing a 2-4 game suspension for his offseason arrest.
Williams has made predictably zero impact through the Cowboys' first two games. We suppose his blocking will be missed if he earns a ban.

Source: Dallas Morning News
Sep 20 - 10:51 PM

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It's been floating all over DFW radio the last week.

Assassin,

What's your take on the once, most dominant oline in the league??

Thx.

bunation said:

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Assassin,

What's your take on the once, most dominant oline in the league??

Thx.

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Well I will chime in and say between Frederick being out for a while, breaking in a new LG, and our Collins struggling at RT, it isnt the best or top 5 right now but played pretty well this past week. Tyron Smith has to be a concern going forward with his back and penalties.

bunation said:

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Assassin,

What's your take on the once, most dominant oline in the league??

Thx.

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Tyron is hurting. Bad. His back is limiting his effectiveness. We are going to have to draft a LT this next draft. High. At this point, maybe over a WR. Not sure La'el Collins can make the switch. Sliding to your left is an art - you are on an island protecting the right handed QBs backside. Playing RT is more of a power move. You know the right handed QB tends to be watching the rush more from his right.

Conner Williams will probably be fine. Missed some calls in game 1 but made many others. His G2 was much better.

We need Fredericks back. Looney is okay but no Pro Bowler as was shown against the Panthers.

You never hear about Zach Martin. Thats a good thing. He swallows up the right side interior

Backups are not very good. But thats a problem throughout the league. Too many teams.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer

Kris Richard's impact on the Cowboys' defense has been evident early on, and on Wednesday coordinator Rod Marinelli said Richard has handled some of the play-calling responsibilities in the first two games. The Cowboys are allowing just 274 yards per game and given up only 29 points, their fewest in the first two games of a season since 1996. "The thing I've always believed in and it's one of our standards here is it's about the team," Marinelli said. "The team to me is everything. Every decision you make is how you get the team better. Some of the things he can do he makes us better. So I'm really glued to that."

Forbes: Cowboys, at $5B, again most valuable

Forbes magazine ranks the Dallas Cowboys, worth $5 billion, as the NFL's most valuable team for the 12th straight year.

kinda lost in the first two games and the play of #1 pick VanderEsch is the defense of LB Joe Thomas. Only 5 tackles but seems to always be in the middle of things when he is on the field. Nice pickup for us in the offseason

Assassin said:

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kinda lost in the first two games and the play of #1 pick VanderEsch is the defense of LB Joe Thomas. Only 5 tackles but seems to always be in the middle of things when he is on the field. Nice pickup for us in the offseason

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I don't even think Vander Esch saw the field against Carolina, but he had 7 solo tackles on 28 plays against the giants. That's pretty damn good

Assassin said:

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the reason Butler is back?

hmmm....

The Dallas Morning News reports Terrance Williams is facing a 2-4 game suspension for his offseason arrest.
Williams has made predictably zero impact through the Cowboys' first two games. We suppose his blocking will be missed if he earns a ban.

Source: Dallas Morning News
Sep 20 - 10:51 PM

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The CBA allows the Cowboys to cut him and recoup his salary cap hit for the remainder of the year if he is suspended. More money available to go get Thomas?

wondering if Marinelli is getting closer to retirement?
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Why Cowboys DC Rod Marinelli is just fine leaving the play-calling to Kris Richard
By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon Georgeon Twitter:@DMN_George

FRISCO -- Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said secondary coach Kris Richard handled the defensive play-calls in Sunday night's win over the Giants, similar to the setup Dallas used last year with linebackers coach Matt Eberflus.

Marinelli said Richard called all of the defensive plays against the Giants and primarily handled the duty in the season opener at Carolina, but with Marinelli's input during the games and the week of practices. Marinelli said Eberflus, who left in the offseason to become the Colts' defensive coordinator, took on much of the same responsibilities in 2017.

The Cowboys blitzed much more Sunday than they have in previous seasons under Marinelli. Richard is a fan of blitzing often, but Marinelli's approach has long been to get pressure primarily with his front four along the defensive line.

"All week [we talk about the play-calling], and I'll say, 'Hey, take it, Kris, you got it. Let's go. You got a good feel of the back room,'" Marinelli said. "Because he has to feel pressure-wise if we can hold up, all those things. The thing I've always believed in and it's one of our standards here is it's about the team. The team to me is everything, every decision you make is how you get the team better. Some of the things he can do he makes us better. So I'm really glued to that."

Richard, who is also the defensive passing game coordinator as Eberflus was a year ago, will go against his former team Sunday at Seattle. Richard coached in Seattle from 2010 to 2017. He was the Seahawks' defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2017.

trey3216 said:

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Assassin said:

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kinda lost in the first two games and the play of #1 pick VanderEsch is the defense of LB Joe Thomas. Only 5 tackles but seems to always be in the middle of things when he is on the field. Nice pickup for us in the offseason

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I don't even think Vander Esch saw the field against Carolina, but he had 7 solo tackles on 28 plays against the giants. That's pretty damn good

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VE had two tackles against Carolina. Much more in the flow against NY

Franko said:

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Assassin said:

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the reason Butler is back?

hmmm....

The Dallas Morning News reports Terrance Williams is facing a 2-4 game suspension for his offseason arrest.

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The CBA allows the Cowboys to cut him and recoup his salary cap hit for the remainder of the year if he is suspended. More money available to go get Thomas?

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Possibly although they may want to keep him for a playoff run. However he is one hell of a downfield blocker. Thats a value they love. Also the best at coming back to the QB, another gift.... if were only a hand catcher...

Assassin said:

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Franko said:

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Assassin said:

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the reason Butler is back?

hmmm....

The Dallas Morning News reports Terrance Williams is facing a 2-4 game suspension for his offseason arrest.

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The CBA allows the Cowboys to cut him and recoup his salary cap hit for the remainder of the year if he is suspended. More money available to go get Thomas?

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Possibly although they may want to keep him for a playoff run. However he is one hell of a downfield blocker. Thats a value they love. Also the best at coming back to the QB, another gift.... if were only a hand catcher...

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Speaking of which, this is the first regular season game for Dallas in Seattle since this:

Cole Beasley (ankle) is questionable for Week 3 against the Seahawks. Beasley sprained his ankle towards the end of Wednesday's practice and was limited at week's end. Deonte Thompson and Tavon Austin would likely play larger roles if Beasley, Dallas' current leader in targets, is inactive. There's still no indication he'll actually miss Dallas' Week 3 matchup against the Seahawks.
Source: Jon Machota on Twitter Sep 21 - 3:20 PM

Cowboys DT Maliek Collins (knee) is out for Week 3 against the Seahawks. Collins has been a force in the trenches for Dallas but won't play Sunday. His role will be filled by a handful of players given DC Rod Marinelli's interchanging scheme.

Source: Brandon George on Twitter
Sep 21 - 2:55 PM

Maybe Thomas doesn't want to help his current team beat the team he will be playing for later this season.

Courtesy of Btb.com

Date: September 23rd, 2018

Game time: 4:25 PM EST

Location: Century Link Filed, Seattle, WA

TV channel: FOX

Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews (Field reporter)

Radio: 105.3 The Fan | Full listings | Westwood One | SIRIUS: 98 (Dal), 83 (Sea) | XM: 380 (Dal), 225 (Sea)

Streaming: NFL.com GamePass (audio only during game), Yahoo Sports app (local market), FOX Sports Go (local market)

Cowboys record: (1-1)

Seahawks record: (0-2)

Odds: Dallas +3

I wish he could join right now

Franko said:

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Maybe Thomas doesn't want to help his current team beat the team he will be playing for later this season.

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Protecting the trade bait from potential injury.

Assassin said:

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Forbes: Cowboys, at $5B, again most valuable

Forbes magazine ranks the Dallas Cowboys, worth $5 billion, as the NFL's most valuable team for the 12th straight year.

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Amazing, given our history since Jimmy left.

22 years and counting. That's a generation. My (BU sophomore) son has never considered the Boys as winners.....

Landry & Shramm (& Staubach?) built our favorable reputation and made us America's Team. Then, the Triplets (& Jerry's marketing?) extended/increased the team's value. But, I believe at least some of the national interest is derived from the name, logo, and our state.

Jerry benefits from it all...........

Sad that our children don't realize, we use to be great

Broadus:

Heading into the weekend, here are my two big keys to this game against Seattle.

Dallas Cowboys Win If:

The outcome of this game will come down to the Cowboys' ability, defensively, to control Russell Wilson.

The Seahawks have struggled to run the ball with any success. They've only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. They've been poor on third downs, only converting 28 percent of their tries and they get off to terrible starts in games with their inability to score. In fact, 21 of their 41 total points have come in the fourth quarter.

With all that being said, Wilson has managed to keep them in these games. To play Russell Wilson successfully defensively, you have to make him beat you from the pocket and be extremely disciplined in defending the read-option. There is no question that when the Seahawks coaches broke down the film of the Carolina game, they had to like their chances of generating potential offense with Wilson running the ball -- especially on early downs. Like Cam Newton, Wilson has rare ball handling skills. His ability to pull the ball, all while reading your scheme, is a nightmare to have to defend. One busted assignment could spell the difference between getting off the field without your defense suffering harm or offensive points.

The line is extremely fine when you play a quarterback as talented as Russell Wilson. The game plan will be good from Rod Marinelli and Kris Richard, but how well the players are able to execute it will be the real key here. Control Russell Wilson and you control the game. Victory depends on it.

Seattle Seahawks Win If:

The Seahawks' record since their Super Bowl loss to the Patriots is 29-20. They were 4-4 last season at CenturyLink Field, which in itself is surprising.

It clearly hasn't been the same club, both offensively and defensively, in large part due to John Schneider and Pete Carroll rebuilding the roster. Gone are those great players from the past that made the Seahawks one of the most dominant squads, year after year.

The Seahawks have also had changes in the coaching staff. New coordinators on both sides of the ball have had a hand in their 0-2 start. It's especially noticeable at quarterback, with Russell Wilson and his inability to adapt to the new scheme.

Wilson had a 95.4 rating last season but through the first two weeks of this season he's rolling at 89.3. But you can't place this all on his shoulders. The offensive line has been inconsistent when it comes to their protection and Wilson is paying the price for it. Wilson has been sacked 12 times through two games and hit numerous other times. A product of their poor protection has also led to issues on third down. Wilson has only completed seven passes so far this season on those downs. As a matter of fact, he's only 2-of-6 when facing a distance of 3-to-7 yards needed.

For the Seahawks to win this game, they're going to need to be better throwing the ball on third down. If they don't sustain drives, they will lose this game. It starts for the Seahawks on third down and how well they are able to protect Russell Wilson will determine that.