NFL
By: Greg Rector
Las Vegas Raiders( 5-5) at Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
I could write plenty about the Cowboys’ loss to Kansas City. Wouldn’t change the result. I will however save my venom for number 19 Amari Cooper. Now I get into trouble from some in Cowboys Nation at the mere mention of possibly not keeping Cooper or Lawrence after this season. Sorry folks I don’t “fanboy,” I look at the Dallas Cowboys as a whole. I don’t get too high or too low about players in general. I will praise where it’s called for and criticize when called for as well. The latter applies to one Amari Cooper. The Cowboys lost the first of 3 games to be played in 12 days. The route running, separation, and great hands that Cooper possesses were needed and missed greatly for the Cowboys. The same will be true on Thanksgiving Day. Because Cooper chose to not get vaccinated for COVID-19. Sorry I have zero tolerance for denying science, medical proof that vaccines work is beyond being something that can be questioned. Didn’t matter to Amari Cooper. I don’t care about his reasoning, I do care that he wasn’t on the field when his team needed him. Amari Cooper failed his teammates, it’s that simple. As for my mentioning Cooper not returning in 2022, that’s all business, the football business that is the NFL. You see his 20 million dollars a season is a steep price for a wide receiver. Tough choices need to be made on players. In an ideal world yes I would keep Cooper. He’s an outstanding receiver, but I also look at the deficiencies on the Cowboys roster and the needs that were all too obvious against the Chiefs. This team needs fewer “Stars,” and more football players. The dominant focus on offense at the draft and free agency doesn’t show up when needed the most. A huge national TV audience saw that unfold yet again for the Cowboys. Cooper can bring the Cowboys more draft capital in a year where there’s a huge class of draft-eligible players, I say the more picks the merrier. The best ability is availability, hear it often, well Cooper’s decision made him unavailable when he was needed the most. There is no I in TEAM. Go somewhere else Amari, you failed big time. There’s no room for selfish, me-first attitudes. Jerry and Stephen make the right move for once, put the TEAM first.
I don’t share the view that the NFL is all about the quarterback, no it requires an entire roster. This roster has failed for way too long especially when the Cowboys have been on the precipice of doing something good. The New England Patriots currently are playing what I have long desired in Dallas, winning football without the big names. They give maximum effort game in and game out. I realize the extra attention every Dallas Cowboys player gets, how the team is looked at by the national media etc… I also see that attention far too often affects the Dallas Cowboys negatively. Until there’s a group that rallies together in so-called big games, nothing will change in Dallas. The Chief’s loss reflects this. The Cowboys’ offense was lost from the get-go. That’s wholly unacceptable. They all saw the Packers had lost to Minnesota, which meant the 1st seed and possible playoff bye were there for the taking. Instead of playing a full 60 minutes, the Cowboys failed to show up for the first quarter and the game was over at 9-0. There’s the reason why I have kept the Cowboys ranked lower than most here at NBS in the weekly power rankings for many reasons, most of them were on full display on Sunday. There’s no time to sulk, no time to make excuses Cowboys. There’s another game Thursday afternoon. Full credit to the Chiefs who in an overall ugly game, showed up for 60 minutes. Let’s look ahead to the Thanksgiving Day game.
Dallas Offense vs Raiders Defense
The Las Vegas Raiders have been blown out by both the Chiefs and Bengals in their last two games. It appears the annual fast start followed by a swoon is once again upon the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ offense has now laid two eggs in the last three games. This game will hinge upon which group continues to slide. The Cowboys may be without Ceedee Lamb who left the Chiefs game with a head injury. He looked woozy as they say and I am guessing he will be out and in the concussion protocol. So that means the rest of the receivers need to step up. Of course, it’s also even more reason why Cooper’s presence would be helpful. The Raiders front four were causing havoc before the last two games, and could again. It’s anyone’s guess if they do so, or if they continue to be ineffective. The same applies to the Cowboys’ offense, will it be the Dr. Jekyll version that racks up the points, or does Mr.Hyde rule the day yet again. The Cowboys haven’t been great historically in Thanksgiving Day games, so I certainly have my doubts. Ezekiel Elliott also appeared to roll his ankle against the Chiefs and wasn’t a factor against the Chiefs. Tony Pollard will need to be ready to be the first option Thursday afternoon. The Cowboys line was brutal against the Chiefs and it was across the entire line. They will need to be much sharper than they were. The rest of the Raiders defense isn’t particularly fearsome. The linebackers and the secondary can be had.
Cowboys Defense vs Raiders Offense
After a shaky start against the Chiefs, the Cowboys defense did come to play. Caused a couple of turnovers and were at least battling against the Chiefs. Micah Parsons yet again was the best player on the field. Can’t say enough good things when it comes to his rookie season. The Raiders’ offense is in complete disarray. We know the guys that failed the organization were the former coach and former 1st round draft pick at wide receiver. They haven’t been a threat on the ground all season. This should be an advantage for Dallas. The Raiders are pretty much one-dimensional at this point. Derek Carr hasn’t got any weapons at this point, and the Cowboys should be able to bring pressure at will on him. The lack of options should be the one reason why the Cowboys can have hope they win on Thanksgiving Day. If the Cowboys play for 60 minutes (Am I asking too much?) the opportunities to turn the ball over or force three and outs should be there all day.
Intangibles and Prediction
While I am still quite steamed at the Chiefs game and the Cowboys’ effort, come Thursday they can get back on the winning track. As I ask for oh so often, just play a complete game. That’s the biggest factor for Thanksgiving Day. The Raiders are a mess and Dallas must come out and get past what happened. There’s no excuse to not beat a struggling team. Despite who isn’t playing the Cowboys are the better team. Up to them to prove it. I have the Cowboys winning this one 27 to 13. Good riddance Amari. If you want to debate about Cooper see below. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone else.
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
