Cowboys high wishlist for Fox, Deuce Vaughn makes good on promise, Dak for MVP in ’23?
Friday was a day to digest the NFL schedule and analyze the weekly fixtures and calendar dates from every possible angle. Cowboys fans had plenty to munch on with the numerous prime-time appearances and big duels that will make up the 2023 season. We have the full coverage of Cowboys Wire, from key takeaways to point spreads to TV ratings predictions. We also look back at the schedule release videos – that of the Cowboys and their opponents – to see how the other clubs announced their participation in America’s Team (and sometimes started their trash-talk a little earlier).
Meanwhile, the front office had a busy day of paperwork with all eight draft picks. We have news on the training program that has helped the Cowboys find three of this year’s most athletic youngsters, Luke Schoonmaker goes straight to the top for advice on how to be a tight end in Dallas, and Deuce Vaughn sits down that draft day by his father’s offer. All that plus an undrafted free agent to get to know now and why the first month of the season will be crucial in keeping headquarters in Big D a little less hot. Next up are news and notes…
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Final Score Prediction for every Cowboys Game in 2023 :: Cowboys Wire
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Bookmark now; The Cowboys end the season 14-3. Along the way there will be a surprisingly clean victory over the NFC East, five Fortyburger games, an overtime thriller and the exorcism of at least one longtime green jersey demon.
The 10 Best Insights From The Cowboys 2023 Schedule, Plus Preseason Matches :: Cowboys Wire
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The good news: No triple road trips and there are plenty of lower level attacks for Dan Quinn’s group to take on. The bad news: There are very few enemy defenses that can move around with ease, and a lot of late nights for those tracking and covering the team. In the preseason, the Cowboys host Jacksonville, travel to Seattle, and welcome the Raiders to town.
Cowboys open -2.5 at Giants in Week 1, 12-game favorite in 2023 :: Cowboys Wire
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It’s early days, but Dallas starts as an underdog in just five competitions: San Francisco, Chargers, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Miami. The widest spread is +4 for the week 15 game against the Bills in mid-December in upstate New York.
Must-See TV: The 5 Biggest Games on the Cowboys Schedule of 2023 :: Cowboys Wire
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America’s team always turns heads. But this year, the encounters with the 49ers, Eagles, Bills, Seahawks and (check again) the Lions could be the biggest games of the season.
Cowboys 2023 schedule: FOX desperately wanted the Cowboys’ game in Buffalo for massive ratings :: Blogging the Boys
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The network had the Cowboys’ visit to Buffalo — a scenario guaranteed to only happen once every eight years — higher on its wish list than the Cowboys-Eagles. It’s one of eight Dallas games in 2023 to air on Fox.
The Bengals have campaigned with the NFL to host a Black Friday game every year :: ESPN
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NFL manager Mike North said the Bengals have volunteered to not only host the league’s first Black Friday football game, but also serve as a permanent venue for the game, much like Detroit and Dallas have traditionally Home teams are on Thanksgiving. Amazon, which airs the game on the busiest shopping day of the year, suggested to the league that launching the game in the country’s largest retail market would be a “fun way” to showcase the concept.
WATCH: Cowboys Auditions for “Yellowstone” Scheduled for 2023 Release Video :: Cowboys Wire
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For this year’s production, the team received Hollywood help from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. And they let cowboys past and present, from the Triplets to Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, try out their acting and even singing skills.
Chew toys, rap, and that anime bus: How Cowboys opponents revealed the Dallas 2023 matches :: Cowboys Wire
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Some teams kept their videos simple (look at cards). Some chose sweet (Philadelphia). Some tried to capitalize on the latest trends like TikTok and AI. And some went straight for the jugular, impaling every opponent as hard as they could; The Chargers remain the trolling kings with their Easter egg-filled anime video that holds no fire.
NFL Betting 2023: Exploring Which Coach Could Be Fired First :: The 33rd Team
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The first four games of the season will set the tone for any coach… and could be the beginning of the end for someone. The Cowboys appear to have a 3-1 start within reach (and maybe even 4-0). But if they come out with just .500 in week 4, you should be on your guard. The next two games will be tough; Going into a bye with a 2-4 mark could cause panic and result in Mike McCarthy being substituted on the week off.
Deuce actually went to work with his father :: The Mothership
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This line from Cowboys scout Chris Vaughn to his newly drafted son wasn’t just for dramatic effect. The two actually drove to The Star together on Thursday to begin minicamp activities. “We had our conversations like we always do,” Deuce said. “I’m just talking about what exactly it takes to make it at this level.”
Dallas Cowboys second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker wants to speak to Jason Witten :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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The rookie tight end grew up with Rob Gronkowski but wants to learn what he can from the greatest cowboy to ever play the position. “I’ve been looking at Witten lately,” Schoonmaker said. “As a player he is of course spectacular. He will be a Hall of Famer. He as a person, as a teammate. He’s such a leader.” He’s already reached out to Big Witt for advice.
How pre-draft practice gives a glimpse into the physical and mental state of the Cowboys’ rookie trio :: Dallas Morning News
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44 NFL contenders trained at the EXOS facility in Phoenix this year. That group included seven players drafted in the first round…and three of the Cowboys’ eight picks. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown scored best in lower body explosiveness while nose tackle Smith took second place. On the sixth lap, Eric Scott Jr. finished fourth overall.
All Cowboys draft picks officially signed; Contract Details :: Cowboys Wire
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The team signed all eight draft picks Thursday, just ahead of this weekend’s rookie minicamp. Mazi Smith, who was selected in the first round, leads the way with a four-year contract worth $13.27 million that is fully guaranteed. The last pick that year, Jalen Brooks, signed a contract worth $3.92 million.
Sources: Agent Allegedly Offered Gifts to Encourage Players to Draft :: ESPN
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Agent David Canter is under investigation for allegedly offering the teams bribes — such as the use of vacation properties — in exchange for brokering his clients. Canter’s veteran clients include DeMarcus Lawrence, the defensive end of the Cowboys. Attempting to incentivize a team to recruit a player is not specifically prohibited by the NFLPA; Canter’s attorney says the agent did not commit any wrongdoing.
The NFL’s Best UDFA Matches 2023: An Undrafted Contender to Watch on Any Roster :: The Athletic
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The Cowboys always find highlights in the UDFA league, but Kansas offensive player Earl Bostick could be the one to watch this year. A characterful ex-tight end with 34 1/8-inch arms, he’s athletic enough to stand a chance.
NFL QB Index: Who tops a way-early list of MVP candidates in the middle? Check out my top 10! :: NFL.com
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2023 could not only be a rebound year for the Cowboys starting quarterback, but his best year ever. Marc Sessler picks Prescott as one of his top ten candidates for MVP. Brandin Cooks and the team’s new tight end could improve Prescott’s numbers. But “durability concerns – he’s missed 17 games in the last three seasons – and problematic plays are part of the mix.”
Dak and Emmitt open Academy of Country Music Awards at The Star :: Bri Amaranthus (Twitter)
The story originally appeared on Cowboys Wire