“I will say that a lot of people let Brian (Schottenheimer) down today,” Jerry Jones stated postgame, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “And so, for whatever criticism we want to have of Brian, we going to all get in line. That was a total team effort out there for us. We have to be better than that when we can get our hands on a win and then drop the ball.”

Jones’ message won’t cancel out the noise surrounding Schottenheimer and the growing calls for the Cowboys to move on from him. However, he did shed light on how the front office evaluates the situation, and his comments are very telling about what could happen to the head coach.

For the time being, Schottenheimer is staying off the hot seat, but life changes fast in the NFL, and he’s walking a thin line, even if Jones won’t publicly lash out at him.

Week 8 loss changes things for Cowboys

Jones is never one to mince words, especially after disappointing losses, which the Cowboys seem to collect year after year. At the end of the day, Jones is the one paying the bills in Arlington. He’s more than entitled to his opinion, and if something isn’t right, he won’t hesitate to call it out.

Jones didn’t give out any names, but fans across the NFL may find out who Dallas is most upset with in the coming days if there are sudden roster moves before the trade deadline (Nov. 10).

Cowboys crash and burn in Week 8

Fans at AT&T Stadium should have grown suspicious as the Cowboys headed into halftime with a two-possession lead and seemingly in control of the game. It’s rarely that simple for Dallas, and soon things would turn chaotic. Failing to capitalize on drives with touchdowns and settling for field goals came back to bite them.

Of course, allowing the Cardinals to score a touchdown on a last-ditch, eight-play, 80-yard drive when Arizona had no timeouts was the last straw. The Cardinals even gave the Cowboys a chance, as kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point that would have sealed the win in regulation.

In overtime, the Cardinals punted on their opening drive, leaving Dallas with a chance to score and win the game. It was three-and-out for the Boys, giving the ball back to the Cards, and that was all she wrote. Ryland wouldn’t miss another easy kick, and there was no miracle for the self-wounded Cowboys.

Tough picture for Dallas

The Cowboys are now 3-5 on the year. With the New York Giants on a bye and either the Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Commanders set to lose as the divisional rivals meet on Sunday night, the Cowboys let a key chance to narrow the race for the NFC East title slip through their fingers.

One may say it’s still early in the 2026 NFL season, but this Week 8 defeat hurts in so many ways that it almost feels hope-crushing for Dallas.

Key takeaways

• The Dallas Cowboys lost 33-30 to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
• The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, prompting speculation on potential Dallas Cowboys moves.
• The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5 following their overtime defeat against Arizona.

Brissett struggled mightily against Dallas’ aggressive defense, completing just 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and one interception. Arizona generated only 130 total yards on seven possessions under his guidance and went 0-for-2 in the red zone.

With the Cardinals trailing 17-3, the coaching staff turned to veteran backup Gardner Minshew II to spark the offense. Minshew provided an immediate jolt, completing a pass to Devin Duvernay before Tyler Allgeier broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run two plays later.

Brissett might have lost his starting spot

Sunday’s benching puts Brissett’s status as Arizona’s QB1 in serious jeopardy for the remainder of the season. Arizona entered Week 8 with a 2-5 record while scoring just 16 points against Denver the previous week. Continued sluggish starts have tested the patience of the Cardinals’ offensive staff.

If Minshew rallies Arizona down the stretch against the Cowboys, the coaching staff will face immense pressure to keep him under center. Brissett’s inability to sustain drives or capitalize in scoring territory could relegate him to backup duties moving forward.

Minshew is a more dynamic QB than Brissett

While Brissett operates as a traditional, cautious pocket passer, Minshew brings an unpredictable, gunslinger mentality. He improvises outside the structure of the play and willing takes calculated shots into tight coverage windows.

That aggressiveness immediately changes how opposing defensive secondaries defend Arizona’s receiving weapons. Minshew’s quick release and dynamic energy give the Cardinals a necessary spark that Brissett failed to deliver all afternoon.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Gannon benched starter Jacoby Brissett with 1:35 left in the third quarter.
• Jacoby Brissett completed 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an interception.
• Tyler Allgeier broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run after Gardner Minshew entered.

ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported early Sunday morning that George Pickens, who was officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report with shoulder and hamstring issues, is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals.

Schefter’s report clears up lingering uncertainty surrounding Pickens, who was limited throughout the practice week while managing physical discomfort. Now, that great WR duo with CeeDee Lamb will be ready to go.

George Pickens expected to play

George Pickens is active and will start today for the Dallas Cowboys against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. During the week, Pickens logged consecutive limited practice reps, drawing extra scrutiny after return specialist and depth wideout KaVontae Turpin was ruled out with a rib injury. Having Pickens available ensures Dallas maintains its elite downfield passing structure alongside All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The 3-4 Cowboys find themselves backed against the wall as they attempt to chase down the division-leading New York Giants in the NFC East standings. Falling further behind in a competitive conference field would severely compromise Dallas’ wild-card math, making Sunday’s contest against Arizona a non-negotiable must-win.

Barring an unexpected pre-game setback during warmups, fantasy managers and Cowboys fans can plan on Pickens taking his full share of snaps on Sunday afternoon.

Key takeaways

• Adam Schefter confirms George Pickens is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals.
• Pickens overcome shoulder and hamstring issues after participating in limited practice sessions earlier in the week.
• Sitting at 3-4 and chasing the Giants in the NFC East, Dallas relies heavily on Pickens to anchor their offense alongside Dak Prescott.

“If we could do it where we sit right now, I would add to it,” Jones said, via the Cowboys’ website. “But the adding to it is a big statement. It’s unlikely we’ll get the opportunity from outside coming in. But if it’s there, I’ll do it.”

Joey Porter Jr. recently arrived to strengthen the secondary, but defensive issues still appear to be the Cowboys’ biggest concern. With several names being discussed, it remains to be seen whether the team will ultimately make a trade to bolster this unit.

Trade deadline is fast approaching

The 2026 NFL trade deadline is officially set for Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 PM ET. Coming right after Week 9 action wraps up, it gives front offices one final chance to either load up for a deep playoff push or sell off assets to stock up on draft picks before the midseason window slams shut for good.

Prioritizing the running game in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys’ most recent win over the Philadelphia Eagles had a distinctive feature: their running game forced their opponents to focus on stopping it, allowing Dak Prescott to approach his playbook differently. This is something Jerry Jones valued as the team looks ahead to the remainder of the season.

“That lets us have the opportunity to get Dak under center a lot more, and that’s a big key too,” Jones said. “That presents a different defensive challenge for the opponent if he can get under center a lot. We saw that happen acceptably well.”

What’s next for the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into an intriguing stretch in their 2026 schedule. First up, they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 1, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. After that, they travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 8, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Finally, they return home to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 15, back at AT&T Stadium.

Key takeaways

• Jerry Jones said it is “unlikely” the Dallas Cowboys make a trade deadline deal.
• The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 PM ET.
• The Dallas Cowboys next host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 1, at AT&T Stadium.

“We say the division’s right in front of us. It is as long as we win,” Prescott said via ESPN. “And if you lose another game, then you’re probably checking to see what New York’s doing. You’re probably checking and watching the other teams more than we should.

“So yeah, I mean you got to win games, got to win division games. How big of a game this was, understanding how much they’re hurt on their offensive side, yeah, huge road win for us.“

With the halfway point of the schedule approaching, the Cowboys are keeping their hopes alive of overtaking the Giants and winning the division. Maintaining consistency and securing crucial divisional victories could prove to be key factors in their pursuit of the NFC East title.

NFC East standings after Week 7

Both the Cowboys and the Giants secured crucial victories, pulling away from their division rivals. Meanwhile, the Eagles and Commanders, both dealing with a significant number of injuries, have yet to find their footing in the NFC East.

Another chance to pull away

The New York Giants get a break on their bye week, while the rest of the division steps onto the field. The Dallas Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and to wrap up the week’s action, we have a divisional clash as the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Landover to face the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.

Keep the foot on the gas

Beating the Eagles on Monday Night Football could have provided a major emotional boost for the Cowboys. Both Dak Prescott and Brian Schottenheimer know they cannot afford to let up if they want to take the lead in the division.

“Nobody’s going to give it to us. Nobody’s going to say, ‘Yeah, you’re the better team. You got it,'” Prescott said. “That’s what’s so great about the NFL, so we’ve got to come out and earn it each and every week, and there’s going to be no difference coming next Sunday.”

Coach Schottenheimer also added: “I think it gets us right back into the hunt in the NFC East.”

Key takeaways

• The New York Giants lead the NFC East division standings after seven weeks.
• Dak Prescott highlighted the Cowboys’ road win against the injured Philadelphia Eagles.
• Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated the victory puts the team back in contention.

After failing to participate in practice throughout the week, the coaching staff opted to sideline the 27-year-old playmaker rather than risk further structural damage. Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized that the team prioritizes his long-term recovery.

With fellow wideout Dontayvion Wicks also ruled out due to an ankle injury, Philadelphia enters the rivalry matchup very depleted at wide receiver. Saquon Barkley will be playing vs Cowboys, and it seems like he might need to take the offensive workload.

DeVonta Smith is a huge absence in terms of production

Losing Smith removes Philadelphia’s most consistent and explosive boundary threat. Despite appearing in only four games this season, he leads the Eagles with 310 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 26 receptions.

Smith’s polished route running and ability to separate against top cover corners have provided good stuff for Philadelphia’s aerial attack. Hence, without his presence stretching defenses vertically, opposing secondaries can compress coverage.

Who will be the Eagles’ best target vs Cowboys

With Smith sidelined, veteran tight end Dallas Goedert emerges as the primary focal point of the Eagles’ passing offense vs Cowboys. All in all, Goedert has 17 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns on the year. Given how the Eagles are using Tanner McKee at quarterback, Goedert should be heavily targeted.

On the outside, young wideout Makai Lemon should get an expanded role too. Lemon has 18 catches for 127 yards in the 2026 NFL season. He should see a sharp uptick in targets as Philadelphia looks to exploit Dallas’ coverage voids.

Key takeaways

• DeVonta Smith has been officially ruled out against Dallas due to a hamstring injury.
• Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is also ruled out because of an ankle injury.
• DeVonta Smith leads the Eagles with 310 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season.

Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network and Adam Schefter of ESPN, Barkley is trending in the right direction to play vs Cowboys. Philadelphia is aiming to keep pace in the division race. Hence, having its primary runner healthy provides an immediate offensive boost.

The Eagles plan to feature Barkley as their lead back from the opening drive. Barring an unforeseen pregame setback, fans can expect Barkley to suit up and handle his customary starting workload against Dallas.

Saquon Barkley’s season has been underwhelming

Despite entering the year with towering expectations, Barkley’s 2026 campaign has gotten off to a remarkably sluggish start. Across four appearances heading into Week 7, he has managed just 182 rushing yards on 36 carries. Even worse, he has failed to find the end zone a single time on the ground.

An average of 5.1 yards per carry looks efficient on paper. However, inconsistent volume and nagging injuries have severely limited his rhythm and weekly impact. Barkley has also contributed little in the passing attack, registering just four receptions for eight total yards.

The Cowboys run defense should allow yards

Barkley needs a breakout performance to jumpstart his season, and Dallas is the ideal opponent to do so. Through six games, the Cowboys rank dead last in the NFL against the run, allowing a league-worst 149.8 rushing yards per contest and 899 total yards on the ground.

Opposing ground attacks have repeatedly damaged Dallas’ interior front, gashing them for 4.7 yards per attempt while dominating time of possession. With the Cowboys surrendering eight rushing touchdowns and ranking among the league’s worst in rush defense EPA, Barkley has a prime opportunity to thrive.

Key takeaways

• Saquon Barkley is trending in the right direction to play against the Cowboys.
• Saquon Barkley has totaled 182 rushing yards on 36 carries through four games.
• The Dallas Cowboys rank dead last in NFL run defense, allowing 149.8 yards per game.

The division rivals meet Monday, October 26, at Lincoln Financial Field, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 PM ET. The quarterback depth charts reflect two very different situations and both teams are looking to improve their position.

Dallas has the established combination of Prescott and backup Howell, while Philadelphia must navigate life without Hurts, who was placed on injured reserve after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli.

Eagles QB depth chart: Starters and backups

Tanner McKee is listed as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback for Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, with rookie Cole Payton behind him and Joe Milton III also appearing on the team’s quarterback depth chart.

Jalen Hurts is listed on injured reserve in the latest Week 7 depth-chart, making McKee the key name to watch. He moved into the backup role earlier in the season after Philadelphia released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.

The 2023 sixth-round pick had initially competed with Dalton for the No. 2 spot, but the Eagles ultimately chose to move forward with McKee as Hurts’ primary backup. The rookie Payton is listed as the third quarterback, giving Philadelphia another developmental option if the depth chart is tested further.

Cowboys QB depth chart: Starters and backups

Dak Prescott is the Dallas Cowboys’ starting quarterback for Week 7, with Sam Howell listed as his backup. Their official 2026 depth chart confirms that order heading into Monday Night Football at Lincoln Financial Field.

Prescott remains the centerpiece of Dallas’ offense, bringing extensive NFL starting experience to one of the biggest divisional games of the season. His presence gives the team continuity at quarterback, while Howell provides a second option with previous experience as an NFL starter.

Howell secured the backup job after competing with Joe Milton III during the preseason. Dallas ultimately waived Milton in August, leaving Prescott and Howell as the quarterbacks on its active roster.

He previously started all 17 games for Washington in 2023, throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns, although he also recorded 21 interceptions that season. The depth chart is relatively straightforward: Prescott is the undisputed first option, and Howell is next in line if the starter cannot continue.

Key takeaways

• Monday, October 26 at 8:15 PM ET, the division rivals meet at Lincoln Financial Field.
• Tanner McKee starts for Philadelphia with Jalen Hurts placed on injured reserve.
• Dak Prescott starts for Dallas, with Sam Howell listed as the backup quarterback.

“We think about it just like that,” Lamb said, via the Cowboys’ website. “Anybody can win his division, so why not us? 
Every opportunity that we can get, we know what we’re messing up, and what are our areas of improvement — like playing complementary ball. I feel like, at the end of the day, we feel like we have the best roster, top down, and we’ve got to be able to play like that on Sundays or Mondays.”

There is no shortage of talent, that much is clear, but something is evidently not clicking for America’s Team. The division’s competitive balance could shift at some point during the season, and it remains to be seen whether Lamb and company will be able to rise above the competition when that moment comes.

No one can pull away

After six weeks of the 2026 NFL season, only one team in the NFC East has a winning record. The New York Giants have managed to pull slightly ahead of their division rivals, although they have yet to establish themselves as the clear-cut team to beat.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, find themselves on a roller coaster that has prevented them from stringing together consecutive wins this season. Along with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders, Dallas has suffered four losses heading into Week 7.

Week 7 in the NFC East

Week 7 is serving up plenty of drama for the NFC East. The ultimate headline is an absolute primetime clash on Monday Night Football, as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a high-stakes divisional showdown. Meanwhile, the New York Giants are hitting the road to take on the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, and the Washington Commanders are enjoying a rest week on their bye.

Key takeaways

• CeeDee Lamb believes the Dallas Cowboys have the best roster in their division.
• Only one team in the NFC East holds a winning record after six weeks.
• The Dallas Cowboys visit the Philadelphia Eagles for Monday Night Football in Week 7.

There’s a lot on the line for both sides. The Cowboys and Eagles are coming off consecutive losses (the Eagles have lost four in a row) and sit tied for second in the division with 2-4 records. Dallas may be even more desperate for a win than Philadelphia, though, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer made that clear right away.

“I’m pissed off. (The players) are pissed off too. We’re ready for a win,” Brian Schottenheimer admitted, per Jon Machota of The Athletic, after Week 6’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Eagles may be ready to tank

In Philly, the team is getting the sense that this will be a down year, and losing Hurts for the rest of the season seems to be the final nail in the coffin. The team’s fate now rests in the hands of quarterback Tanner McKee, who’s become the starter ever since Hurts was sidelined due to his concerning health status.

As the Cowboys gear up for the primetime game at Lincoln Financial Field, Schottenheimer’s bold comment should put the home team on notice. The Cowboys are looking to get back on track, and that will only be possible with a statement win in a hostile environment that is truly one of a kind.

High-stakes Week 7 matchup

The Linc during divisional primetime games is no joke, and Dallas wants to be the team that tames that beast and crushes Philadelphia’s hopes before the NFL trade deadline.

The Eagles, though reeling from Hurts’ loss, will want to return the favor and keep piling on the Cowboys’ defensive woes after their disastrous start to the campaign.

The stakes are high, and the season may be on the line for both NFC East rivals as they enter a Week 7 matchup that feels a lot like a season-deciding game. For both head coaches, Schottenheimer and Sirianni, this could also be a game they look back on later in the year when the front offices evaluate their futures in Arlington and South Philadelphia, respectively.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts is out for the 2026 season after developing multiple lung blood clots.
• Head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated Dallas Cowboys are “pissed off” and desperate for a win.
• Backup Tanner McKee takes over as starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I mean defense to me played a good enough game for us to go out there and win this and we just didn’t hold our own on offense,” Prescott revealed to the press once the game concluded, via Calvin Watkins on X.

At this point, it feels like there is always something that needs fixing in America’s Team. For now, in a more competitive NFC East than ever, their divisional rivals’ struggles are keeping the Cowboys in the hunt. However, it is clear that their level of play must improve significantly if they want to become legitimate contenders.

The Dallas offense fell short

The Cowboys’ offense hit a complete brick wall at Lambeau Field, getting shut out 17-0 in the first half and falling 23-13 to Green Bay. Dak Prescott threw for 258 yards and a late TD, but it took him a brutal 34-of-54 completions to get there (averaging a tiny 4.8 yards per attempt), while tossing two costly interceptions deep in Packers territory.

Dallas couldn’t buy any help on the ground either, managing just 48 rushing yards on 15 carries (with Javonte Williams leading the way with 41 yards and a TD). Between the run game being non-existent, 108 penalty yards killing drive momentum, and Green Bay stopping them twice on fourth down, the Cowboys constantly spun their wheels and couldn’t break through the Packers’ defense when it mattered.

Raise head quickly

Looking ahead, the Cowboys have a prime stretch to dust themselves off and build some real momentum starting in Week 7 with a heated divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field (Monday, October 26). They then head back home for Week 8 to host the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium (Sunday, November 1), followed by a road trip in Week 9 to face the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium (Sunday, November 8).

After a tough stretch, getting a high-stakes rivalry game against Philly to spark the locker room followed by two extremely winnable matchups—especially playing at home against Arizona and taking on a beatable Colts squad—gives Dallas the perfect opportunity to right the ship and make a serious push back up the NFC standings.

Key takeaways

• Dak Prescott stated the defense played well enough to win against the Green Bay Packers.
• Dak Prescott threw for 258 yards and a late touchdown in the 23-13 loss.
• The Dallas Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7 on Monday, October 26.