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The Dallas Cowboys are still expected to play the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil in Week 3, but concerns surrounding the field at Maracanã Stadium have created plenty of questions heading into Sunday's game. Mauricio Rodriguez has the latest on the field conditions in Rio de Janeiro, where heavy rainfall and recent complaints from soccer players have raised concerns about the playing surface. The story started after Brazilian soccer players publicly complained about the condition of the Maracanã field. Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi described the field as difficult to play on, while another Brazilian player said the surface has continued to get worse and made it increasingly difficult to control the ball. Those comments led to questions about whether the NFL could potentially relocate Cowboys-Ravens. There is an important distinction, however. The 2018 NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs that was scheduled for Mexico City was ultimately moved to Los Angeles because of severe field-condition concerns. That precedent understandably caused some fans to wonder whether the same thing could happen in Brazil. But the situation in Rio appears to be different. The NFL has a full week to work on the Maracanã playing surface, and the league has dealt with field-condition concerns during previous games in Brazil. An NFL field-condition director told ESPN that Rio had experienced a significant amount of rainfall over the previous six weeks, creating challenges for field management. However, the league believes the situation is manageable and said there were no plans or conversations about relocating the game. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones also said he had no concerns because the league has indicated it is moving forward with the game. So, as of now, Cowboys-Ravens is expected to take place in Rio de Janeiro. But the field isn't the only challenge Dallas is facing. The Cowboys are dealing with a growing list of defensive injuries heading into what Brian Schottenheimer is treating as a short week. DeMarvion Overshown is expected to miss the game as he continues to recover from his injury. Coby Durant and P.J. Locke are also dealing with injuries, while Malik Hooker could potentially miss multiple weeks. That makes an already unusual international trip even more difficult for Dallas. Mauricio Rodriguez explains where things currently stand with the Maracanã field, why the possibility of relocation became a talking point, what the NFL is saying and how the Cowboys' growing injury list could impact their Week 3 matchup with the Ravens. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Cowboys news, analysis, breaking updates and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 Is Cowboys-Ravens being moved? 0:32 Where the field concerns came from 1:02 What Brazilian soccer players said 1:59 Why the field is in bad shape 2:19 Why relocation became a possibility 2:54 The 2018 Mexico City precedent 4:21 Why Brazil is different 5:06 What the NFL is saying 5:35 The NFL's official position 6:03 What Stephen Jones said 6:47 How the relocation story grew 7:16 Cowboys dealing with a short week 7:46 More Cowboys defensive injuries 8:12 What to expect Sunday #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #Ravens #NFL #Brazil #Maracana Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

CeeDee Lamb had the perfect message after the Dallas Cowboys' Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders — and Mauricio Rodriguez believes Cowboys fans should pay close attention. Dallas dominated Washington 37-20 to move to 1-1 on the season, and the biggest takeaway may have nothing to do with the Cowboys' defense. It may be the identity of this football team. After catching two touchdowns and finishing with 153 receiving yards, CeeDee Lamb said he was offended that Washington chose to defer after winning the opening coin toss. Mauricio doesn't actually believe the Commanders were trying to disrespect Dallas. Deferring after winning the coin toss is a common strategy because of the second-half possession advantage. But he loves the mentality Lamb displayed. If CeeDee Lamb wants to take that personally, Mauricio believes the Cowboys should embrace it. Because while the Dallas defense continues to develop under Christian Parker, the Cowboys may need their offense to carry them early in the season. And after two games, there are plenty of reasons to believe that can happen. Dallas scored 37 points against Washington despite struggling to consistently run the football and playing without Tyler Smith. Instead, the Cowboys came out aggressive through the air and dared Washington's defense to stop them. It couldn't. Dak Prescott completed 84% of his passes and threw two touchdowns, while CeeDee Lamb dominated the Commanders' secondary. Jake Ferguson also caught two touchdown passes. Mauricio believes this offense could ultimately be what gets Dallas into the playoffs. The Cowboys still have significant defensive questions. There were fewer communication errors than in Week 1, and Mauricio believes the defense looked better overall. Dallas tackled better, missed fewer assignments and finally converted one of the forced fumbles that had been an encouraging sign during the season opener. But the Cowboys still could not contain Jayden Daniels consistently. And that is a major concern with Lamar Jackson coming up next week. Dallas is also dealing with injuries throughout the defense, including Coby Durant, PJ Locke, Malik Hooker, DeMarvion Overshown and Jaishawn Barham. So Mauricio believes Cowboys fans need to be patient with Christian Parker's defense. The defense may take time. The offense doesn't have that luxury. Fortunately, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson and the rest of the Cowboys offense have already shown they can carry a significant portion of the load. Mauricio also revisits his preseason prediction that George Pickens would lead the Cowboys in receiving yards. After CeeDee's massive Week 2 performance, Mauricio admits it's time to appreciate just how good Lamb can be. The Cowboys may not be a perfect team. But they may already know exactly how they need to win games. Score 30-plus points, take advantage of opportunities and give the defense time to develop. Watch Mauricio Rodriguez break down CeeDee Lamb's postgame message, the Cowboys' offensive identity and the biggest takeaways from Dallas' 37-20 win over Washington. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Dallas Cowboys news, analysis, reactions and coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 CeeDee Lamb sent the perfect message 0:24 CeeDee's 153-yard performance 1:02 What CeeDee meant by being "offended" 1:36 Mauricio's take on the coin toss 2:00 The Cowboys' new identity 2:32 The offense is carrying Dallas 3:15 Dak Prescott was nearly perfect 3:40 Dak makes Cowboys history 4:03 Dak's performance under pressure 4:47 The defense improved in Week 2 5:18 The Jayden Daniels problem 5:40 The Cowboys are forcing turnovers 6:05 Injuries are slowing the defense 6:24 CeeDee Lamb deserves more credit 7:09 What the Cowboys' identity should be #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #CeeDeeLamb #DakPrescott #NFL #CowboysNation Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. *** The Dallas Cowboys have a clear path to beating the Washington Commanders in Week 2 — but there is one thing they absolutely cannot allow. Jayden Daniels to beat them with his legs. Mauricio Rodriguez breaks down the three biggest keys to Cowboys-Commanders and explains why Dallas can attack Washington's defense, create favorable matchups and potentially bounce back from the Week 1 loss to the Giants. The first key is forcing the Commanders to move away from their blitz-heavy defensive approach. Washington blitzed Jalen Hurts on 44% of his dropbacks in Week 1, and Hurts completed only 40% of his passes on those plays. Mauricio believes the Commanders will have a difficult time replicating that success against Dak Prescott. Dak has historically been one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL against the blitz, and Dallas has the offensive personnel to punish Washington if it sends too much pressure. Tyler Guyton also showed improvement at left tackle in Week 1, while Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker give Dallas additional strength on the interior. Javonte Williams is another important piece because of his ability to protect Dak in pass protection. If Dallas can consistently block Washington's four-man rush, Mauricio believes opportunities will open up in the passing game. That leads to the second key: attack the Commanders' cornerbacks with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Mauricio believes Pickens presents a major matchup problem for Washington's outside corners, while CeeDee Lamb could have an advantage against nickel corner Nick Cross. Pickens had some costly drops in Week 1, but Mauricio believes Washington's secondary presents a much better opportunity for him to make explosive plays. CeeDee Lamb is another player Mauricio expects Dallas to target heavily. The third key is the most important one for the Cowboys defense: Contain Jayden Daniels. Mauricio isn't overly concerned if Stefon Diggs wins some individual matchups against Caleb Downs. He's also willing to live with Terry McLaurin making plays. What Dallas cannot afford is allowing Daniels to repeatedly escape the pocket and create explosive plays with his legs. The Cowboys struggled to contain Jackson Dart in Week 1, and the Eagles also had trouble keeping Daniels contained in their matchup with Washington. If Dallas makes the same mistake again, Daniels has the ability to completely change the game. The good news is that Mauricio believes Dallas can win the other matchups. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark could have major opportunities against Washington's interior offensive line after Philadelphia consistently pushed the Commanders' center and left guard backward in Week 1. If Dallas wins that battle, the Cowboys' linebackers should have cleaner opportunities to attack the running game. Ultimately, Mauricio believes the Cowboys can beat Washington if they execute three things: 1. Force the Commanders away from the blitz. 2. Attack Washington's secondary with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. 3. Do not allow Jayden Daniels to beat them with his legs. Can Dallas bounce back and avoid an 0-2 start? Watch Mauricio Rodriguez's full Cowboys-Commanders game plan and let us know which key you think matters most. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Dallas Cowboys news, analysis, game previews and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 Cowboys-Commanders game plan 0:15 Jaishawn Barham gets the green dot 1:02 Why Washington's defense made Mauricio feel better 1:45 Washington blitzed Jalen Hurts 44% of the time 2:33 George Pickens vs. Washington's corners 2:58 Key No. 1: Force Washington away from the blitz 4:23 Key No. 2: Attack the Commanders' corners 6:05 Cowboys-Commanders keys recap 6:30 Key No. 3: Contain Jayden Daniels 7:53 Quinnen Williams vs. Washington's interior OL 8:38 The one thing that could kill the Cowboys #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #Commanders #NFL #JaydenDaniels #GeorgePickens Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. The Dallas Cowboys have no time to dwell on their Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. Washington is next, and Mauricio Rodriguez believes three Cowboys defenders MUST step up if Dallas wants to avoid falling to 0-2. That urgency matters because the Cowboys' schedule gets significantly more difficult after Week 2, with upcoming games against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers. Dallas entered the season with one of the NFL's toughest schedules, so the Cowboys need results early. The first player under pressure is rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham. Mauricio acknowledges that it is unfair to put a third-round rookie in this position, especially after Barham played edge rusher at Michigan last season. But after DeMarvion Overshown suffered an injury, Barham is now the Cowboys' primary option at Mike linebacker. That means he'll be responsible for communicating the defense, playing with the green dot and handling a much larger role than Dallas originally expected. Barham had some difficult moments during his NFL debut against the Giants, making his Week 2 assignment even more important. The second player is rookie safety Caleb Downs. With Malik Hooker unavailable, Downs is expected to take on an even larger role in the Cowboys' defense. Dallas wants Downs playing close to the line of scrimmage, where he can contribute as a tackler and blitzer. But Washington presents a difficult test. The Commanders have Jayden Daniels at quarterback and Stefon Diggs at wide receiver. Diggs showed in Week 1 that he can create problems for opposing defensive backs, and Mauricio expects Washington to target him frequently. Downs doesn't need to be perfect. He needs to respond quickly when he gives up a play and make enough positive plays to keep the matchup competitive. Finally, Quinnen Williams needs a bounce-back performance. Williams admitted that he didn't play his best football against the Giants, and Mauricio agrees after reviewing the film. Williams was not the biggest problem on the Cowboys' defense, but Dallas needs much more from its highest-profile defensive tackle. Fortunately, Washington's offensive line may provide the perfect opportunity. Mauricio believes the Commanders' interior offensive line showed vulnerability against Philadelphia, particularly at left guard and center. If Williams and Kenny Clark can consistently reset the line of scrimmage, Dallas' linebackers should have much cleaner opportunities to make plays. That could be especially important for Barham. If Quinnen Williams dominates up front, he can make life easier for the rookie linebacker behind him. If Caleb Downs makes enough plays against Washington's passing game, Dallas' defense can survive some of its youth. And if Jaishawn Barham handles the Mike linebacker responsibilities, the Cowboys may have enough pieces to bounce back. Mauricio breaks down all three players and explains why each one is critical to Dallas' Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Who needs to step up the most? Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Cowboys news, analysis, game previews and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 3 Cowboys who MUST step up vs. Washington 0:48 Why 0-2 would be a major problem 1:09 No. 1: Jaishawn Barham 2:13 Why Barham has no choice 2:50 No. 2: Caleb Downs 3:43 Downs' expanded defensive role 4:51 Why Stefon Diggs is a HUGE test 5:59 What Dallas needs from Downs 6:29 No. 3: Quinnen Williams 7:15 Why Quinnen needs a bounce-back 7:40 Washington's offensive line weakness 8:36 Why Quinnen can make Barham's job easier 9:00 Final thoughts #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #Commanders #NFL #CowboysNation #JaydenDaniels Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

The Dallas Cowboys lost their Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, and there are plenty of reasons for concern. The defense struggled. The offense had mistakes. The Cowboys left opportunities on the field. But Mauricio Rodriguez believes Cowboys fans should not completely panic yet. There were three major positives from the Week 1 loss that could help Dallas win games throughout the 2026 season. The first positive came from a surprising place: the defense. No, Mauricio is not ignoring the fact that the Cowboys struggled to stop the Giants. Dallas had major issues defending the run, containing Jackson Dart and consistently getting off the field. However, one thing stood out. The Cowboys forced four fumbles. Caleb Downs, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Thompson, Kobe Durant and Donovan Ezeiruaku all contributed to plays that knocked the football loose. Dallas did not recover most of those fumbles, but Mauricio believes consistently creating those opportunities can eventually lead to more takeaways. The second positive was Tyler Guyton. Entering the season, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Cowboys offensive line was whether Guyton could take the next step at left tackle. Against the Giants, Guyton delivered one of the most encouraging performances of his young career. He faced elite pass rushers including Brian Burns and Abdul Carter and held up extremely well in pass protection. Mauricio believes Guyton also showed why Dallas was so intrigued by his physical traits as a run blocker. If Tyler Guyton can consistently play at this level, it could completely change how the Cowboys handle their offensive line issues — especially with Terrence Steele continuing to struggle at right tackle. The third positive was Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense. The offense was not perfect. There were penalties, dropped passes and Dak's interception was a costly mistake. But Mauricio believes Dak actually played a strong overall game. If George Pickens catches two early passes, Dallas likely has a different offensive rhythm. Dak also finished among the NFL leaders in quarterback efficiency metrics despite the loss. The bigger takeaway is that the Cowboys offense looks capable of being one of the best units in football. The defense needs to improve, but Dallas still has legitimate reasons for optimism after Week 1. Mauricio Rodriguez breaks down the three biggest silver linings from the Cowboys' loss to the Giants and why they could matter throughout the 2026 season. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Cowboys news, analysis, reactions and coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 Cowboys fans should not panic 0:42 Positive No. 1: The defense forced turnovers 2:30 Why fumble recoveries will come 3:20 Positive No. 2: Tyler Guyton breakout? 4:40 Guyton vs. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter 5:50 Why Guyton changes the offense 6:20 Positive No. 3: Dak Prescott was good 7:30 Why the offense remains elite 8:20 Final thoughts #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #CowboysNation #NFL #DakPrescott Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

The Dallas Cowboys defense was supposed to be one of the biggest improvements of the 2026 season. After one game, there are already major questions. Mauricio Rodriguez breaks down the Cowboys' defensive performance against the New York Giants and asks the biggest question facing Dallas: Can this defense actually get better? Entering the season, Cowboys fans were wondering how quickly this defense could improve after historically poor results in 2025. Could Dallas become a top-20 defense? Could they push toward being a top-15 unit? Could they create turnovers and become a legitimate complement to one of the NFL's best offenses? Unfortunately, Week 1 did not provide the answers Cowboys fans were hoping for. Dallas allowed more points per drive than they did during the 2025 season and struggled to create pressure, cover consistently and communicate in the secondary. The biggest concern is that many of the problems appeared in areas Dallas hoped would improve. The Cowboys allowed repeated completions to the flat, had communication issues and struggled to consistently pressure Jackson Dart. However, Mauricio explains why some of these problems could be fixed. A brand-new defensive staff, a first-time play caller in Christian Parker and a roster with several new pieces could naturally have growing pains. Miscommunications and assignment errors are the type of problems that can improve with more time together. But the bigger concern is talent. Dallas entered the season with questions at linebacker and edge rusher, and those concerns showed up against the Giants. The Cowboys struggled to contain plays in space, and when Dallas rushed four defenders, they struggled to consistently pressure Jackson Dart. Mauricio explains why that is less of a scheme problem and more of a talent issue. Dallas did blitz at one of the highest rates in the NFL in Week 1, but the aggressive approach created problems on the back end when the secondary had to hold up in coverage. The good news? There were some encouraging moments. First-round rookie Caleb Downs looked like a legitimate impact player, contributing as a blitzer, tackler and versatile piece in the secondary. The Cowboys also forced multiple fumbles, including plays from Caleb Downs, Donovan Ezeiruaku and Quinnen Williams. They did not recover those fumbles, but creating turnovers is still a positive sign. So what should Cowboys fans believe after Week 1? Was this simply a young defense experiencing early-season mistakes? Or did Dallas reveal deeper issues that could prevent them from competing in 2026? Mauricio Rodriguez breaks down the biggest problems, the fixable issues and the reasons for optimism after the Cowboys' Week 1 loss to the Giants. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Cowboys news, analysis and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 The Cowboys defense has a problem 0:28 Expectations entering 2026 0:50 Week 1 was a disaster 1:37 Why "young defense" isn't enough 2:47 The problems that can be fixed 4:16 The biggest concern: talent 5:05 Cowboys can't generate four-man pressure 6:19 Blitzing creates another problem 7:01 Is this defense actually fixable? 7:47 Caleb Downs was a bright spot 8:05 Forced fumbles give some hope 8:35 Final thoughts #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #CowboysDefense #NFL #CowboysNation Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ***** ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. ***** HOW TO ENTER: 1. Visit and make sure A to Z Sports is checked 2. 2. Comment GO COWBOYS below! If selected, you must be able to verify that A to Z Sports was selected as a preferred source. ***** A to Z Sports Giveaway Terms & Conditions: ***** The Dallas Cowboys are finally back, and Mauricio Rodriguez is breaking down the biggest keys to Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Cowboys vs. Giants has become an annual Week 1 tradition, but this matchup feels different. Dallas enters the season with one of the NFL's most talented offenses and a completely revamped defense, while the Giants enter the year with a new head coach in John Harbaugh, a new quarterback in Jackson Dart and major questions surrounding Malik Nabers' availability. The biggest challenge for Dallas may come from the Giants' pass rush. New York has an explosive group led by Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and the Cowboys will be without Tyler Smith. Even though TJ Bass is a capable replacement, Dallas will not have the same communication and continuity up front. That could create opportunities for the Giants to pressure Dak Prescott. Mauricio believes the Cowboys will need to get the football out quickly, and that could make CeeDee Lamb one of the biggest players in the game. While George Pickens has received plenty of attention throughout the offseason, Mauricio believes this matchup feels more like a CeeDee Lamb game. Dallas can use Lamb from the slot, get him quick catches and allow him to create yards after the catch. The Giants' cornerback room also presents an opportunity. Greg Newsome recently claimed New York has the best cornerback room in the NFL, but George Pickens had a hilarious response when asked about the comment. Mauricio isn't buying the Giants' claim either, and he believes Dallas can create favorable matchups against New York's secondary. On the other side of the ball, Malik Nabers could be the biggest concern for Dallas. Nabers is practicing, but his Week 1 status remains a major question. If he plays, the Cowboys will have to account for a receiver who had 167 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas last season. Mauricio expects Christian Parker to focus heavily on taking Nabers away and forcing Jackson Dart to beat Dallas with the rest of the Giants' receiving corps. But Dart's legs could create another problem. The Cowboys have struggled against mobile quarterbacks in recent seasons, and Mauricio believes Dart could pick up several important first downs with his legs. DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, the Cowboys' edge rushers and first-round rookie Caleb Downs could all have major responsibilities in containing him. Finally, don't overlook special teams. John Harbaugh has a strong reputation in that area, and Mauricio expects the Giants to look for opportunities to create hidden yardage or make a game-changing play. Despite all of those concerns, Mauricio still believes the Cowboys should win this game — and potentially win it comfortably. Watch as Mauricio breaks down the biggest keys, matchups and potential problems for Dallas in the Cowboys' 2026 Week 1 matchup against the Giants. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Cowboys news, analysis, game previews and reactions throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 Cowboys vs. Giants Week 1 0:55 Why this matchup feels different 1:39 The Cowboys should be favored 2:08 The Giants' pass rush is the biggest threat 3:17 Tyler Smith's absence matters 4:09 Why CeeDee Lamb could dominate 5:20 Cowboys need to get the ball out FAST 6:25 The Malik Nabers problem 7:30 How Dallas can take away Nabers 8:26 Jackson Dart's legs could cause problems 9:15 Caleb Downs' first big test 9:54 Don't overlook special teams 10:30 Cowboys should win — but how easily? #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #Giants #NFL #CowboysNation #CeeDeeLamb Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ***** ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. HOW TO ENTER: 1. Visit and make sure A to Z Sports is checked 2. 2. Comment GO COWBOYS below! If selected, you must be able to verify that A to Z Sports was selected as a preferred source. ***** A to Z Sports Giveaway Terms & Conditions: ***** George Pickens is about to begin his second season with the Dallas Cowboys, and one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the 2026 offense is how Brian Schottenheimer plans to use him. Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys said they wanted to move Pickens around more. Now, with Dallas' regular-season opener against the New York Giants just days away, Mauricio Rodriguez is taking a closer look at what that actually means. Pickens has spent the majority of his NFL career playing as an outside X receiver. During his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and throughout most of his 2025 season with Dallas, he rarely lined up in the slot. So will that finally change in 2026? Mauricio isn't convinced that's necessarily the answer. The Cowboys didn't move Pickens around much during training camp, and Pickens did not play during the preseason. That leaves a major question heading into Week 1: when Dallas said it planned to move Pickens around, did the team mean moving him between the two outside receiver spots, or will Schottenheimer actually find ways to get him into the slot? That distinction matters. Moving Pickens to the opposite side of the formation could make it more difficult for defenses to bracket both Pickens and CeeDee Lamb with their safeties. If Pickens and Lamb are aligned on the same side, Dallas could create more opportunities for one of its best receivers to get isolated in coverage. But Mauricio believes the bigger question isn't necessarily where Pickens lines up. It's how the Cowboys get him the football. Dallas learned during the 2025 season that Pickens can be much more than a vertical threat. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands and can create yards after the catch, giving the Cowboys opportunities to manufacture touches rather than simply waiting for him to win deep down the field. Mauricio believes that could be the key to Pickens' second season in Dallas. If Pickens continues receiving targets in important situations — especially on third downs and in the red zone — Mauricio doesn't expect the receiver to be particularly concerned about whether he spends significant time in the slot. That could make Pickens one of the most dangerous pieces of the Cowboys offense. The Cowboys also told NFL insiders they plan to tweak their offensive scheme by roughly 15–25% this season to keep defenses guessing. Moving Pickens around could be part of that evolution. Dallas already used a diverse run game with outside zone, gap concepts and pulling linemen while pairing those looks with play-action and max-protection shots downfield. Now the question is what actually changes in 2026. Mauricio Rodriguez breaks down the Cowboys' plan for George Pickens, what “moving him around” could actually mean and why getting Pickens the football may matter much more than where he lines up. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Dallas Cowboys news, analysis, game previews and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 The Cowboys' BIG George Pickens mystery 0:26 Pickens vs. Greg Newsome 0:54 What does "move Pickens around" actually mean? 1:53 Pickens' traditional X receiver role 2:32 Will the Cowboys use him in the slot? 3:16 What Schottenheimer actually said 4:22 Could Pickens move between outside spots? 5:20 The bigger question isn't the slot 5:42 How Dallas can get Pickens the football 6:27 Will Dallas actually change its offense? 6:51 What could change in the Cowboys' scheme? 7:14 Cowboys-Giants Week 1 begins the answer #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #GeorgePickens #CeeDeeLamb #NFL #CowboysNation Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ***** ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

HOW TO ENTER: 1. Visit and make sure A to Z Sports is checked 2. 2. Comment GO COWBOYS below! If selected, you must be able to verify that A to Z Sports was selected as a preferred source. ***** A to Z Sports Giveaway Terms & Conditions: ***** Mauricio Rodriguez has five BOLD predictions for the Dallas Cowboys in 2026 — and some of them could completely change the way we view this team by the end of the season. We're counting down five predictions that Mauricio believes are bold, but realistic enough to have legitimate reasoning behind them. First, Mauricio predicts that George Pickens will lead the Cowboys in receiving yards. Pickens has been one of the biggest stories of Dallas' training camp, with Cowboys coverage consistently highlighting his performance. Mauricio believes the former Steelers receiver is the real deal and could become even more productive in Dallas' offense now that the Cowboys have a better understanding of how to use his explosiveness and yards-after-catch ability. Mauricio is not predicting that Pickens will replace CeeDee Lamb as the team's best receiver. Instead, he believes Pickens could simply produce more receiving yards because of the type of explosive plays he brings to the offense. The second prediction is that DeMarvion Overshown will finish among the Cowboys' sack leaders. Mauricio is projecting five or six-plus sacks for Overshown, who recorded five sacks in 2024. With Christian Parker expected to bring an aggressive defensive approach and Dallas lacking a traditional superstar edge rusher, Mauricio believes the Cowboys could manufacture pressure by blitzing their second-level defenders. Next, Mauricio makes an even bigger team prediction: the Cowboys will finish with a top-three offense in the NFL. Dallas already had one of the league's best offenses last season, but Mauricio believes several changes can push the unit into the top three. Ryan Flournoy's emergence, an expected improvement in the red zone, a better season from Jake Ferguson and a better understanding of how to use George Pickens could all contribute. Mauricio also believes improved defense and special teams can help Dallas improve its starting field position, making life easier for the offense. The fourth prediction may be the wildest player projection: Quinnen Williams will record eight or more sacks. Williams has only reached eight sacks once in his career, but Mauricio believes the Cowboys' defensive scheme, improved defensive line and increased blitzing could create more one-on-one opportunities for their star defensive tackle. And finally, Mauricio makes his boldest prediction of all. Brian Schottenheimer will win Coach of the Year. If Dallas turns last year's 7-9 team into an NFC East champion, Mauricio believes Schottenheimer will deserve serious consideration for the award — especially after inheriting a defense that struggled badly in 2025 and dealing with the trade of Micah Parsons just before the season. Which of these predictions do you believe? Which one is completely crazy? And what bold Cowboys prediction would you make for the 2026 NFL season? Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Dallas Cowboys news, predictions, analysis and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 5 bold Cowboys predictions for 2026 0:16 George Pickens leads Dallas in receiving 1:30 DeMarvion Overshown becomes a sack leader 2:58 Cowboys finish with a top-3 offense 4:40 Quinnen Williams gets 8+ sacks 5:57 Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the Year 7:09 Final bold prediction #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #CowboysNation #NFL #CowboysNews #GeorgePickens Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ***** ✭ For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok:

HOW TO ENTER: 1. Visit and make sure A to Z Sports is checked 2. 2. Comment GO COWBOYS below! If selected, you must be able to verify that A to Z Sports was selected as a preferred source. ***** A to Z Sports Giveaway Terms & Conditions: ***** The Dallas Cowboys open the 2026 NFL season against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, and Mauricio Rodriguez is joined by Giants insider Joe DeLeone to break down the matchup from New York's perspective. The Cowboys are favored entering Week 1, but the Giants have several strengths that could make this a much more competitive game than some expect. The biggest potential advantage for New York could be its pass rush. The Giants have an explosive group of edge rushers led by Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Joe DeLeone believes the Giants can create major problems for the Cowboys if they are able to consistently win against Dallas' offensive tackles. Terrence Steele is the biggest concern. While Tyler Guyton has shown significant improvement during training camp, the Cowboys still have questions at tackle. Joe believes the Giants have a legitimate opportunity to exploit that weakness, particularly in obvious passing situations when New York can put its best pass rushers on the field. In fact, Joe believes the Giants need to record at least four sacks to have a realistic chance of pulling off the upset. The Giants also have a major question surrounding star wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers has continued practicing while working his way back from injury, and Joe expects him to play in Week 1. However, he isn't expecting Nabers to immediately look like the same explosive player Giants fans saw last season. Nabers could have a reduced workload or simply need time to regain his full explosiveness and confidence after a difficult return. That could be especially important against a Cowboys secondary that is still determining its starting cornerback opposite DaRon Bland. Joe also explains the biggest thing holding the Giants back from being legitimate NFC contenders. While New York has explosive talent on the defensive front and intriguing offensive pieces including Jackson Dart, Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely, questions remain about the interior defensive line, cornerback consistency and, most importantly, whether Dart can successfully transition into the type of under-center quarterback the Giants want him to become. Mauricio and Joe also discuss the Giants' path to victory, including controlling time of possession, running the football and keeping the Cowboys offense from turning the game into a shootout. Finally, Joe gives his confidence level from 1-10 that the Giants can pull off the Week 1 upset. Can the Giants shock the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football? Watch Mauricio Rodriguez and Joe DeLeone break down the biggest matchup advantages, concerns and keys to victory for both teams. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Dallas for daily Dallas Cowboys news, analysis, game previews, reactions and coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season. 0:00 Cowboys vs. Giants Week 1 preview 0:55 Why this Giants team feels different 1:47 Will Malik Nabers play? 3:13 Why Nabers may not be 100% 4:29 Giants' biggest problems entering 2026 6:27 Why the Giants defense could be dangerous 7:16 The biggest question with Jackson Dart 9:38 What the Giants need from their offense 10:00 The Giants' path to beating Dallas 11:11 How the Giants can attack the Cowboys tackles 12:32 Why the Giants need 4+ sacks 13:29 How Dallas can counter the pass rush 13:51 Giants upset prediction #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #Giants #NFL #CowboysNation #NYGiants Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: ***** For more Cowboys coverage be sure to follow here: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: