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The Dallas Cowboys suffered a devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday that is bound to leave a lasting impact. With just 46 seconds left on the clock, the Cowboys were down by five points against their arch-rivals. However, thanks to four plays and three penalties on the Eagles, Dallas managed to reach the Philadelphia six-yard line with 26 seconds remaining. It was an impressive 80-yard drive that brought them to the brink of victory against the best team in the game. According to Next Gen Stats, at the start of that final drive, the Cowboys’ win probability was only 3.7 percent. But as they approached the Eagles’ end zone with 27 seconds left and no timeouts, their win probability jumped to 48.6 percent—a virtual coin flip. Unfortunately, a series of unfortunate events including a false start, sack, incomplete pass, delay of game penalty, and a short pass that fell short of the end zone spelled the end of the game for the Cowboys. It was a truly disappointing finish.

While credit must be given to the Eagles for finding ways to win, the Cowboys’ inability to make crucial plays in big moments is a concerning pattern. In Week 9, the Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated their ability to come out on top in tight contests against Dallas, showcasing their resilience once again.

On another note, the recent fine imposed on Patrick Ricard for a routine football play seems absurd. It begs the question, who is responsible for making such idiotic rulings on fines?

Additionally, Daniel Jones’ knee injury is a significant blow not only for him personally but also for the future of the New York Giants. This was supposed to be a breakthrough year for Jones, where he could prove his worth to Coach Brian Daboll. Unfortunately, the Giants’ poor offensive line has hindered his progress from day one. General Manager Joe Schoen will now have to reassess the team’s quarterback situation and potentially explore other options. Schoen’s attendance at the recent Washington-USC game indicates that he may be considering prospects like Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr.

On a more somber note, during my recent trip to Frankfurt, I had the opportunity to meet an Israeli football commentator, Ori Shterenbach. He shared a heartbreaking story about the impact of the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Three players and one coach from the national football team lost their lives in the attack. Shterenbach emphasized the importance of sports during such difficult times, highlighting the role they play in providing a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of the world.

Despite skepticism around the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 5-3 record, their upcoming schedule suggests they have a legitimate chance to make a strong playoff push. Their next six games against tough opponents like the Packers, Browns, Bengals, and Patriots will be crucial in determining their fate.

J.J. Watt’s recent comment about teams choosing to go shotgun from the 1-yard line echoes the sentiments of many fans. It is perplexing why a team would choose to snap the ball several yards away from the goal line when they are in such close proximity to scoring.

Looking ahead, Lincoln Riley’s transition to the Big Ten with USC presents some interesting challenges. USC is scheduled to play at Michigan, Minnesota, and Maryland, raising concerns about the feasibility of a California team competing in the Big Ten.

In recent weeks, the NFL has seen a surge of unproven quarterbacks starting games, leading to a new wave of names that the general public may not be familiar with. It has been years since there has been such a notable influx of relatively unknown or young quarterbacks taking the field in the league.

Other thoughts of the week:

• RIP, Bobby Knight. His impact on the sports scene, particularly in Indiana, cannot be overstated.
• For those who may not fully comprehend the significance of Bobby Knight’s legacy, I recommend reading John Feinstein’s book, “A Season on the Brink,” which captures the essence of Knight’s coaching prowess and larger-than-life personality.
• Personal encounter with Knight revealed a different side to him—the educator who passionately voiced his concerns about the rising cheating in recruiting.
• Feinstein shares an anecdote that sheds light on Knight’s complex character and his relationships with both friends and enemies.
• It remains to be seen how the James Harden experiment will pan out in Los Angeles.

Deion Sanders’ story of the week: [missing content]

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John Smith

ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.