Dallas’ D scores an F against Bears
Jerry Jones fired Rob Ryan last season because his former defensive coordinator’s scheme was too gimmicky.
Now, the Dallas owner says gimmicks are what the Cowboys need with a defense that may go down as the worst in franchise history.
Monte Kiffin’s new 4-3 alignment and the players trying to run it simply couldn’t stop backup quarterback Josh McCown in Chicago’s 45-28 win over Dallas Monday night. McCown had four touchdown passes and a rushing TD and the Bears scored on their first eight possessions before McCown took a knee to end the game.
“We’ve got to look for ways to come up with whatever gimmick, whatever plan that we can to get us the ball and get some turnovers and get some possessions,” Jones said. “Did we ever stop them one time tonight? They scored every time. That says it all.”
Jones offered support for Kiffin on his radio show Tuesday, but the mounting evidence suggests the owner’s biggest change of the offseason isn’t working.
Dallas became the fifth team since 1991 to allow an opponent to score on the first eight possessions, according to STATS. The previous three teams won five games combined.
Somehow, the Cowboys (7-6) still control their playoff fate with Green Bay visiting Sunday, although they’re a full game behind Philadelphia (8-5) in the NFC East for the first time this season.
“It feels like you’ve got to win out is what it feels like,” quarterback Tony Romo said. “It’s felt like that for a few weeks.”
Ravens place Stokley on IR: The Baltimore Ravens have placed wide receiver Brandon Stokley on injured reserve, ending his season.
Stokley sustained a concussion in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. He has had multiple concussions over his 15-year career, and the Ravens determined after testing that the 37-year-old would not be able to return anytime soon.
Stokley began his career with the Ravens in 1999 and signed a one-year contract as a free agent in August. He battled through a series of injuries and played in only six games, catching 13 passes for 115 yards.
Bengals-Eagles now night game: The NFL will move the matchup between Chicago and Philadelphia to the prime-time slot Sunday, Dec. 22.
The Bears (7-6) will travel to face the Eagles (8-5) at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
The New England Patriots game against the Baltimore Ravens will move to 4:25 p.m. on CBS.
Mathieu put on IR by Arizona: The Arizona Cardinals have placed rookie defensive back Tyrann Mathieu on injured reserve and promoted safety Curtis Taylor from the practice squad to take the vacant roster spot.
Mathieu, the second-leading tackler on the team, tore ligaments in his left knee in Sunday’s 30-10 victory over St. Louis and will undergo surgery next week. No timetable was announced, but coach Bruce Arians says the recovery period will be “a long one.”