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A little late on this week's update but here we go:
Cowboys South:
Week Five Result - Loss to New England Patriots 30-6.
Brandon Weeden (QB) - Weeden threw 39 passes but only completed 26 of them for 188 yards and an interception in a 30-6 loss to the New England Patriots. When the Cowboys lost Tony Romo to a fractured collar-bone and made a trade for Matt Cassel there was some belief that Cassel would be the eventual starter to hold the ship down till the return of Romo. Those beliefs are coming to fruition as Cassel will now be the starter moving forward, according to reports. Cassel doesn't present a massive upgrade and if he struggles to grasp the offense and move it better than Weeden we could see Weeden again. As of now, going into the bye week, Weeden is slated to be the backup.
Joseph Randle (RB) - In the loss to New England, Randle received 15 carries and rushed for 60 yards. He also added four catches for 13 yards. What's been lost in the "Weeden losing his job" story is the fact that the Cowboys are looking at adding the recently added Christine Michael to the starting lineup. So Oklahoma State could see both of it's Cowboys yanked from the starting lineup. Although, I would expect Randle to remain in the mix for a significant amount of work even if he comes off the bench. The bye week has brought on a lot of change for the Cowboys.
Tyler Patmon (CB) - Patmon didn't record a stat in last weeks matchup with the Patriots. To be really frank, Patmon has struggled in his sophomore campaign. He has a 41.6 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus and ranks at 147 overall at his position. With the offense struggling he and the defense have found themselves on the field more which may be leading to some of the struggles. Let's hope a turnaround is in store for "Cowboys South" after the bye-week.
Dan Bailey (K) - Bailey hasn't missed a field goal in the month of October and was two for two against the Patriots. He continues to be ultra consistent, something that not every NFL team can say this year.
Week Six Opponent - Bye Week
Tennessee Titans
Week Five Result - The Titans lost to the Buffalo Bills 14-13.
Perrish Cox (CB) - Cox recorded two tackles in the loss and continue to receive starter snaps. On the year Cox has nine total tackles, one interception and two pass defenses. He's currently ranked as the 60th overall corner by Pro Football Focus, but leads the secondary in snaps played.
Week Six Opponent - Cox and the Titans get the struggling Miami Dolphins in Nashville this Sunday.
Cleveland Browns
Week Five Result - The Browns beat the rival Ravens 33-30 in overtime.
Justin Gilbert (CB/Special Teams) - The Browns have started to look at Gilbert at wide receiver on the scout team over the last couple weeks, but the bigger and more fruitful role that Gilbert has taken on is on special teams. Cowboy fans should find this bit of news from ESPN.com as a ray of sunshine:
Terry Pluto of the The Plain Dealer noted that the Browns still view Justin Gilbert as a cornerback, despite his presence as a receiver on the scout team and growing role on special teams. After a rough rookie campaign, the No. 8 overall pick from the 2014 draft was inactive in Weeks 1 and 2 this season, and he has played just eight defensive snaps, all in Week 4. But Gilbert has suddenly seized a role on special teams, playing 47 snaps there in the past two weeks and grading out as the Browns' best special teamer by Pro Football Focus' measures. He's also returned four kicks for 125 yards (31.3 average), with three of those returns going for at least 35 yards. Pluto adds that Gilbert "has impressed the coaches with his willingness to play anywhere." Browns fans surely would rather Gilbert start producing at cornerback like a top-10 pick should, but these are promising signs for a player whose attitude and maturity level have been questioned. Gilbert certainly deserves more time to deliver on his significant potential.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway here is that the Browns haven't given up on Gilbert and Gilbert has shown a willingness to do whatever the teams wants. Anyone else drop a "duh" on the Browns finally using him on returns??? I mean, that's just crazy to not use a guy like that as a returner.... But we are talking about the Browns who don't have the best history of developing and keeping talent. And I have this permanently etched into my memory....
Week Six Opponent - The Browns face off against the undefeated Denver Broncos at home this Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks
Week Five Result - The Seahawks lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 27-24 in a really good game between early conference contenders.
Russell Okung (LT) - Okung and the Seattle line is struggling mightily this season. They've allowed a league high 22 sacks this season. Considering Russell Wilson's escapability that is a pretty big deal. In my opinion sometimes a mobile quarterback can get his line in trouble due to the extension of the play so this might be a double edge sword where the line is having to hold blocks much longer than average.
Week Six Opponent - Okung and Wilson get the undefeated Carolina Panthers at home in Seattle this Sunday.
Detroit Lions
Week Five Result - The Lions lost an ugly, one sided, game to the Arizona Cardinals 42-17.
Brandon Pettigrew (TE) - Pettigrew received his first three receptions of the season in the loss, finishing the game with three receptions for 29 yards. Some of you may be thinking that Pettigrew is borderline worthless in this offense. As a pass catcher you're pretty accurate. But Petti is shining as a blocking tight end. He grades out as the best pass blocking tight end in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Continuing to shine is this aspect of the game will keep him in the NFL for a long time (crazy that he's already in his 7th year).
Week Six Opponent - Chicago travels to Detroit this Sunday.
New Orleans Saints
Week Five & Six Result - The Saints lost 39-17 to the Eagles in week five but followed it up with a 31-21 win over the previously undefeated Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football to kick off week six.
Kevin Williams (DT) - Williams recorded a tackle in both games bringing his season total to five. Williams is grading out as the best interior defender for the Saints this season according to Pro Football Focus. Pretty awesome considering it's his 13th season in the NFL.
Dez Bryant Update - Dez is starting to get in some conditioning training at the Cowboys practice. A great sign for Dez and the Cowboys. With a bye week this week it's looking like a possible week 8 return for the star wideout.