Eatman: Good luck finding a more insane game than this one.

 

 

LANDOVER, Md. – The game was tied 3-3 at halftime, and by the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter, it was just 13-9.

To put it into perspective, imagine a lot of people still somewhat sober around midnight or 1 a.m. But it’s that final hour – in this case, the last five minutes – that can flip the most ordinary situation upside down.

Make no mistake, this Cowboys-Commanders game was pure chaos.

Five touchdowns in the final five minutes? Are you serious? Two kickoff returns for touchdowns, including KaVontae Turpin’s remarkable fumble recovery, where he slowly jogged to the middle, then exploded with speed, spun, and dashed into the end zone for a touchdown that may go down as one of the greatest special teams plays in Cowboys history.

And to think, the drama wasn’t even over yet.

The first 55 minutes had all the feel of a classic NFC East showdown, with more mistakes than big plays. But the final five minutes? It was like a Wimbledon match, with back-and-forth action that left everyone in the stadium with sore necks.

Let me say this before we get too deep into the game: I’m often asked, especially on my daily Cowboys podcast Cowboys StoryLine, what my favorite game of all time is. I always bring up my first game covering the team in 1999, when the Cowboys came back from 21 down in the fourth quarter to beat Washington in Week 1. It had Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, and Rocket Ismail making huge plays. That game will never be topped, simply because it was my first one.

But right now, as I’m still trying to catch my breath, I’m going to say this latest game against Washington is a very close No. 2.

Who knows, 25 years from now, we probably won’t remember names like Cooper Rush, Turpin, Josh Butler, Luke Schoonmaker, or Chauncey Golston in the same way we do the Cowboys legends of the past. But I can promise you, we won’t see another game with this many back-and-forth plays in the final five minutes anytime soon.

Interestingly, the first comment I saw on Twitter was about how lucky the Cowboys were that Washington missed that extra point.

Here’s my response: The Cowboys have been called many things in recent weeks, but “lucky” certainly hasn’t been one of them.

Yes, Commanders kicker Austin Seibert missed a crucial kick to tie the game. But let’s not forget, he also missed another important kick earlier in the third quarter. Kickers can’t afford to let those mistakes creep into their heads – it’s hard to block that out.

Now, let’s flip the script and give some credit to Brandon Aubrey. His first two kicks on the day were a disaster – one blocked and the other hitting the upright. How did he respond? He drilled a 46-yard field goal before halftime that gave the Cowboys momentum, and then hit a 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, along with all his extra points, which we know were crucial.

If the Cowboys were fortunate that Washington missed their kick, let’s give them credit for nailing their own.

When you think about the full 60 minutes, the Cowboys were the better team. Are they the better team overall? The record might suggest otherwise, but if you watched this game closely, from offense to defense to special teams, the Cowboys outperformed Washington. Rush will never be as flashy as a guy like Jayden Daniels, who’s already a star in this league, but Rush was more efficient on Sunday, taking care of the ball and managing the game better.

Let’s not forget the players who weren’t available for the Cowboys. This was supposed to be the game where they got back key players like Jordan Lewis, Marshawn Kneeland, and DaRon Bland. Yet, they had to play without both starting guards, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and tight end Jake Ferguson. In total, 13 Pro Bowl-caliber players were inactive.

Think about it – some of the key contributors in this game were backups for those injured players. Josh Butler stepped up with 12 tackles, a sack, and three pass breakups filling in for Diggs. T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman brought toughness to the offensive line, helping the Cowboys run the ball effectively. And Schoonmaker had two crucial catches, including the 22-yard touchdown that should’ve sealed the game.

Of course, Rush is the next man up for Dak Prescott and had his best performance of the season. He wasn’t flashy, but he was solid and effective – exactly what the team needed.

Now, you can win with a backup quarterback if your defense plays lights out. It’s tough to swallow that they gave up the 86-yard touchdown in the final seconds, which spoiled what had been a stellar defensive effort. But overall, Mike Zimmer’s defense deserves a lot of credit for keeping Washington off the board for most of the game. It wasn’t perfect, but there’s plenty to build on, especially if they can get some injured players back.

As I’m typing this, I keep looking at the stat sheet, trying to convince myself that game actually happened.

But it most certainly did. This season has been full of surprises, week after week. And while most of them have worked against the Cowboys, this one was an unforgettable win.

Mahomes aims for 'calmer' finishes following another Chiefs walk-off victory.

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After the Kansas City Chiefs clinched their fifth walk-off victory of the season on Sunday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged he’s happy to take the wins however they come but would prefer them to be a bit less dramatic at the finish.

"You want to have some blowouts," Mahomes said following the Chiefs' 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers, which ended with rookie Spencer Shrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired. "You'd like things to be a little calmer in the fourth quarter. I’ve always said that, especially as you get closer to the playoffs, it's good to have these experiences so you know how to handle those moments."

"But I'd love to win a game before the very last play."

With a 10-1 record, the Chiefs have now won eight games by one score, tying an NFL record for the most such wins in the first 11 games of a season. Half of those victories have been decided in the final moments. Among them, one was settled by a blocked field goal, another by an overtime touchdown, one by an opposing receiver missing a critical foot placement in the end zone, and now two have been determined by field goals.

 

Mahomes guided the Chiefs on the decisive drive against the Panthers, beginning with two short pass completions before a pivotal 33-yard scramble that moved Kansas City into field goal range.

While Mahomes admits he's not the fastest or most elusive runner, he's effective when needed.

"He has a great feel for the game," said coach Andy Reid. "He knows where guys are based on the coverage and understands what they're trying to accomplish. He can also feel the pressure from the defense."

Mahomes has delivered some key runs in late-game situations during some of the Chiefs' most memorable victories. In Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, his longest run on the winning drive was 26 yards, and in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, it was 19 yards.

"It's not something I plan ahead of time," Mahomes explained. "It’s just when the moment comes, and you need to make a play, I try to do that. That's why these big runs tend to come later in games."

"You can’t always slide; sometimes you have to put your body on the line, knowing you might take hits. But we’ve been able to make some big runs at crucial moments."

Rookie Spencer Shrader, who joined the Chiefs two weeks ago as an emergency replacement for injured kicker Harrison Butker, stepped up with the game-winning field goal. Before joining the Chiefs, Shrader had kicked in two games for the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets.

"I knew an opportunity would come, so I stayed calm, knowing I'd be ready when the time came," Shrader said. "It's about trusting the team to get you in that position, and when you’re there, you just focus and make the kick."

Butker, a proven clutch performer, had made his own game-winning field goal earlier this season, a 51-yarder against the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the Chiefs had confidence in Shrader, coach Reid acknowledged the challenge he faced in a high-pressure situation.

"That's a lot of pressure for a new guy," Reid said. "He's coming in, replacing a future Hall of Famer. That’s not easy, especially in these types of games."

NFL Scores: Packers dominate depleted 49ers, Seahawks move into NFC West tie with win over Cardinals

The Green Bay Packers delivered a commanding 38-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, who were missing key players Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Josh Jacobs had an outstanding performance, notching his third career three-touchdown game and surpassing 100 rushing yards for the third time this season. Jordan Love contributed with two touchdown passes and no turnovers, while the Packers' defense forced three takeaways and limited the 49ers, led by backup quarterback Brandon Allen, to under 250 total yards. The win elevated Green Bay to 8-3, while San Francisco dropped to 5-6. The lone bright spot for the 49ers was the Seahawks' 16-6 victory over the Cardinals in Seattle. With the win, both Seattle and Arizona now sit tied at 6-5 atop the NFC West. Despite their struggles, the 49ers remain just one game back in the division and still have matchups remaining against the Cardinals and the 5-5 Rams. Geno Smith threw for 254 yards, including a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to secure the Seahawks' victory. In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos moved to 7-5 after defeating the Raiders in Las Vegas. Bo Nix passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns, both to Courtland Sutton, who tallied 97 receiving yards. With this win, Denver solidified its position in the AFC playoff race and heads into a pivotal stretch, with a late bye in Week 14 following next week's Monday Night Football showdown against the Browns.

Saquon Barkley: Hoping Daniel Jones Finds a Fresh Start and Success Like I Did

 Video link>>> https://www.nbcsports.com/watch/nfl/profootballtalk/daniel-jones-falls-to-qb4-on-new-york-giants-depth-chart

 

 

Saquon Barkley Hopes Daniel Jones Finds Success with a Fresh Start

Saquon Barkley departed the Giants in free agency and has thrived with the Eagles, while Daniel Jones is now leaving the team via the waiver wire.

Barkley, who currently ranks second in the NFL with 1,137 rushing yards and is a strong contender for Offensive Player of the Year, expressed his support for his former teammate.

 ... ...

“I’ve stayed in contact with him. Our friendship has remained close throughout my time here,” Barkley shared, via ESPN’s Tim McManus. “It’s tough to see how things played out for him with the Giants. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him—you won’t find many people with anything negative to say about him.”

Barkley added: “It’s the NFL. Hopefully, wherever he lands next, he’ll have a chance to work hard and succeed. Things didn’t work out for me there, but I’ve found success here. I hope he can find the same fresh start and thrive.”

The Giants announced Friday that Jones would be waived, though the move hasn’t been finalized yet. Given his contract, Jones is expected to clear waivers and enter free agency.

Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans with New Album *GNX*, Addressing Drake Feud and Lil Wayne Super Bowl Drama

 

 

Topline

Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise album, GNX, on Friday afternoon with no prior announcement, capping off a stellar year. The release follows his high-profile feud with Drake—widely considered a victory for Lamar—and features references to the conflict, including nods to his hit diss track, Not Like Us.

 

Key Facts

• Kendrick Lamar quietly released his 12-track album GNX on Friday afternoon, sharing the album cover on Instagram shortly after noon EST.

• The opening track, "Wacced Out Murals," addresses his feud with Drake, with the lyric: “Snoop posted 'Taylor Made,' I prayed it was the edibles / I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.” This references Snoop Dogg sharing Drake’s diss track "Taylor Made Freestyle" on Instagram earlier this year. Snoop later clarified he wouldn’t take sides, praising both artists for "raising the bar" in hip-hop.

• The album features "Heart Pt. 6," the latest entry in Lamar’s acclaimed Heart series, and shares its title with one of Drake’s diss tracks released in May.

• Lamar also addresses backlash for headlining the Super Bowl in New Orleans over hometown favorite Lil Wayne on "Wacced Out Murals." He raps: “I used to bump ‘Tha Carter 3,’ I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,” referencing Wayne’s 2008 album, and adds: “Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me.

  Key Background

  The release of GNX caps off a monumental year for Kendrick Lamar. Earlier this year, he ignited a fiery feud with Drake, releasing a string of diss tracks that many believe solidified his victory in the rivalry. His hit single "Not Like Us" became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning five Grammy nominations.

  The feud was marked by explosive allegations on both sides: Lamar accused Drake of pursuing minors and hiding a secret daughter—claims Drake denied—while Drake alleged Lamar had abused his wife, which Lamar has previously refuted.

  In June, Lamar celebrated his success with a star-studded Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles, featuring appearances by notable celebrities from the city. The event, widely seen as a victory lap following the Drake feud, included a bold moment where Lamar performed "Not Like Us" five times consecutively.

  In September, Lamar was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, scheduled for February. The decision sparked backlash from fans and artists like Nicki Minaj, Master P, and Cam’ron, who argued Lil Wayne deserved the spot in his hometown of New Orleans. Lil Wayne later admitted the perceived snub "broke" him, blaming his own expectations for assuming he would be chosen.

  News Peg

  Just ahead of the album drop, Lamar teased the release with a one-minute video on YouTube, featuring him posing alongside a Buick GNX. The album boasts production by Jack Antonoff, known for his work with major pop stars, and guest vocals from SZA.

Trump Selects Former Congressman and Fox Business Host Sean Duffy as Next Transportation Secretary

 

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has chosen former congressman and recent Fox Business co-host Sean Duffy to be the next Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Duffy, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, represented Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. He most recently co-hosted *The Bottom Line* on Fox Business, after joining Fox News as a contributor in 2020.

A network spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Duffy's final day as a Fox News employee was Monday. He made his last appearance on Fox Business on Wednesday, and later that week, he interviewed for the position of transportation secretary, according to a source.

 In a statement, Trump praised Sean Duffy as a “tremendous and well-liked public servant,” highlighting his reputation as “a respected voice and communicator in the Republican Conference” during his tenure in Congress.

“Duffy will prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness, and Beauty as he works to rebuild America’s highways, tunnels, bridges, and airports. He will ensure our ports and dams support our economy without compromising national security, and he will make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers,” Trump said.

While Duffy’s legislative career included serving as chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, he has limited experience in transportation policy.

If confirmed by the Senate, Duffy would oversee infrastructure projects involving companies led by Elon Musk, a close Trump ally. Musk's ventures have billions of dollars in federal contracts, including with the Department of Transportation, and Musk has been tapped by Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.

 The new head of the Department of Transportation will face a range of challenges, particularly in aviation safety, including ongoing quality control and manufacturing issues with Boeing. Other pressing matters likely to land on his desk include potential airline labor strikes and climate-focused initiatives, such as the expansion of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Founded in 1966, the Department of Transportation employs nearly 55,000 people and plays a critical role in overseeing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of the nation’s transportation systems.

Duffy would succeed Pete Buttigieg, who has led the department since February 2021. During the Trump administration, Elaine Chao served as transportation secretary until her resignation following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Before his political career, Duffy gained national attention as a cast member on MTV’s *The Real World: Boston* in 1997. He later competed on *Road Rules: All Stars*, where he met Rachel Campos, a cast member from *The Real World: San Francisco* who would become his wife. Campos-Duffy is now the co-host of *Fox & Friends Weekend* and previously worked alongside Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary.

Duffy resigned from his congressional seat in 2019, citing a desire to spend more time with his family following complications in his wife’s pregnancy with their ninth child.

During his time in Congress, Duffy introduced a bill aimed at expanding Trump’s presidential powers to impose tariffs, a move that earned praise from the former president, though the bill was dismissed by fellow Republicans at the time.

Prior to entering politics, Duffy served as district attorney for Ashland County, Wisconsin, from 2002 to 2008. He also had a career as a professional lumberjack athlete and served as a color commentator for ESPN.

Mixon and Texans' Defense Overwhelm Cowboys on MNF

 

Texans Top Cowboys 34-10 for First-Ever Win at AT&T Stadium

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Houston Texans secured their first-ever victory at AT&T Stadium on Monday night, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 and snapping a two-game losing streak.

Running back Joe Mixon was the star of the game, rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns. Houston took control early, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and their defense took over from there. The Texans sacked Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush five times, intercepted him once, and scored a touchdown on a strip sack.

With the win, Houston now holds a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South. The Texans have already beaten the Colts twice this season, and their next two matchups are against the struggling Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

 **Key Takeaways from Monday Night: Texans vs. Cowboys**

**Houston Texans (7-4)**

**Pivotal Play:**  
The game was effectively sealed early in the fourth quarter when defensive end Derek Barnett forced a strip sack on Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush. Right tackle Tyler Guyton recovered the loose ball but was quickly stripped again by safety Jalen Pitre. Barnett scooped it up and dashed into the end zone, extending Houston's lead to 27-10 and putting the game out of reach.

**Surprising Performance:**  
Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. stepped up in a big way, particularly in his matchups against All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Although Stingley doesn't typically shadow top receivers, he did so on several occasions against Lamb and excelled. Stingley allowed just two catches for 19 yards on 17 routes, added an interception, broke up two passes, and drew an offensive pass interference penalty. Cooper Rush's passer rating when targeting Stingley was a dismal 3.5, per Next Gen Stats.

**Troubling Trend:**  
Despite the win, the Texans' penalty issues continued to be a concern. Houston committed nine penalties for 69 yards, which allowed Dallas to stay within striking distance. A 77-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins on the first play was called back due to an illegal man downfield penalty on left tackle Laremy Tunsil. On another drive, a holding penalty on left guard Juice Scruggs stalled a potential touchdown drive, forcing the Texans to settle for a field goal. As the playoffs approach, cleaning up these mistakes will be critical.

**Next Game:**  
Sunday vs. Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET)

---

**Dallas Cowboys (3-7)**

**Season Outlook:**  
The Cowboys’ losing streak hit five straight games, and while their season isn't mathematically over, the outlook remains bleak. Quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury, and the offensive line took another hit with both guards, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, leaving the game in the fourth quarter.

This marks the Cowboys' longest losing streak since 2015, when they dropped seven straight on their way to a 4-12 finish. It's also tied for the longest losing streak of head coach Mike McCarthy’s career. In a grim historical note, the Cowboys have now lost their first five home games of the season for the first time since 1989—a year that saw them finish 1-15.

**QB Breakdown:**  
Cooper Rush showed some flashes but couldn’t overcome the mounting pressure. He finished with 354 passing yards, but a majority of that came in garbage time, including a 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin in the second quarter. Despite the yardage, Rush continued to struggle with consistency, and the fourth-quarter sack fumble returned for a touchdown only added to the Cowboys’ woes.

**Troubling Trend:**  
Dallas' defense, which had already been struggling against big plays, allowed a 45-yard touchdown run by Joe Mixon, the longest run allowed by the Cowboys this season. This play highlighted a broader issue, as Dallas entered the game ranked 31st in the league in run defense. The Cowboys have given up 28 passing plays of 20 yards or more and 38 runs of 10 yards or more this season.

**Troubling Trend (Part 2):**  
Dallas has now allowed points in 21 consecutive quarters, marking the longest streak in franchise history. The previous record was 19 quarters, set in the team's inaugural season in 1960. In yet another troubling stat, the Cowboys' defense has allowed a score on the opening possession of the second half in 8 of their last 10 games.

**Next Game:**  
Sunday vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET)