NFL midseason superlatives: The biggest busts so far
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca dish out which players, coaches, and teams have been the biggest letdowns so far.
The Dallas Cowboys are guaranteed not to lose this week, as they take their bye at the midpoint of a 3-5-1 season.
As always, the Cowboys are still making news, as George Pickens is facing a fine for a seemingly benign, if ill-advised, taunting call, CeeDee Lamb was captured on camera oohing at Marvin Harrison Jr.’s touchdown that left DaRon Bland on the ground and former great Dez Bryant got an on-camera haircut.
And Dallas didn’t make the news that fans are asking about, firing Brian Schottenheimer. He still has a job and will likely have one for some time.
No, they didn’t. Still.
George Pickens
The Cowboys receiver picked up a taunting penalty on Monday Night Football that seemed pretty weak, though there is some criticism of waving the football at a defender (Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke) after an 8-yard catch with his team down 10 points inside 7 minutes to play.
At any rate, the NFL has made taunting a point of emphasis this year and a second offense for the season (Pickens was flagged for this against Washington and was fined a first-offense $11,593) carries a $17,389 fine.
He’s used to it. After the Cowboys’ 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants in Week 2, the NFL issued separate fines to the fourth-year receiver for “removal of the helmet” ($14,491) and a “violent gesture” ($14,491).
The NFL has not officially announced a fine for the taunting against the Cardinals yet.
CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb had a productive night against the Cardinals Monday, catching seven passes for 85 yards. He’s also in the news for his in-game reaction to Marvin Harrison Jr.’s move that caused the Cowboys’ DaRon Bland to fall down, leading to Harrison’s touchdown.
The blog The Landry Hat referred to it as “a mix of surprise, disgust, and admiration.”
Lamb’s open-mouthed look at the Jumbotron has gone viral all over the internet. Here is a YouTube example.
Also of note, Lamb has now tied Dez Bryant for the third most catches in Cowboys history with 531 career catches. Next up for the Lamb is Michael Irvin (750) and Jason Witten (1,215).
Dez Bryant
Besides being tied in the Dallas Cowboys record book with Lamb for career catches as a Cowboy, Bryant also has a new haircut. Bryant got the haircut from his barber, Mario, from a suite at AT&T Stadium on Monday night, which people know because he streamed it on Instagram.
Bryant also gave his take on the Cowboys, who he incorrectly predicted would win, but correctly said were “dysfunctional,” needed “better linebackers” and “better … defense.”
DeMarion Overshown
The third-year linebacker out of Texas has been a difference maker when he’s been healthy, and it looks like another interlude of good health is coming.
After destroying his knee last season, Overshown has been practicing and is expected to be available after the bye when Dallas plays the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football (Nov. 17).
Dallas Cowboys next game
After Dallas’ bye, the Cowboys take on Las Vegas on Monday Night Football on Nov. 17. The game will be televised on ABC and ESPN.
Dallas Cowboys schedule
The Dallas Cowboys have kicked off their 17-game, 18-week 2025 schedule. Here is what it looks like.
Home games in bold
1 Thu. Sept. 4 at Philadelphia 24, Dallas 20
2 Sun. Sept. 14 Dallas 40, New York Giants 37, OT
3 Sun. Sept. 21 Chicago 31, Dallas 14
4 Sun. Sept. 28 Dallas 40, Green Bay 40
5 Sun. Oct. 5 Dallas 37, New York Jets 22
6 Sun. Oct. 12 Carolina 30, Dallas 27
7 Sun. Oct. 19 Dallas 42, Washington 22
8 Sun. Oct. 26 Denver 44, Dallas 22
9 Mon, Nov. 3 Arizona 27, Dallas 17
10 BYE WEEK
11 Mon. Nov. 17 at Las Vegas, 6:15 p.m. MT/7:15 p.m. CT, ABC/ESPN
12 Sun. Nov. 23 Philadelphia, 2:25 p.m. MT/3:25 p.m. CT, FOX
13 Thu. Nov. 27 Kansas City, 2:30 p.m. MT/3:30 p.m. CT, CBS
14 Thu. Dec. 4 at Detroit, 6:15 p.m. MT/7:15 p.m. CT, Prime Video
15 Sun, Dec. 14 Minnesota, 6:20 p.m. MT/7:20 p.m. CT, NBC
16. Sun. Dec. 21 Los Angeles Chargers, 11 a.m. MT/noon CT FOX
17. Thu. Dec. 25 at Washington, 11 a.m. MT/noon CT, Netflix
18. TBD at New York Giants, TBD
Dallas Cowboys bye week
It is here. The Cowboys don’t lose to anyone this weekend.
Dallas Cowboys pro shop
The Dallas Cowboys pro shop is a likely place to get Cowboys gear. It’s right here.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.