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Dallas Cowboys Struggle Again, Playoff Picture Looks Bleak | Deadspin.com

Dallas Cowboys Struggle Again, Playoff Picture Looks Bleak | Deadspin.com

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There is plenty of time for the Dallas Cowboys to think about running out of time this week.

Dropping to 3-5-1 puts the Cowboys 11th in the NFC playoff standings — well outside the bracket — with only five teams beneath them. When the Cowboys woke up Tuesday mourning the Monday night loss to the Arizona Cardinals (3-5), they were closer to a top-10 draft pick than a postseason spot.

Spending the bye week with a self scout is normal and expected, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer won’t likely appreciate what he finds out about the men in the mirror.

At the moment, the Detroit Lions (5-3) are the last team in the NFC playoffs, a No. 7 seed that shows just how loaded the conference could be in a January conference tournament.

The Bears (4-4) are the first team out and already have a tiebreaker win over the Cowboys. Same goes for the Minnesota Vikings (4-4). Arizona (3-5) beat Dallas on Monday, expects starter Kyler Murray to be ready to play next week and has the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule even in the loaded NFC West.

At 2-4 in the conference, the Cowboys strength of victory — an official tabulation by the league — is the lowest in the NFC (.231) outside of the Saints (1-8), who are at .222.

While the Cowboys rest this week and return to play the Raiders on “Monday Night Football” in Week 11, they also have matchups left with the Vikings, Lions, Eagles, Chiefs and Chargers.

Schottenheimer did more harm than good Monday with head-scratching play-calling in the red zone that gave off the appearance he was more concerned with fooling counterpart Jonathan Gannon than pulling the right play. He might’ve been better off pulling play calls out of a hat.

Sacks — five allowed — and turnovers (three) doomed Dallas on Monday.

Their inability to get to quarterback Jacoby Brissett meant the Cardinals had all the time they needed to spread the ball around and function offensively even with a QB2 at the helm and a band of third-team running backs (James Conner and Trey Benson are on IR) sharing the load in the backfield.

Even if the Cowboys beat the Raiders, an 11-day run playing the Eagles (Nov. 23), Chiefs (Nov. 27) and Lions (Dec. 4) might as well be auditions for the Fat Lady, because it’ll pretty much be all over in Dallas by then.

A Christmas Day game against the Commanders? The regular-season finale against the Giants? Both are of interest only for draft position.

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Deadspin | Banged-up Liberty hope to stop the bleeding vs. Sky Jul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs. New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol. In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury. In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career. Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season. Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look. “It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.” While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference. The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played. Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state. However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury. One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team. Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds. Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score. “I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #SkyJul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs.

New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night.

The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol.

In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury.

In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career.

Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season.

Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look.

“It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.”


While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference.

The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played.

Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state.

However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury.

One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team.

Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds.

Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score.

“I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #Sky">Deadspin | Banged-up Liberty hope to stop the bleeding vs. Sky Jul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs. New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol. In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury. In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career. Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season. Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look. “It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.” While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference. The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played. Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state. However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury. One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team. Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds. Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score. “I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #Sky

#Olivia #Miles #top #WNBA #rookies #AllStar #break #ranked">Olivia Miles and the 5 top WNBA rookies at the All-Star break, ranked It’s just about time for the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and that also means it’s time to rank the best-performing WNBA rookies so far.The draft class’s top picks — Azzi Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2) and Awa Fam (No. 3) have all excelled, but there have been a few surprise players in the mix for top performers, too.Here’s where things stand entering the midpoint of the season.1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxOlivia Miles has been a revelation. The No. 2 overall pick is a legitimate MVP candidate, and she’s the biggest reason why the Lynx have been as good as they’ve been this season. Miles is averaging 19.6 points on 50.1% shooting, including 36.2% from three. She’s also tallying 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, while powering the Lynx to the league’s best record. She’s the only player in WNBA history to hit all three marks (19.6 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds) in a single season.2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas WingsBecause Azzi Fudd was drafted before Olivia Miles, her own success has been a bit overshadowed by the Lynx’s point guard. But make no mistake about it: Fudd is having a terrific rookie season in Dallas, and she’s fit perfectly alongside former UConn backcourtmate Paige Bueckers. Fudd is averaging 13.5 points on 45.2% from the field and 38.8% from outside the arc, while establishing herself as one of Dallas’s top defenders.3. Awa Fam, Seattle StormAwa Fam has been exceptional in her age-20 season. Fam shares the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga, and the two have formed a formidable pairing. Fam is averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game (most among rookies). She’s also shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc on 4 attempts.4. Sydney Taylor, Chicago SkySydney Taylor has been a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise difficult Chicago Sky season. Taylor went undrafted, and somehow, she’s established herself as one of the best rookies in the class.Taylor is the third-leading scorer among rookies — averaging 13.5 points per game on 45.2% shooting, while hitting 33.1% from beyond the arc. The most impressive part? She’s doing it in just 19.8 minutes per game.5. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle StormFlau’jae Johnson was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Valkyries, only to be traded on draft night for Marta Suarez, who was later cut. The Valkyries have had a great second season, but the Johnson trade could end up living in infamy. The former LSU star took a few weeks to find her rhythm, but she’s now the second-leading scorer among rookies and an integral part of the Storm’s young core. Johnson is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. She erupted for 26 points on 7-for-11 field goals in a 105-102 loss to the Lynx on Monday. #Olivia #Miles #top #WNBA #rookies #AllStar #break #ranked

“The greatest pain is that we couldn’t bring the World Cup back home to our country. If anyone deserved to live that feeling again, it was you.” Rodrigo De Paul wrote on social media after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final, admitting that the loss will hurt for a long time.

Spain controlled the match from the beginning till the end, dominating ball possession for most of the match. Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to build through midfield, and did not manage to score, with Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal proving to be the clincher for Spain.

De Paul said the bond between the team and the fans goes beyond the trophy, and that this shared identity is what he is holding on to as he processes the defeat.

“There were so many people waiting for us to fall, but that only made us stronger. Their attacks, their conspiracies, and their hate only proved how much our smiles and our way of being bother them.”

De Paul’s message closed with his love for the shirt and his country: “Today more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”

Published on Jul 22, 2026

#Rodrigo #Paul #pens #emotional #reaction #Argentinas #World #Cup #Final #loss">Rodrigo De Paul pens emotional reaction after Argentina’s World Cup Final loss “The greatest pain is that we couldn’t bring the World Cup back home to our country. If anyone deserved to live that feeling again, it was you.” Rodrigo De Paul wrote on social media after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final, admitting that the loss will hurt for a long time.Spain controlled the match from the beginning till the end, dominating ball possession for most of the match. Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to build through midfield, and did not manage to score, with Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal proving to be the clincher for Spain.De Paul said the bond between the team and the fans goes beyond the trophy, and that this shared identity is what he is holding on to as he processes the defeat.“There were so many people waiting for us to fall, but that only made us stronger. Their attacks, their conspiracies, and their hate only proved how much our smiles and our way of being bother them.”De Paul’s message closed with his love for the shirt and his country: “Today more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”Published on Jul 22, 2026 #Rodrigo #Paul #pens #emotional #reaction #Argentinas #World #Cup #Final #loss

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