👋 Good morning! First off, big shoutout to Bobby Karalla for holding it down on the newsletter front. The man set the bar high, and now I’m thrilled to pick things up from here.

I’m Ali Jawad, and like most of you reading this, I’ve been riding the Dallas sports rollercoaster my whole life. Yes, I’m still holding out hope that one day the Cowboys will finally hoist the Lombardi again—and no, you can’t talk me out of it.

I’m pumped to be part of the DLLS crew and the All City Network family. More importantly, I’m excited to hang out with you every morning right here in your inbox, and on weekdays over on the Cowboys Podcast. - Ali Jawad

Jerry Jones doesn’t just talk, he drops bombshells, and this week was no different. The Cowboys’ long-time owner opened up on America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys about what he really looks for in a head coach, and the answer will change the way you see this franchise. Forget just X’s and O’s, Jones revealed one main quality that explain’s for years why certain big-name candidates never got a shot in Dallas (as if they really would want one). It was part fascinating, part frustrating, and completely eye-opening for fans who’ve wondered why this team makes the choices it does.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Mingo’s injury situation finally got some clarity, and it’s a storyline that could shake up the Cowboys’ wide receiver rotation before Week 1.

Then came the offensive line talk. This is the unit that could make or break the season, and the issues are glaring. Health, depth, consistency — all of it’s in question. Can they keep Dak upright, or is this going to be the some horror movie we’ve watched too many times before? The guys didn’t sugarcoat it, and the breakdown was on key.

Also remember that one important guy that Jones still needs to sign, Micah Parsons. Well he also turned heads with his take on preseason reps for starters, sparking a fiery debate between Jesse and Clarence on our Cowboys Podcast. Should franchise players risk injury in meaningless August games, or do those reps matter if you want to be ready in September? Parsons picked his side, and it was enough to send the conversation into overdrive.

And just when the conversation seemed to settle, it shifted to potential roster cuts — and the Cowboys could be in for some surprises, at least that’s what head coach Brian Schottenheimer hinted at. Every team has them, but this year feels different. Who could be on the bubble? Maybe a recent first-round pick? Nobody’s spot is guaranteed when the 53 gets finalized, and some of the names mentioned might catch fans off guard.

Bottom line, no matter the time of year, the Cowboys always find new and exciting ways to make headlines; unfortunately, it’s for all the wrong reasons. But hey, this is still our year, right?

The nightmare on the road just won’t end for the Rangers. Another crushing loss in Kansas City has this season teetering, and fans are asking if this is the point where it all slips away. A controversial Joc Pederson call set social media on fire, Bruce Bochy shook up the lineup, and still the same ugly truth remains: this team can’t win away from home. Our DLLS Rangers team gives their unfiltered take on what’s really going wrong, and why it could decide the fate of the season.

Are the Dallas Stars still one of the West’s top contenders, or is their grip on the Cup chase slipping? Our DLLS Stars crew asked a special guest, The Athletic’s Ottawa Senators beat writer Julian McKenzie, listen to what he had to say.

Yes Micah Parsons was at Cowboys open practice and yes fans were chanting “We want Micah” to Jerry Jones who addressed the crowd earlier in the night.

Let’s hope the scene of No. 11 in a few weeks, will be him spending his evening on September 4th chasing after Jalen Hurts and no longer after a new deal.

Be sure to subscribe to our shows wherever you listen to your podcasts. Traffic can be the worst, and one of the best ways I get through it is by listening to the audio versions of our DLLS shows. You should, too!

Ali Jawad
Dallas Cowboys ​Content Creator/Newsletter Writer
[email protected]