Could Dalvin Cook be about to shake things up for the Cowboys against the Ravens? Coach Mike McCarthy‘s recent comment has left fans and analysts on edge. Cook’s status is the hot topic, and McCarthy’s vagueness is fielding speculation.

NFL insider Jon Machota dropped the bombshell on X: When asked if RB Cook would be active on Sunday, McCarthy played it cool. “We’re practicing everybody. We want everybody ready to go,” the Cowboys’ HC asserted. Translation? The speculation’s about to get real wild.

Big D’s ground game’s been more “meh” than “wow” this season. They’re stumbling at 25th in rushing yards, averaging a mere 85.0 per game. Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle have managed to scrape together 56 yards each, with Elliott snagging the team’s only rushing TD. Their split workload hasn’t exactly turned heads, so the team’s eyeing a potential game-changer in Cook.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano dropped some knowledge, saying Dallas is seriously considering whether Dalvin Cook could be the spark they need. “The Cowboys’ run game is a problem and they know they need to get more out of it,” Graziano asserted. “They like what they’ve seen from Cook on the practice squad, and they haven’t ruled out bringing him up if Elliott and Dowdle don’t step it up.”

The four-time Pro Bowler joined the Big D practice team in late August, looking to prove he’s still got it. After a lackluster 2023 split between the Jets and Ravens—where he posted a career-low 3.2 yards per carry—he’s hungry for redemption. While his playoff cameo with Baltimore was a bright spot, his year overall was pretty quiet.

Despite his age and recent stats raising some doubts, Dalvin Cook’s got serious pedigree. Graziano hinted that while Cook’s activation this week might seem like a long shot, a dud performance from the current backs could flip the script. “Not likely this week, but if the run game falters against the Ravens, don’t be shocked if Cook gets a shot,” he teased.

As the Cowboys prep to face the Ravens, their running game needs a serious boost. And while X’s and O’s matter, coach McCarthy knows the real game’s about emotional discipline and staying cool. 

Mike McCarthy’s playbook: Emotional discipline is the real game-changer

Football’s a game of high drama and intense emotions, but Dallas HC ain’t just talking about how to handle the heat; he’s laying down the law on emotional discipline. With the season’s pressure mounting, McCarthy’s message is loud and clear: stay cool, stay focused.

“Emotion’s a big part of the game. Emotional discipline is critical,” McCarthy told Jon Machota. “What happens on the sidelines usually just stays there unless it leads to bigger issues.” He’s laying down a strategy. The Cowboys have had their share of sideline drama this season. Passion’s important, but the real game’s played between the ears. “Perception isn’t always reality,” McCarthy added.

It’s not about just keeping your cool but channeling that fire into top-notch performance. As the Cowboys gear up for the season, McCarthy’s focus on emotional discipline could be the game-changer they need.

As Big D navigates their season, Mike McCarthy’s focus on emotional discipline might just be the secret sauce they need. 

Besides it, you can watch our Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders, for more insights on NFL, college football, and NIL.