JOHN FASSEL

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys believe they are the team that blew out Atlanta, not the one that was dominated by double-digit underdog Denver when a six-game winning streak ended.

Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is planning on using running back Tony Pollard more as a receiver this season, either out of the backfield on in the slot to give defenses different looks in 2021.

The former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel has died.

The first of two fake punts from Dallas territory helped dig a 20-point hole in the first quarter in last week's 40-39 win over Atlanta. Case in point: a fake field goal on fourth-and-26 against Chicago in 2012. “Everything that happened in that game happened for a reason for us to win,” Fassel said. The fake punts often are dictated by how the receiving team lines up. “It’s important for the players to feel the confidence from the head coach,” McCarthy said.

So it's only fitting that when Kroenke's Los Angeles Rams open their $5 billion West Coast NFL showpiece on Sunday night, their opponents will be Jones' Dallas Cowboys. “Jerry has told us all about the stadium,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “I know he’s excited for the Rams organization and what’s gone into this stadium. It’s supposed to be an unbelievable venue.”McCarthy's debut as the Cowboys' first new coach in a decade is the other milestone event at SoFi Stadium. They held two scrimmages at SoFi Stadium to familiarize their players with their new environs, but the awe still hasn't evaporated.

FRISCO, Texas The Dallas Cowboys released Kai Forbath on Saturday, clearing the way for Greg Zuerlein to be their kicker in 2020. Forbath signed a one-year contract in March after making all 10 kicks as the midseason replacement for a struggling Brett Maher in 2019. Zuerlein signed a three-year contract with $2.3 million guaranteed just a few days later and was reunited with special teams coach John Fassel, who left the Los Angeles Rams and joined new Dallas coach Mike McCarthy's staff. The 32-year-old Zuerlein was second to Maher in misses in the NFL last season with nine. The move means Smith either tested positive for the virus, which teams are not confirming, or was in close contact with someone who tested positive.