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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

DavidCastilloAC @davidcastillo.bsky.social · 21h

A brief dive into who Glen Gulutzan chooses to be his champion when it comes to setting the tone for the 2025-2026 Dallas Stars (and why the obvious candidate may not be the best; but also why they could be). www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Glen Gulutzan Is Looking For Tone Setters. Here Are the Early Candidates.

A new style of play goes as far as the players who help implement it. A few names stand out in the early going.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 23h

I'd submit that the Stars' results so far, even in Central play, matter a lot less than setting the right tone early in the Gulutzan era.

With that in mind, here are some very wise words from
@davidcastillo.bsky.social on the players doing just that:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Glen Gulutzan Is Looking For Tone Setters. Here Are the Early Candidates.

A new style of play goes as far as the players who help implement it. A few names stand out in the early going.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 1d

The story of the yesterday's loss to Carolina is the story of the Cowboys' year so far: there is no margin for error. And that means their season is already on the brink. Here's Jake Kemp:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

The Cowboys' Margin For Error Is Gone After Losing to Carolina - D Magazine

Another terrible defensive effort led to another unacceptable loss. Now Dallas' season is on the line, with no room left to mistakes.

www.dmagazine.com

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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

Garrett Beach @glbeach630.bsky.social · 4d

LFG

Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 4d

There’s a reason Skip Schumaker was the Rangers’ only real candidate to succeed Bruce Bochy. Many reasons, actually. Here is @zcrizer.bsky.social with the full breakdown of why Texas moved so fast on him.

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Skip Schumaker Was the Rangers’ Only Candidae to Succeed Bruce Bochy. Here’s Why.

The playoffs were barely underway before Texas tabbed the 45-year-old as its next manager. And from familiarity with the organization to a track record of overachievement, he has plenty working in his...

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 4d

There’s a reason Skip Schumaker was the Rangers’ only real candidate to succeed Bruce Bochy. Many reasons, actually. Here is @zcrizer.bsky.social with the full breakdown of why Texas moved so fast on him.

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Skip Schumaker Was the Rangers’ Only Candidae to Succeed Bruce Bochy. Here’s Why.

The playoffs were barely underway before Texas tabbed the 45-year-old as its next manager. And from familiarity with the organization to a track record of overachievement, he has plenty working in his...

www.dmagazine.com

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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

Sean Shapiro @seanshapiro.bsky.social · 5d

For the first time in 17 years, Jamie Benn won't be in the opening-night lineup. It's a reminder that sooner than later someone will emerge as the Stars leader.

On that opportunity for whomever becomes the Stars next captain

My latest for @DMagazine

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

The Search for the Stars’ Next Captain Begins Tonight

Tonight's season opener is Dallas' first without Jamie Benn since 2009. As their leader recovers from a collapsed lung, the Stars have an opportunity to identify the player who will eventually take up...

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 5d

Jamie Benn is the Stars. The Stars are Jamie Benn.

But for the first time since 2009, that won't be the case on opening night. That means the search for his successor as captain informally begins now.

Excellent stuff only @seanshapiro.bsky.social can write:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

The Search for the Stars’ Next Captain Begins Tonight

Tonight's season opener is Dallas' first without Jamie Benn since 2009. As their leader recovers from a collapsed lung, the Stars have an opportunity to identify the player who will eventually take up...

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 6d

It's a remarkable talent

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 6d

Think we can safely put to bed any questions about the Cowboys' offense. The defense? Entirely different story.

That's why, as David Moore writes, so much of where this season goes rests on Matt Eberflus' shoulders:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Matt Eberflus Will Determine Where the Cowboys’ Season Goes From Here

Dallas has answered any lingering questions about its offense. Defense is another story. And the Cowboys' first-year coordinator faces plenty of challenges as he tries to right the ship.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 7d

The outstanding @flemfile.bsky.social has a book coming out about the original Dallas Texans, and it is predictably great.

So I'm thrilled to be running an excerpt of it. Meet Buddy Young, a 5'4'' RB who was Dallas' first pro football star. You'll love this:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Remembering the Pint-Sized Buddy Young, Dallas’ First Pro Football Star

An excerpt from the upcoming book A Big Mess in Texas: The Miraculous, Disastrous 1952 Dallas Texans and the Craziest Untold Story in NFL History.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 8d

Jake Kemp's piece about yesterday's smackdown of the Jets begins by referencing French philosophy from 1897. It's also the best piece about yesterday's smackdown of the Jets. I will let you decide if these two things are related.

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

The Cowboys Offense Finally Has a Plan B

For far too long, Dallas had nowhere to turn when its go-to options failed. Those days are over.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 11d

Beginning on Sunday, the Cowboys’ schedule softens up a bit. Will that help them rebound from another missed opportunity against the team that’s haunted Dallas since January 2024?

Here’s David Moore:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Where Do the Cowboys Go Next After Another Packers Haunting?

Dallas has been stuck in neutral since its playoff shellacking by Green Bay two seasons ago. Now, after another missed opportunity against its northern rival, it must plot a course forward.

www.dmagazine.com

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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

rivers mccown @riversmccown.bsky.social · 12d

Let's talk about the Javontessance.

Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 12d

The Cowboys have made more than their share of dumb signings, cheap signings, and dumb and cheap signings. Javonte Williams is not one of them.

Here's @riversmccown.bsky.social with an excellent look at why the 25-year-old looks reborn and why it can stick:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Javonte Williams Looks Reborn For the Cowboys. Here’s Why.

Dallas entered the season with a major question at running back. The 25-year-old surprisingly looks like the answer.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 12d

The Cowboys have made more than their share of dumb signings, cheap signings, and dumb and cheap signings. Javonte Williams is not one of them.

Here's @riversmccown.bsky.social with an excellent look at why the 25-year-old looks reborn and why it can stick:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Javonte Williams Looks Reborn For the Cowboys. Here’s Why.

Dallas entered the season with a major question at running back. The 25-year-old surprisingly looks like the answer.

www.dmagazine.com

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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

Ishmael Johnson @yeahlikethebook.bsky.social · 14d

New byline dropped 🤞🏿

Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 14d

After the Kevin Jennings story, we got requests for more SMU pieces on StrongSide. We are happy to oblige -- and we got a great one in @yeahlikethebook.bsky.social writing them.

Here's his first, on where the Mustangs stand heading into ACC play this weekend:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

SMU Still Has Everything to Play for As ACC Play Begins

The Mustangs have their issues after an underwhelming performance in nonconference play. But all of them are surmountable, if they can tighten up on defense.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 13d

Good morning! My cover story on Dirk Nowitzki is now online.

TV, life after retirement, the Mavs, Harvard business school, secret hoops training sessions, the next Nowitzki hooper, Dirk playing jazz flute -- it's all in here. I hope you enjoy.

www.dmagazine.com/publications...

Dirk is Anchorman! - D Magazine

Six years after retiring from the Mavericks, he's made a career move that would shock his younger self. And that's far from the only thing he's been doing since hanging up the jersey.

www.dmagazine.com

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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

Sam Hale @samhale.bsky.social · 14d

Relevant once again, just change out the coach’s name as necessary: www.dmagazine.com/sports/2022/...

The Wings’ Problems Run Deeper Than Vickie Johnson

Dallas' decision not to bring back the head coach for a third season is justifiable. But the organization needs a systemic overhaul even more than a coaching change.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 14d

After the Kevin Jennings story, we got requests for more SMU pieces on StrongSide. We are happy to oblige -- and we got a great one in @yeahlikethebook.bsky.social writing them.

Here's his first, on where the Mustangs stand heading into ACC play this weekend:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

SMU Still Has Everything to Play for As ACC Play Begins

The Mustangs have their issues after an underwhelming performance in nonconference play. But all of them are surmountable, if they can tighten up on defense.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 15d

Just about everything from last night's game goes back to Dak Prescott. Because just about everything in this Cowboys season will, too.

Here's Jake Kemp on why Prescott looked back to his 2023 form on a weird night of football.

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Dak Prescott Snatched a Tie From the Jaws of Defeat Against Green Bay - D Magazine

Yes, a win would have been better. But the Cowboys wouldn't have just lost on Sunday without their quarterback—they'd be lost without him.

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 18d

Eight months ago, Mike McCarthy left the Cowboys. He hasn't said a word about it since... until now.

David Moore caught up with Dallas' former head coach to talk about his departure, his year with family, Schotty, Micah & more.

You know what to do:

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

Mike McCarthy Breaks His Post-Cowboys Silence

In his first interview since leaving the team in January, the former head coach talks to D Magazine about his departure from Dallas, his year away from football, Brian Schottenheimer, and the Micah Pa...

www.dmagazine.com

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 19d

zero lies spotted

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Reposted by Mike Piellucci

N.B. Lindberg @nblindberg.bsky.social · 19d

This cover alone may save print journalism

Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 19d

Hey, hi, hello. I profiled Dirk Nowitzki for the cover of our October issue, and we talked about everything from TV to taking business classes to the Mavs.

Also, we got him to dress up like Ron Burgundy. Here is visual proof.

Go buy a copy! I can't wait for you to read it.

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 19d

Hey, hi, hello. I profiled Dirk Nowitzki for the cover of our October issue, and we talked about everything from TV to taking business classes to the Mavs.

Also, we got him to dress up like Ron Burgundy. Here is visual proof.

Go buy a copy! I can't wait for you to read it.

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 19d

This is the "Travis Hunter or Ashton Jeanty" Heisman race, in which the obvious answer was just "Yes"

Chris Towers is in Offseason Mode @cptowers.bsky.social · 20d

So, again: If your opinion is Aaron Judge should be MVP, you are right. If your opinion is Cal Raleigh should be MVP, you are also right. Acting like either is a bad choice is silly.

I am losing patience for all of you!

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Mike Piellucci @mikelikessports.bsky.social · 19d

Any talk about where the Rangers go next begins with one obvious truth: there are only so many prime Corey Seager years left to work with.

Here's @zcrizer.bsky.social on the few things Texas can count on alongside star shortstop, and what must be done to help him

www.dmagazine.com/sports/2025/...

The Rangers Must Maximize the Corey Seager Era While They Still Can

The 31-year-old shortstop remains one of the best players in baseball. Can Texas build enough around him before it's too late?

www.dmagazine.com

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