Dallas Cowboys: Stock Up, Stock Down Following Week Seven Win
The Dallas Cowboys (5-2) rebounded from their second loss of the season to beat the Detroit Lions. Highlighted by the return of their franchise QB. While the first half was sloppy on the offensive side of the ball. Dak was feeling the pressure early, the running game hadn't found it's legs yet and Prescott looked […]
The Dallas Cowboys (5-2) rebounded from their second loss of the season to beat the Detroit Lions. Highlighted by the return of their franchise QB.
While the first half was sloppy on the offensive side of the ball. Dak was feeling the pressure early, the running game hadn't found it's legs yet and Prescott looked rusty. Throwing passes either over receiver's heads, or even with receivers dropping the pass.
However, just like all season, Dallas broke out in the second half. Creating turnovers, pressuring Jared Goff, taking away the running game, Dak found his groove and the running game moved the ball and the clock in favor of Dallas.
The Cowboys ultimately got the win, but lost CB Jourdan Lewis and potentially a few other players for the season.
Now the team can focus on the Chicago Bears, a week out from the bye week. Considering the players who stepped up their performances and who underwhelmed.
As always, elite players such as Micah Parsons or Zack Martin are exempt from this list as they play at elite levels weekly. Normally this would include the franchise QB, but he will get an exception for this.
Stock Up
- QB Dak Prescott – Despite a bad first half, Dak's return to action took off in the second half. On return from injury, he completed 68% of his throws for 207 yards and a touchdown. While unspectacular compared to what we've come to know about Prescott, his progression throughout the game leaves confidence for the rest of the season.
- Edge Sam Williams – The rookie breakout performance Cowboys Nation has been waiting for. On only 14 snaps played, Williams registered two sacks, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and one suplex (leads the team).
- KR/PR KaVontae Turpin – On the season, Tuprin is averaging 16.0 yards per punt return, and 24.6 yards per kick return. Both rank in the top among all returners in the league. Adding a beautiful 52-yard return that almost made it to the endzone adds another dimensional weapon that's incredibly hard to stop.
- TE Peyton Hendershot – We need to acknowledge the man who caught Dak's first touchdown of the season. And on National Tight End's Day no less! His usage, along with Jake Ferguson, are likely to increase as the season extends. Even if CBS gets his name wrong again.
- Edge Dorance Armstrong – So far, the Dallas Cowboys 2022 breakout player of the year. He only trails Micah Parsons in overall sacks on the team, adding another impressive performance with a sack, a tackle for loss, two QB pressures a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Stock Down
- WR Michael Gallup – I'm not too certain if the return from injury is affecting Gallup's speed but he definitely isn't creating separation like he's supposed to. The dropped passes aren't helping either.
- The Run Defense – Once again, the Dallas Cowboys continue to struggle against the run. Primarily in between the tackles. RB Jamaal Williams racked up over five yards per carry on the day. Were it not for creating the turnovers and forcing the Lions to throw, they likely finish with even more than 117 yards on the ground.
- CB Anthony Brown – This isn't the worst game Brown has played so far, but the Cowboys corner allowed over 12 yards per catch and missed on 50% of his tackle attempts. The highest on the team.
- LB Anthony Barr – Barr was targeted in coverage four times, allowing three completions for 36 yards (12 yards per play). Often in coverage against a TE. An area the defense continues to struggle in.
- OT Tyler Smith – In fairness to the rookie, he played much better in the second half. After getting bullied by fellow rookie Adain Hutchinson for much of the game finally figured it out after halftime. However, the pressures and sacks given up, as well as leading the team in penalties is not what you want after a hot start.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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