Dallas Cowboys: Stock Up, Stock Down Following Week Six Loss
The Dallas Cowboys (4-2) are coming off their latest game. A loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles 26-17. Though this game wasn't a complete game for either side. A scoreless first quarter lead to a Philadelphia free for all in the second. Followed by a second half comeback by the Cowboys, that would ultimately come […]
The Dallas Cowboys (4-2) are coming off their latest game. A loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles 26-17.
Though this game wasn't a complete game for either side. A scoreless first quarter lead to a Philadelphia free for all in the second. Followed by a second half comeback by the Cowboys, that would ultimately come up short due to too many turnovers and the inability to stop the Eagles on third or fourth down and one yard to go.
What's next for the Cowboys will dictate whether or not QB Dak Prescott returns. However, despite the obvious defaults of the game, there were actually a number of things to build on.
Including breakout performances and breakout players.
These two teams will meet again on Christmas Eve, but game one goes to Philly. Before we move on, we need to acknowledge who did themselves a service as well as the opposite.
As always, elite players like Micah Parsons or Zack Martin are exempt from this list as they play at elite levels weekly.
Stock Up
- TE Jake Ferguson – The Dallas Cowboys rookie tight end finished with four catches for 40 yards (should've been five catches for 56 yards) and a touchdown. In the absence of Dalton Schultz, Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot are giving Cowboys fans a glimpse of what life is life without 86.
- PR/KR KaVontae Turpin – 'Turpin Time' is causing opponents to drink turpentine. He averages in the top 10 among all major return categories, finishing the game with 132 return yards.
- OT Terence Steele – Steele was the best offensive lineman on the Dallas side of the ball as well as their highest graded. Keeping Josh Sweat away from Cooper Rush and opening the running lanes that once again eclipsed 120 yards on the ground.
- DB Malik Hooker – Hooker led the team in tackles for the game (12) and only allowing 11 yards receiving when targeted.
- Edge Dorance Armstrong – Remember the sack competition between Micah Parsons (6) and DeMarcus Lawrence (3)? Well not only has Armstrong matched his total from all of 2021 with five sacks thanks to his primetime performance.
- DL Chauncey Golston – Golston finally got some meaningful defensive snaps. His most defensive playing time of the season (28) but made the most of them with a sack and tackle for loss.
- RB Ezekiel Elliott – Elliott was the more effective running back in this game. Outrushing Pollard by 2.2 yards per carry, for 81 yards on the ground. A season-high for the Cowboys running back.
Stock Down
- QB Cooper Rush – Starting the year 4-0 as the starter, Rush has now played his 'backup' game. Completing under 200 yards passing on 47.4% completion for three interceptions, and luckily not more. His inability to throw outside or extend the play limits the offense in ways that Dak Prescott is sorely missed.
- WR Michael Gallup – Two catches for 18 yards isn't enough. Even though often covered by Darius Slay, Gallup was often unable to create separation. Rush looked his was one too many times and is lucky he only got picked off three times.
- Run Defense – The Eagles finished with 136 total yards on the ground, with Miles Sanders leading the way with 71 yards. As well as an additional 52 yards from QB Jalen Hurts and RB2 Kenneth Gainwell. We knew how dangerous the RPO would be and it was used relentlessly.
- OL Jason Peters – Early on, he seemed like he was the best option at left guard. Even with the Dallas Cowboys playing musical chairs with the rotation, it looks as if Connor McGovern really has the LG spot on lock.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
