Dallas Cowboys: Stock Up, Stock Down Following Week 12 Win
Two wins in five days. The Dallas Cowboys (8-3) move into second place outright in the NFC East after sweeping the NY Giants (7-4) for the second year in a row. Despite a tumultuous first half, the team exploded in the second half in typical Cowboys fashion. Dak Prescott threw two interceptions to start, but […]
Two wins in five days. The Dallas Cowboys (8-3) move into second place outright in the NFC East after sweeping the NY Giants (7-4) for the second year in a row.
Despite a tumultuous first half, the team exploded in the second half in typical Cowboys fashion.
Dak Prescott threw two interceptions to start, but finished with two touchdown passes. Completing 70% of his passes for the game.
Once again, the defense held the running game to under 100 yards on the ground. Highlighted by only 39 yards to Barkley. As well as a three sack game, two for Micah Parsons and another for Dorance Armstrong.
Plenty to like but with obvious concerns.
However, the biggest black eye was undoubtedly the penalties. 13 penalties for 86 yards. An area the Cowboys rank second in the league. In addition to turnovers and a lack of output from key players in specialist positions and the trenches.
Great news however is they get a 10-day rest (from Thursday) for the Indianapolis Colts who will have a short-week turnaround. Playing the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football.
Plenty to like and still plenty to build on.
As always, high-profile players who’ll factor in weekly such as Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons or Zack Martin are exempt from this list as they play at elite levels frequently. Or at least, are expected to.
This includes the likes of WR CeeDee Lamb, RB Tony Pollard and edge rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong.
Stock Up
- RB Ezekiel Elliott – Not only did Elliott carry the ball less than Tony Pollard, but he had more yards (92) and yards per carry (5.8). This is a reminder game for Zeke. A reminder that as great as Pollard is playing, you need both of the Cowboys running backs to continue their success on the ground.
- WR Michael Gallup – Other than maybe Elliott, no one's stock is higher following Thanksgiving than the Cowboys WR2. Gallup finished with his best game of the season, five catches for 63 yards with an impressive 16.9 average depth of target and zero drops.
- LB Damone Clark – Once again, Clark is takin full advantage of his extended time on the field. On his second career start in five days, Clark was one of the best players in pursuit in run defense, finishing the day with seven tackles and a forced fumble. He may be too good to take off the field.
- The Tight Ends – If it isn't obvious yet, the Dallas Cowboys love to use multiple TE looks. Whether it's 12, 13 or even sometimes 14-personnel! The quartet combined for 90 combined yards (three in the air) and three touchdowns, as well as creating the push to the outside. Allowing the rushing attack to finish just under 170 yards, all for the sake of charity.
- LB Leighton Vander Esch – In the same breath as Clark, LVE was just as effective in stopping the run. Leading the team in tackles (eight) while playing more snaps on defense than anyone not in the secondary.
- DL Chauncey Golston – Clark and LVE were big factors in the Cowboys keeping Saquon Barkley at 39 rushing yards, and the team at 90. But once again, Golston is showing his impact on run defense when he's on the field as opposed to off. Finishing the game with a tackle for loss, despite only playing 10 defensive snaps.
Stock Down
- CB Anthony Brown – The good news for Brown is he's the better option than Kelvin Joseph. The bad news is he hasn't been playing well either. Despite no Sterling Shepard and Wan'Dale Robinson, it was no problem for players like Darius Slayton to take advantage.
- OL Tyler Smith – Let's be honest. The rookie didn't have a good game. Despite an otherwise solid outing as a run blocker, his pass blocking was the obvious culprit, often getting beat by Kayvon Thibodeaux. Even with the plan in place to eventually switch him to guard in place, the Dallas Cowboys might want to switch him sooner than later.
- The Other WRs – The ONLY receviers to catch a pass from Dak Prescott were CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Combining for 11 catches and 144 yards. OBJ anyone? Noah Brown and Jalen Tolbert aren't playing to a consistent standard and even with James Waashington's possible return, it's not enough to overcome the deficit. The Dallas Cowboys need more from the WR room.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
