Playmakers lead a number of Dallas Cowboys whose stocks are up
It was ugly but the Dallas Cowboys have 12 wins for the second year in a row. They are now guaranteed at worst the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. Having to win against the Washington Commanders and a loss from Philadelphia by way of the New York Giants. Setting up a number of scenarios […]
It was ugly but the Dallas Cowboys have 12 wins for the second year in a row. They are now guaranteed at worst the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. Having to win against the Washington Commanders and a loss from Philadelphia by way of the New York Giants.
Setting up a number of scenarios that come down to choices the Cowboys will have to make. But they'll have had 10 days between their game this weekend and their Thursday night matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
It was uncomfortably close for a game in which Tennessee opted to sit a number of their starters. Opting instead to have them healthy for Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The defense allowed under 100 yards on the ground for the second-straight week but at 4.0 yards per carry. Even catching fits from backup QB Josh Dobbs despite causing two turnovers.
The Cowboys offense wasn't effective on the ground without Tony Pollard, with rookie Malik Davis leading Dallas in rushing.
QB Dak Prescott had another impressive outing, despite two interceptions. One as a result of the ball popping off of TE Peyton Hendershot's hands, the other as a result of Prescott reading the coverage wrong and throwing too shallow.
Even still, the Dallas Cowboys are 12-4 and style points only count in college.
However, there are a few notable exceptions on the field. Players who played above expectation and continue to excel, or players who continue to disappoint or whose future’s are in flux.
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 also includes the likes of safeties Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson, as well as TE Dalton Schultz and RBs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
Stock Up
- WR T.Y. Hilton – The Dallas Cowboys may have taken their time on adding a receiver but it is paying off. In his first game with Dallas, he made two key plays: creating a defensive penalty and '3rd and 30'. This week, he moved the chains multiple times. Catching four of five targets for 50 yards and becoming the Cowboys (current) WR2.
- DT Carlos Watkins – In the weeks since Johnathan Hankins has gone down, the Cowboys have had a number of tackles fill in at nose to stop the run. Using Quinton Bohanna and Neville Gallimore, who've had their moments. However, it was Watkins who was easily the best interior lineman. Not only stuffing his gap, but finishing tied for third on the team in tackles including a beautiful tackle for loss.
- LB Damone Clark – Clark followed up what might've been his most disappointing performance with a great one. Containing the run from the MIKE linebacker position as we've been more accustomed, and finishing with five tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.
- DB DaRon Bland – As a starter, this was easily Bland's best game in coverage. Despite no interceptions this time, he only allowed eight yards in coverage after being targeted five times, breaking up two passes.
- Edge Dante Fowler – Fowler landed his first (strip) sack since week 11, giving him six for the season. His most since 2019. On top of that, his four QB pressures lead the team, and is the second time this season he's done so.
- Edge Sam Williams – Missing Sam Williams following his car accident was obvious against the run. Williams is easily the Dallas Cowboys most flexible defensive linemen. Playing 3-tech, nose (in passing situations) and both edges. Finishing second on the team in QB pressures (3) and continuing as one of the team's best run defenders.
- OL Connor McGovern – McGovern had to switch to center after Tyler Biadasz suffered an ankle injury. His snaps were efficient and kept his base in pass blocking, transitioning from snapping the ball to setting his feet efficiently. It looks like he'll have to do it again this weekend again. If he plays as well as he did against the Titans, there shouldn't be any let down.
Stock Down
- CB Nahshon Wright – Wright was targeted 10 times, giving up seven receptions (70%) for 102 yards. By far his worst outing. On the plus side, the three catches not allowed were two pass break ups and his first career interception. So not ALL bad.
- WR James Washington – 15 targets in two games and inactive the last two weeks. His foot injury kept him out until December and the emergence of Hilton made him expendable. Now he is on waivers and it's unknown if a team will take him on this late in the year. Practice squad maybe?
- DB Kelvin Joseph – At one point Kelvin Joseph was a starter following the season-ending injury to Anthony Brown. A terrible outing against the Jaguars sent him back to special teams. In this game, he only had two defensive snaps all game long and his most impactful play was on special teams. Unfortunately, it was a penalty that put Tennessee in position to cut it to a two-score game. His value does not look good.
- Edge Dorance Armstrong – Despite still being second on the team in sacks, Armstrong isn't making the impact he had the first half+ of the season. No sacks since Week 12 and only two QB pressures in the last five games. On top of this, he isn't as effective against the run as opposed to Sam Williams or Chauncey Golston, and players like Fowler are showing more effectiveness getting to the quarterback.
- TE Peyton Hendershot – Ever since his fantastic 20-yard touchdown three weeks ago against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hendershot has been Hendershut out of opportunities. Only one target since that catch and it was for an ugly tipped interception that will go credited to QB Dak Prescott (unfortunately).
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel of USA TODAY Sports
