Unlikely Dallas Cowboys performer leads group whose stocks are up
It was ugly for much of the game, but the Dallas Cowboys are 10-3 after beating the Houston Texans in what came down to the final drive. For much of this game, players displayed moments that were good and moments that were bad. Had the Texans wound up with the victory, this list may look […]
It was ugly for much of the game, but the Dallas Cowboys are 10-3 after beating the Houston Texans in what came down to the final drive.
For much of this game, players displayed moments that were good and moments that were bad. Had the Texans wound up with the victory, this list may look a little different.
For every good play that was met, a bad play was somehow tied to it. Whether it's allowing 120 yards on the ground, but keeping the offense under 3.5 yards per carry, or turning the ball over on offense but creating the game-winning drive (98 yards) on all positive plays.
However, there are a few notable exceptions. Players who played above expectation and continue to excel, or players who continue to disappoint or who's 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 Noah Brown – Brown's best came at a needed time. The Texans defense kept the Cowboys receivers at bay for much of the game. So seeing Brown go four catches for 85 yards was a welcomed sight. Even with the addition of T.Y. Hilton, Brown's reliability in specific roles is good to have for a postseason run.
- DT Quinton Bohanna – The loss of Johnathan Hankins hurts, especially in the run game, but the return of Bohanna helps. Bohanna finished with the team's highest defensive grade on the day, with a tackle for loss to show for how much he was a handle in the gaps.
- DT Neville Gallimore – Gallimore's continued use on the interior has been a welcomed sign as he brings an added athleticism to his sudden rise in use to cover the interior. As both a pass rusher and run stuffer.
- DT Osa Odighizuwa – Odighizuwa continues his strong sophomore campaign as the best Cowboys defensive tackle on Sunday. Finishing the day with four tackles, including one for loss, and adding pressure from the interior for much of the game.
- OL Jason Peters – Jason Peters has taken 0 snaps at right guard in practice or a game all season. None. Yet, with the game on the line, he overcame his reluctance to fill the role that Ball struggled in pass protection. Having all positive plays in both the run and pass, giving him the clear edge at right tackle. His one incentive is that he will start but won't need to play every down.
- LB Leighton Vander Esch – LVE had maybe the best game of any player. Regardless of position or side of the ball. By far his best game as a tackler and defending the run, leading all players with 14 tackles, including one behind the line.
- DB Kelvin Joseph – Sometimes it's how you finish and not how you start. The Dallas Cowboys de facto CB2 gave up a long pass early in the game, but stayed tight in coverage for the entirety, simply attacking the ball a hair too soon. Allowing three of the four catches given up in the first half. Playing much tighter coverage in the second half, including a key pass breakup in the fourth quarter.
Stock Down
- WR Jalen Tolbert – Tolbert is having the most disappointing season by any Cowboys rookie so far. With Washington back from injury, it kept Tolbert off the game day roster. Now that T.Y. Hilton is on the team, he won't see the field until 2023.
- Edge Dante Fowler –
- WR James Washington – Good news is Washington is back, the bad news is he didn't catch on his one target. He only played 11 snaps but with the addition of Hilton, it's uncertain what role, if any, Washington can fill.
- OL Josh Ball – The Dallas Cowboys allowed one sack and one pressure all game. Both came on back-to-back plays and both came by way of Ball. One of which lead to an almost disastrous interception.
- OL Connor McGovern – McGovern has had a really solid season at left guard, especially considering how much he struggled in his 2021 campaign. However, with the impending return of Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith is slated to take over at guard. Starting this weekend as the Dallas Cowboys plan to rotate their offensive line, respectively.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
