A few of you asked me to offer thoughts on the Cowboys we don’t talk about as much as Micah Parsons or Dak Prescott.
I get it. Of course, when we are in the normal week-to-week schedule of covering games, their results and the pivot points for each result, we probably don’t spend enough time on the rank and file. For the next few days, let’s make it our point to go right down the list and grade these players against any sort of offseason expectations. That will be somewhat complicated with subjective analysis, but it doesn’t mean we can’t give this a try. We will do the same for the defense later this week.
Advertisement
Today, we judge the offense based on what we have seen this year. The unit in general has seen a major drop-off from 2021 standards, but that was expected when four significant pieces were lost for most, if not all, of the journey to date. Aside from no Prescott for the majority of the season, the Cowboys lost Tyron Smith to injury and dismissed La’el Collins and Amari Cooper from their roster electively and Cedrick Wilson and Connor Williams left as free agents. This was never going to be the 2021 offense. Still, what the offense has lacked in productivity, it has mitigated somewhat with avoiding the mistakes like turnovers and sacks for most of the year. It also has cashed in most of its red zone drives. The passing game and explosive plays are missing, but overall, to be 6-2 with the struggles on offense should be rightfully celebrated. Dallas is set up to make a move down the stretch this year.
Starting with the offensive line, here are a few thoughts on each player through the first half of 2022.
GO DEEPER
The best takeaways, quotes from recent interviews with Cowboys coaches
Offensive line
Tyler Smith, 497 snaps: The rookie has been so far beyond expectations in his first year that we probably should talk about him more. There was great pessimism about a guy who struggled at left tackle for Tulsa last year to have his technique so improved in the NFL as a rookie at a spot where the Cowboys did not expect him to have to replace Tyron Smith immediately. They thought they could ease him in at guard first, but that vanished. Smith has not been a major liability. Yes, he is beginning to show some vulnerabilities with wide pass rushes and has seven penalties, but he has been an easy net-positive — he has been a savior so far. B+
Tyron Smith, 0 snaps: The veteran needed knee surgery Aug. 31 and has missed the entire season. Past teams might have used that as the reason the season collapsed before it started. The fact that his absence is rarely mentioned demonstrates how excuses are used much less by this regime. His return is projected for December and might make things very interesting. Incomplete
Connor McGovern, 270 snaps: He started the season at left guard in his final season on his rookie deal, then quickly suffered a high ankle sprain seven snaps into the opener. He returned against Washington and has been the primary left guard since. He struggled mightily in his first few games back, but has turned the corner in the past two weeks. He is in a bit of a job share and we assume the big picture is still to slide Tyler Smith to his spot if Tyron Smith can take over. Judging him against his expectations before this year, I think he has been about right. C-
Matt Farniok, 191 snaps: He was the primary replacement for McGovern in Weeks 1 through 3 and since has played as the big fullback option in the backfield for 14 snaps since Week 4. Overall, he is still developing and really struggled with pass protection and recognition early. He has not quite been a real challenge for McGovern as some projected in camp. He is probably one of several reasons why Dallas signed Jason Peters. D+
Jason Peters, 61 snaps: We still don’t have a strong feeling for what he is capable of doing and that is a credit to Tyler Smith’s work at left tackle. The nearly 41-year-old veteran might have been hurried to save the season at left tackle had the rookie failed, but to this point, the Cowboys have wanted to try to get his body right and find places to work him in. Right now, he is here as injury insurance at probably four spots on the line for the stretch of this season — insurance that they would love to not need to use. Incomplete
Tyler Biadasz, 498 snaps: The more we see Biadasz play, the more we see his growth. He had a number of rough moments as a rookie, but in 2021 and 2022, he has been nothing worse than a league-average starting center. For a fourth-round homegrown prospect, you will take that every day of the week. His performance is generally solid and acceptable which is exactly what Dallas wanted. C+
Zack Martin, 496 snaps: This is how we grade on a curve in that he has been an elite player for so long that we probably don’t spend enough time marveling at what he brings to the table. A rough day against the Rams — by his standards — is the only game I didn’t think he was his normal, excellent self. His health is one of his best attributes. He is in his ninth season and only once in the previous eight did he not exceed 1,000 snaps for a “healthy season” and is on pace again. Graded against himself, he is a strong B.
Terence Steele, 498 snaps: I think the hope for Steele was similar to that of Biadasz, play every week and show steady improvement from last year. In both cases, both of these 2020 kids have done that. In fact, four of the five starters are all at “virtual perfect attendance” which is a great recipe for success. He is not a perfect player by any stretch and the last few weeks have shown his vulnerability in pass protection, but the Cowboys would sign up for this performance every day of the week after ushering away Collins. A very solid B.
Advertisement
Matt Waletzko, 1 snap: Has been on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury and we haven’t seen him play, but the rookie did enough in the preseason for Dallas to be optimistic. Incomplete
Josh Ball, 1 snap: After a very rough preseason, he has one snap in Los Angeles and been on special teams. He would also be listed as one of the reasons they brought in Peters. Incomplete
Tight ends
Dalton Schultz, 271 snaps: The bar has been sky-high after the long offseason of discontent regarding his contract that was temporarily solved with the franchise tag at nearly $11 million for 2022 and seen as one main reason for the Cooper trade. The blocking has not been where it needs to be. His knee injury in Week 2 cost him time (DNPs in Weeks 3 and 6) and the offense without Prescott has cost him catches. His last two games have been his best and it is probably no secret those are with Prescot. A poor first half, but optimism moving forward. By the bar set for himself, this season has been a D.
Jake Ferguson, 239 snaps: The fourth-round rookie was thought of as a key acquisition who would allow the Cowboys to play more 12 personnel and use his inline abilities to unlock better running and balanced offense. The blocking and pass protection have been solid and he has also shown he can catch the ball. He is exactly what they hoped. C+
Peyton Hendershot, 168 snaps: Anytime you can insert an undrafted free agent into your lineup and he gives you anything at all, you should probably thank your lucky stars. Hendershot has played 37 snaps or more in three games and the Cowboys now have a chance for 13 personnel, too. He has caught almost everything thrown at him and runs those bootlegs very well. Because of the curve of expectations, he grades even better than Ferguson. B+
Sean McKeon, 36 snaps: Waived in August and brought back, McKeon has contributed in a few different games in light work. As the fourth tight end, just being active is good and he has played in the last three games. He seldom will touch the ball. C
Wide receivers
CeeDee Lamb, 457 snaps: He is obviously judged at a very high level and is under intense scrutiny. Lamb has played in every game and has made an impact in almost each one with a pace for nearly 1,200 yards this season. That said, he has dropped a few big passes and appeared to quit on a few routes. He has no 100-yard games, but six of his eight games have exceeded 68 yards. He has been this group’s one big playmaker. It’s tough to fairly grade Lamb against the expectations. C+
Noah Brown, 365 snaps: Where would this season be without him? If the season ended today, Brown would have career highs in every category. For him to break out like this in his sixth season was wildly unexpected. He missed the Chicago game with a foot injury, but the Cowboys use him plenty and he has proven he can move the chains or hit on a vertical. He is a huge reason they are where they are in the standings. A
Michael Gallup, 210 snaps: Gallup has tip-toed back from his ACL and the Cowboys are taking it very slow. He has played and seemed himself at times, but also has yet to have a 50-yard day. He is another player with plenty of room to grow down the stretch. But, to be fair, Dallas expects a lot here. We will give it time. C
Dennis Houston, 60 snaps: He was needed in Weeks 1 and 2 and then relegated back to the practice squad. Another undrafted free agent from 2022 that we should keep in mind for further development. Incomplete
Jalen Tolbert, 52 snaps: On draft night, the hopes were that he would definitely be the No. 2 receiver until Gallup was ready. It’s November and we really don’t think he has made a single positive impression. The Cowboys were reluctant to even activate him for four of the first five weeks despite being so shorthanded. None of this speaks well and he has barely been allowed on special teams, either. We give all rookies a lot of latitude, but this has been rough. Needs to get going. D
KaVontae Turpin, 37 snaps: He has the league’s highest punt return average and the league’s third-highest kickoff return average. He is easily a top-5 NFL return man in his first year. He has been active all season and has not made a mistake of note. He wasn’t even with the Cowboys when camp started and even if the offense never fully knows how to use him, it is worth it all. A-
Simi Fehoko, 36 snaps: Still more of a concept than the real thing, Fehoko is another developing big body on the outside Dallas wants to keep developing. He has a nagging shoulder situation, hasn’t played since Week 5 and is trying to return from the IR. Incomplete
Running backs
Ezekiel Elliott, 269 snaps: This is another charged-up evaluation because it is definitely complex. He has been solid in many respects and has run very hard. He lacks explosion but brings toughness and relentless effort. He will bring that lunch pail to the fight and hit you over the head with it, but he also has a ridiculous contract and basically would need to be Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry to justify it. He does not. And yet, I feel like he has had a very decent year by expectations from three months ago. C+
Tony Pollard, 235 snaps: He is having the type of year someone would want heading into free agency. He has two 100-yard rushing days and two more 80-plus yards in limited chances. Yes, he also has been responsible for two sacks this season, but the explosiveness he brings to this offense is vital. Not perfect, but so doggone good and he has stayed healthy. B
Malik Davis, 19 snaps: Played in just the one game for Elliott vs. Chicago and had a pass protection miss to allow a sack. Spent most of the season on the practice squad and might have a chance with both RBs in front of him uncertain for 2023. Incomplete
Rico Dowdle, 6 snaps: Also currently on the IR with an ankle that he hurt against the Rams. He was playing full special teams so he provides real value on game day and was active five consecutive weeks. Can return later this month. C
Quarterbacks
Cooper Rush, 324 snaps: What can we say? I don’t know a single person who was optimistic that this season would be OK when we found out Prescott was down for six weeks and even the Cowboys showed us what they thought of his value on cutdown day. But, this season cannot be this season without Rush’s great work in his five starts from Weeks 2 through 6 when he played a brilliant brand of mistake-free football for virtually the entire run. No sacks and no turnovers were the calling card and aside from the first half in Philadelphia, he was virtually flawless. The offense was limited, but played survival football very well. He deserves a lot of credit. A+
Dak Prescott, 173 snaps: He is just starting his season, but Prescott has it all in front of him. The start of the year was very unfortunate with a sub-par outing vs. Tampa Bay that was compounded by injury. But, he stayed engaged and returned to playing pretty well (credit to the team for not rushing him back). He needs to make sure he doesn’t get reckless with the ball trying to make up for lost time. He is a difficult evaluation on a very small sample. The season is all in front of him. But, since nobody wants me to give him an INC because of everything involved in being a QB1 at $40 million a year, here it is. Under expectations for a few reasons. C-. But, still plenty of time to get where he needs to go.
Coordinator
Kellen Moore: It would be easy for things to get out of hand with Rush at the helm, but the Cowboys managed things brilliantly during that month and we gained a new level of respect for Moore, who did not look great down the stretch in 2021. Coordinating an offense is not just play design, but also knowing how to sequence them with an intelligent view of the challenge in front of them. What is the best path to consistent victories? I think we have seen the Cowboys get back to balance and develop a style that needs more big plays in the passing game to become a Super Bowl contender and it is all right in front of them. Moore has bounced back nicely — those from afar might consider it absurd as Dallas was the league’s top offense in yardage last year. This team is objectively worse in every major offensive category, yet I feel Moore has done a much better overall job proving how this profession is not easy in any regard. B
(Top photo of Cooper Rush: Gregory Fisher / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)