Cowboys football: Midseason grades for every postion group

On Prescott’s side, this was his first game back in which he’s looked effective, and he needs to continue on that track (especially for the money he’s worth). He won’t always need to be the hero every week, as the team can rely on their run game and defense in some games. But he needs to play up to par for the Boys to make noise in the postseason.

Running Backs: A+

Through eight games, the Dallas Cowboys rank 11th in rushing yards per game (131.5).

The duo of Elliott and Pollard has been electric, and it’s been of the most productive run attacks the Cowboys have had in a while. For me, it’s weird to see because I was used to seeing their offense lean more to the pass.

But once Prescott went down, OC Kellen Moore leaned on the run, and it paid off. While you will likely see more passing plays with Prescott, sticking with the run at a healthy rate is crucial to the team’s success.

An efficient run game and lethal passing attack make the Cowboys harder to beat and less one-dimensional. Plus, it also keeps the ball away from the opposing team.

For a deeper dive into the run game, check out Blogging The Boys David Howman’s piece, which reveals the unsung hero behind the resurgent of the Cowboys’ run game.

Wide Receivers: B+

After losing wideouts Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson in the offseason, you figured production would drop in the WR room. With CeeDee Lamb as their new WR1 and Michael Gallup as their WR2 (once he returned), there were more questions than answers with this group.

However, so far, the group hasn’t been that bad.

Arguably the biggest surprises from the group were the arrival of Noah Brown and the DNPs that Jalen Tolbert has accumulated. (I mean, he was JUST A THIRD ROUND PICK.)

Anyways. Beyond Brown and Tolbert, Lamb has proven every week that he can be that borderline WR1 for the Boys, but beyond him, no one else has stepped up. I understand that Gallup just returned from injury, Washington is still hurt, and the team has other pass catchers who have been solid.

However, until everyone gets up to speed, they get a B+ for their efforts. The Cowboys were just linked to trade talks with Houston Texans wideout Brandin Cooks, so if you don’t think the wideouts are that bad — the team has other thoughts.

Plus, according to Lineups.com, Lamb has been targeted 73 times, which equates to 30.8% of the team’s targets. And, if something were to happen to him, it’s hard to predict who would step up as their new number-one guy.

(Someone convince Jerry to sign OBJ, so we can see the Cowboys have more fun.)

Tight Ends: A+

The tight-end group has arguably been my favorite to watch so far this season. From Dalton Schultz, Jake Ferguson, and Peyton Hendershot, it’s refreshing to see the group well-rounded from top-to-bottom.

When Prescott isn’t searching for Lamb, Gallup, or Brown, the TEs have been his security blanket, as all three are viable pass-catchers. And my oh my, their blocking in the run game has been stellar, as they’re just mauling defenders to open up lanes for Pollard and Elliott.