Dallas’ 2-7 record makes it very difficult to see anything hopeful about this year’s level. The Giants beating the Eagles also now makes the franchise’s position in the NFC East the last. Dak Prescott’s injury adds to the list of bad things that happened. However, there is something to salvage within the disaster.
Seeing half the glass half full has to do exclusively with newbies. Since the virtual draft night that took place in April, expectations were very high. With some logical ups and downs as a result of the context of chaos, this class of prospects did not disappoint in this first half of the competition.
Logically the one who generated the most intrigue was CeeDee Lamb. Like all picks on day 1, the eyes were mostly aimed at him. He was expected to be a high-caliber star for what he had done in Oklahoma. The good news for the Cowboys is that the wide receiver did deliver on all that was believed about his ability.
Lamb has 595 yards on 44 receptions. His numbers are below other rookies like Justin Jefferson of the Vikings or Tee Higgins of the Bengals, but the explanation is very simple in his case. The wide receiver could barely play more than four games with his starting quarterback. That will inevitably affect the production of any WR.
What a day for CeeDee Lamb.
Not only was he a part of his first NFL win, he recorded his first 100-yard game with 6⃣ catches for 1⃣0⃣6⃣ yards. Here’s how it went down.#OUDNA | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/iJtO6F6eyx
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) September 21, 2020
But there is no doubt that he was an impact player for the offense. Something that made his choice very interesting was the versatility it could give Kellen Moore in assembling that unit. It did precisely this by aligning itself both on the outside and on the inside, achieving the same kind of performance. It also showed quite a bit of consistency.
The other big appearance was that of Trevon Diggs. His level may not have been as constant as Lamb’s. On several occasions he was burned, such as on the 52-yard touchdown against Washington. However, the reasons why it cost him a bit are totally logical and do not have him as the main responsible.
When it was selected at location 51, its projection was given for it to continue its development. You’ve been a catcher for quite some time, so you still need to learn some very specific things about the position. This is what this season should serve for. But the injuries made him have to jump onto the field earlier than expected.
First career INT for the rookie ???? @TrevonDiggs
???? #DALvsPHI on @NFLonNBC pic.twitter.com/Z5aTyQl8ek
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 2, 2020
The casualties were so many that they even forced him to be the CB1 of the Cowboys despite being a rookie. Very few cornerbacks manage to be decisive as rookies because of the difference between the rivals they must cover in the NFL compared to those who compete at the university level. Still he achieved a very good level in the last presentations.
The other obvious mitigating factor is that the defense is really a complete mess. The lack of pressure on the QB makes his task even more difficult because he must maintain his coverage for longer. Although in this messy situation in which he has to participate, he managed to stand out from the other cornerbacks. Diggs had two interceptions against the Eagles.
If ownership depended, the next would be Terence Steele. His example is very similar to that of the CB, with the particularity that he is also an undrafted free agent. He wasn’t supposed to play that much and it was even very difficult for him to be on the roster. The level was not good, but this young man cannot be blamed because he was charged with too much obligation.
A key role like the center was filled by Tyler Biadasz. The one to replace retired Travis Frederick was Joe Looney, but the compensatory fourth-round pick was able to make the team while Looney was on the disabled list. Although Biadasz is in a condition that would prevent him from playing, his projection remains considerable.
Tough pinball shot for Ben Roethlisberger between Neville Gallimore and DeMarcus Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/zTKUpDxh1b
— Joey Hayden (@_joeyhayden) November 8, 2020
Someone who seems to be on the rise is Neville Gallimore. The third-round pick had very little turnout at the start because there were multiple defensive tackles. However, they got a spot through Trysten Hill’s injury along with Dontari Poe’s release. Gallimore looked in good shape lined up in the center of the line against the Steelers.
Ben DiNucci showed that he must improve a lot to be able to reach the highest level even to be a substitute. DiNucci was overwhelmed by the stage in Philadelphia, but it’s not his fault either. Expecting too much from a rookie quarterback selected in the final round of the draft who has a very shaky offensive line ahead of him would be very unfair.
The youngsters showed that they can be decisive pieces in the future of the team. To complete it, we must mention the cornerback Reggie Robinson as someone who has not played yet but from whom good things are expected. Defensive end Bradlee Anae continues to evolve without as much exposure. All this means that there are remarkable elements in this weak season.
