In an intense matchup against the 49ers, the Cowboys faced a narrow loss by just 6 points. However, for those who watched the game, it was evident that the performance was far from commendable. While there were a few moments of optimism for the Dallas team, the overall display left much to be desired. Let’s delve deeper into the standout performances and disappointing moments, as evaluated by Pro Football Focus, to understand the key takeaways from this game.

Celebrating the Bright Spots in the Cowboys’ Performance

Despite the team’s struggles, there were a few players who managed to shine in an otherwise lackluster performance. In total, only five players achieved a grade above 70, which indicates a commendable level of play. These individuals deserve recognition for their contributions amidst a challenging game. Here’s a closer look at those who stood out and made a positive impact.

WR CeeDee Lamb – 90.3

CeeDee Lamb delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing his skills as a top wide receiver. He caught an impressive 13 of his 16 targets, accumulating a total of 146 receiving yards and scoring 2 touchdowns. More than half of his receptions resulted in either a first down or a touchdown. Additionally, Lamb’s ability to gain yards after the catch was remarkable, as he led the team with 44 yards after the catch, demonstrating his playmaking ability and importance in the Cowboys’ offensive strategy.

iDL Osa Odighizuwa – 78.7

Osa Odighizuwa may not have had a standout game statistically, but he consistently showed his reliability as a defensive lineman throughout the match. He played a significant role in the Cowboys’ defensive efforts, recording 2 crucial stops against the run and achieving an impressive 18.5% pass rush win rate. This performance ranked him as the top performer among the Cowboys’ defensive linemen, highlighting his effectiveness in disrupting the opponent’s offensive plays from start to finish.

C Cooper Beebe – 77.3

Cooper Beebe put forth another commendable showing, demonstrating his ability to protect the quarterback effectively. He allowed just one pressure throughout the game, successfully preventing any sacks or hits on the quarterback. His performance in the run game was equally strong, showcasing his versatility. Furthermore, Beebe made a crucial play by recovering a fumble, ensuring that the offense maintained possession, which exemplifies his hustle and commitment to the team’s success.

LT Tyler Guyton – 73.7

Tyler Guyton, another rookie lineman, had a mixed performance but showed promise in key situations. Despite facing the formidable Nick Bosa, he allowed 4 pressures, which is understandable given the competition. Although he did concede 2 hits on Dak Prescott, Guyton impressively did not allow any sacks, marking a significant improvement for a rookie in a challenging environment. His ability to hold his ground against elite pass rushers bodes well for his development in the league.

WR Jalen Tolbert – 70.4

Jalen Tolbert’s performance, while not the most outstanding of his season, continued to reflect his reliability as a receiver. He caught all 3 of his targets, gaining a total of 44 yards. This consistency has been a hallmark of Tolbert’s play throughout the season, earning him respect as a dependable option. Interestingly, Prescott had a slightly better passer rating when targeting Tolbert compared to Lamb, indicating his emerging role in the offense as a trustworthy player in critical moments.

Identifying Areas of Improvement: The Cowboys’ Struggles

However, not all performances were up to par, and there were numerous disappointing displays from several players during this matchup. Dak Prescott’s grade of 62.1 was certainly below expectations, but it paled in comparison to the struggles faced by these five players, who exemplified the challenges the team encountered throughout the game.

RT Terence Steele – 49.1

Terence Steele’s struggles in pass protection continued to be a significant concern for the Cowboys. He allowed 4 pressures, which culminated in a sack and an interception. His performance in run blocking was even more alarming, as he recorded a lower grade in this area than in pass blocking, raising red flags since run blocking is typically considered his strong suit. This ongoing issue needs to be addressed for the Cowboys to improve their overall offensive line performance.

RB Dalvin Cook – 53.6

Despite the hype surrounding Dalvin Cook’s promotion from the practice squad, his performance in this game was underwhelming. He managed to gain only 12 rushing yards on 6 carries, failing to break any tackles or execute any significant runs. His longest carry was a mere 4 yards, which is far from impressive for a player of his caliber. This lack of production raises questions about his fit within the Cowboys’ offensive scheme and his role moving forward.

WR KaVontae Turpin – 40.1

The Cowboys seemed to have high hopes for KaVontae Turpin in this game, targeting him 4 times in the passing game with an average depth of target of 25.3 yards. Unfortunately, Turpin managed to catch only one pass for 16 yards, which he subsequently fumbled. One of his targets led to an interception, and another resulted in a drop during the Cowboys’ final offensive possession. This performance was disappointing and highlighted the need for improvement in his consistency and ball security.

S Donovan Wilson – 43.2

Donovan Wilson has quietly faced challenges this season, and this game brought those struggles to the forefront. He missed 2 tackles and allowed receptions on all 4 of his targets, culminating in a total of 102 yards allowed. This performance is concerning for a player who typically excels at tackling and coverage, and it underscores the need for him to rediscover his form to contribute effectively to the Cowboys’ defense.

EDGE Tyrus Wheat – 34.2

Tyrus Wheat found himself in a more significant role due to injuries within the defensive line, and unfortunately, his performance did not meet expectations. He participated in 14 pass rush reps but posted a disappointing 0.0 pass rush win rate. While he was not the only defensive lineman to struggle in this game, his higher snap count indicated that he bore a heavier responsibility. This performance highlights the need for better production from the defensive front as injuries continue to challenge the team’s depth.