Grading the Dallas Cowboys through September

After four games completed, it’s time to hand out grades to all units of the Dallas Cowboys through the first quarter of the 2018 NFL season.

In the blink of an eye, the Dallas Cowboys have already reached the quarter pole mark of the NFL season. While it seems like only yesterday this team was getting ready for training camp, it’s already October 1 and four games are in the books.

With 25% of the season already done, the Dallas Cowboys sit at 2-2 and in a tie for second place behind Washington. Dallas already has one divisional win and two conference wins to their name. They also have two conference losses to their name as well.

As I will do throughout the season, at each quarter pole mark, I will evaluate each of the team’s nine positional groupings as well as the coaching staff. This will be done in an effort to see how things can improve and what’s working well.

With a 2-2 record, there is obviously going to be a fair amount of positive and negative things to discuss. Most of these forthcoming evaluations should come as no shock, especially if you’ve been intently watching every game so far.

Without any further ado, let’s get started with the offense.

Quarterback

Grade: C-

Quarterback Dak Prescott currently ranks 12th in passing yards, tied for 12th in passing touchdowns and 16th in completion percentage. These are not league wide numbers. These are amongst other quarterbacks just in the NFC.

After taking that into account, I feel like the C- grade through September is actually very kind. I’ve been highly critical of the third year signal caller. I’m not going to spend this time going into all of my issues with him.

Prescott’s one reprieve is that I truly believe he’d be a better quarterback if he had a better offensive coordinator.

Running backs

Grade: A

One of the few things this offense does have going for it is the presence of running back Ezekiel Elliott. Finally allowed to be a major part of a game plan in game four, Zeke responded in kind.
Posting 152 yards on the ground and 88 yards receiving, Elliott showcased the full package type of back he can be when utilized correctly.

Elliott leads the league by almost 100 yards in rushing. He’s the only running back in the league with 55+ carries that is averaging five yards per tote. Safe to say, forgetting to feed Zeke seems to be the only way to stop him.

As for his primary back up, Rod Smith is averaging 3.9 yards per carry, albeit in limited attempts. No other running back on the team has a carry.