Grading the Dallas Cowboys through September
By Tyrone Starr
Wide receivers
Grade: C
This group is possibly the hardest to accurately grade.
On one hand, the numbers for everyone leave a lot to be desired. Only one receiver, Tavon Austin, has a touchdown reception. No receiver ranks in the top 55 in the entire league in receptions or in the top 70 in targets.
On the other, aside from Austin’s dropped touchdown against the Lions, no one has had any egregious drops. The film shows that guys are getting open. It’s fair to say that the statistics would be better if the ball was getting delivered either on time or at all.
Personally, I think the C+ grade is fair. Austin has been a pleasant surprise. Cole Beasley has shown signs of a return to his 2016 form. Michael Gallup has shown promise for a rookie and Allen Hurns just needs more balls thrown his way.
The only disappointment would be Terrance Williams and his contract not matching his production. All in all, if the play of Prescott and the play calling of Scott Linehan were better, this group’s numbers would reflect it.
Tight ends
Grade: D
This group was looking like one of the worst in the league coming into the season. Sadly, they have done nothing to refute that reputation.
Geoff Swaim is the only tight end on the roster with a catch. Preseason hype centered around Blake Jarwin has proven to be just that, hype. Rico Gathers has had two targets all year. Dalton Schultz has been inactive every week after the first.
The only reason this group did not get a flunking grade is due to their work in the run game. When you have the league’s leading rusher and your team often uses three tight end sets, that will keep you from a fail.