Dallas Cowboys 2018 midseason grades by position
By Tyrone Starr
![LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7ea7779937fccf1794f252f32863579e8daf50955e039b2c939a3c46f80d0700.jpg)
Running backs
September Grade: A
October Grade: A-
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When September ended on the calendar, running back Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing by almost 100 yards. By the end of October, he’ll be behind Rams rusher Todd Gurley by at least 100 yards.
Coaching is to blame for the drop in production and therefore the slight drop in grade. I cannot and will not put the blame at the feet of Elliott when his opportunities have been reduced.
His yards per carry have dropped by almost 1.5 yards. Teams have decided to put eight and even nine men in the box with regularity. For whatever reason, the coaching staff chooses to run Elliott regardless. What they do not choose to do is soften up the defense with passes in the situations in order to make Zeke’s life easier afterward.
Rod Smith was given just eight carries all month and none in their last game.
Next. Cowboys midseason grades - Wide Receivers. dark