Newcomers are the pride and joy for the Dallas Cowboys
After six weeks, the spotlight is on the new names for the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys lost notable names during the offseason, but they rebounded by grabbing some. Almost halfway through the season, it is the new names they added that are making most of the noise.
The terrible play of the overall team is hiding the success of these players. Despite that, these players deserve credit for what they have been doing individually.
Aldon Smith, DE
Let’s start with one of the biggest stories in the NFL in defensive end Aldon Smith. He missed four seasons due to suspension, but he signed a deal with the Cowboys this offseason and was reinstated into the NFL. It’s safe to say that paid off very well so far.
Think about it this way. No one expected the former first-team All-Pro to return to the NFL. He not only returned, but he also showed up with a bang.
He leads the team in sacks with 4.0 in six games. The good thing is that he has made his presence felt by getting to the quarterback and forcing them to make a play. The issue, however, is that he looks like he slowed down a bit.
All of his sacks came within the first three weeks of the season. Now, he sees himself in a three-week drought. The good thing is that he is still putting pressure on quarterbacks.
I’m sure teams underestimated him at the start of the season. When they saw Smith accumulate 4.0 sacks in three games, they were sure to focus on slowing him down.
One positive I have heard surrounding the star end coming into the season is that being away from football helped him. His body is fresh, and this is visible in the games he has played.
I understand Dallas Cowboys fans that are concerned with his play the past three games. Rather than looking at the impact he has on the defensive line, they look at sacks. Not everything a player does will show up in basic stats.
The dynamic newcomer has two quarterback hits in the last three games. Yes, it is still a drop; but it shows he is still getting to the quarterback. Had he not been getting to the quarterback, then you may be concerned.
I would expect him to get back on track after the team was embarrassed by the Arizona Cardinals. What better chance to do that then in a divisional game against the Washington Football Team.