3 Cowboys players whose stock is plummeting ahead of the playoffs

1. Greg Zuerlein, K

Greg Zuerlein has this not-so-adorable way of constantly giving Cowboys fans heart attacks, whether it’s for a simple extra-point kick or a field goal. On an otherwise thriving special teams unit, Zuerlein has been a weak spot. It is true that Zuerlein has won games at the horn. But it is also true that he has made glaring mistakes that have cost Dallas games.

The point is, the last thing you want out of your kicker heading into the playoffs is inconsistency. And, sadly, with a guy formerly known as “Greg the Leg,” that’s what you often get.

The games shouldn’t always fall on the kicker. Dallas’ offense does need to step up and score more points. But there is no denying that many nail-biter playoff games are won or lost by a field goal or extra point.

Jones isn’t happy about the kicker’s lack of consistency. But shouldn’t the owner have figured out a backup option before the last week of the regular season? This issue should’ve been solved before January, Jones.

Zuerlein has missed five extra-point kicks, giving him a new career-low percentage of 87.8%. No other kicker in the NFC playoff picture has missed more than three extra-point attempts. He’s also only 40% on field goals of 50 yards or more.

All in all, Dallas needs to be better at extending drives and scoring touchdowns. When they can’t, Zuerlein can’t be a liability. They need him to make his kicks, from all distances.

Should the Dallas Cowboys rest their starters in Week 18?

The Cowboys enter Week 18 with the 4-seed nearly locked in as their postseason seed. Should they play starters on the chance they move up or rest some guys?