Cowboys First Quarter Awards: MVP, LVP, Rookie of the Year

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to overcome their many flaws to prove themselves as a championship contender despite their status as a 2-2 football team. Mike McCarthy has navigated the team to a few wins, but neither of them was particularly impressive.

The Cowboys know they can't afford too many slip-ups in an NFC East that has quickly become one of the most rabidly competitive divisions in the league overnight. With the schedule showing some teeth in the near future, the Cowboys need to kick things into overdrive.

There are a handful of players who have thrived amid Dallas' shaky start, and they should be heralded for their performance. However, there are a handful of underperforming young players and veterans alike who need to be called out.

Cowboys First Quarter Awards: Who is MVP, LVP?

MVP: Dak Prescott

Despite the fact he only has one above-average wide receiver, a declining offensive line, and no running game, Prescott has overcome some struggles around him to once again rank as one of the NFL's most efficient quarterbacks. The Cowboys may not win the Super Bowl this year, but they'll have a shot due to Dak's right arm.

LVP: Mazi Smith

In a year where Smith needed to show that he can be a starting defensive lineman for the future, the Cowboys have seen their overall defense regress. Smith's inability to win consistently up front has been the main reason for this decline, as Mike Zimmer's scheme has not been kind to the physical marvel from Michigan. He's coming off a career game against the Giants in Week 4, but consistency has been hard to come by for the 2023 first-round pick.

MIP: Jalen Tolbert

While CeeDee Lamb is the obvious top target, and Jake Ferguson is behind him, Tolbert is making his name heard as the No. 2 wide receiver. As Brandin Cooks starts to decline, Tolbert has piled up the second-most yards and third-most catches on the team. The South Alabama product is finally starting to put it all together. With Cooks out this week and potentially longer with a knee infection, Tolbert will get a chance to prove he can be trusted as a WR2.

ROY: Cooper Beebe

The Cowboys took two offensive linemen in the first three rounds, but first-round pick Tyler Guyton has been a major problem as he tries to switch over from right tackle to left tackle. Beebe, meanwhile, looks like a rock-solid Tyler Biadasz replacement, as the former Kansas State guard has been a quality run-blocker instantly while holding his own in pass protection.

Best Newcomer: DeMarvion Overshown

While Overshown was drafted in 2023, he qualifies for this after missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. Thrust into an important role immediately, Overshown, who is second on the team in tackles, has flashed impressive speed and playmaking instincts that will make him a cornerstone of Dallas' defense moving forward. He is one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.

More Cowboys news and analysis