The Cowboys have limped to the bye week with a 2-7 record. They might be tied for third in the NFC East, but this division is still very much up for grabs.
Before we look at the final seven games, let's take a look back to the first nine, with an eye on the future.
The Cowboys enjoyed a much-needed break this past weekend after entering the bye with a four-game losing streak. Let's look at the first nine games, from top players, turning points and things to watch.
Best Player: This question is certainly not asking for the MVP, because it's rather clear just how valuable Dak Prescott is for this team. But to name the best player for the Cowboys in 2020 – it has to be right guard Zack Martin. And we even saw his true value as well when he went down in the Arizona game and then missed the Washington game a week later. The offensive line had trouble blocking anyone in those games and it's clear Martin's absence was felt. But when he's there, Martin is undoubtedly still one of the best linemen in all of the NFL. And his versatility he showed in Week 3 was also remarkable as he kicked out to right tackle to finish the game and looked like it was a position he's played for years, and not just the first time since being at Notre Dame in 2013.
Nemesis:Â What else but injuries? The Cowboys have not only been hit hard by injuries, but at multiple times at the same position. It's not just losing Dak Prescott, but Andy Dalton for two games that were winnable. It's not just the left tackle, but the right tackle and even the backup swing tackle. Multiple cornerbacks have missed time, as well as linebackers and defensive tackles. Injuries have certainly decimated this team and attacked the depth along the way.
Unsung Hero:Â It's usually never a good thing when the kicker is the "hero" of the team, but that's where we are. The Cowboys have won just two games and both times Greg Zuerlein finished the contest with a game-winning kick. More than just drilling the kicks to beat Atlanta and New York, Zuerlein also set up the winner against the Falcons with his perfectly-executed "watermelon" onside kick. He's also made 17 of 20 field goals along the way.
Turning Point:Â The only real turning point for the Cowboys was the very moment Dak Prescott went down with a broken ankle that ended his season. Yes, the team was struggling long before that, but at least they were competing with a shot to win games. The injury changed the Cowboys from bad to worse, especially on offense. Maybe this team can turn it around with Andy Dalton but things changed quickly for the Cowboys when Dak got hurt.
Don't Forget ...The Cowboys are 2-7, but seem to be even closer to 0-9 than any other record. Sure, they had chances to win at the Rams, at Seattle, at Philly and against Pittsburgh. But they were also down against the Falcons and Giants in the final two minutes and needed game-winning kicks by Greg Zuerlein to pull out the win. So while this team could've likely had 4-5 wins this year, they're not too far away from being winless.
Need More From ...Take your pick here. But the answer can be any of these high-priced veterans that recently got a new contract. Ezekiel Elliott, DeMarcus Lawrence and Jaylon Smith have all been in the Pro Bowl within the last two seasons. But none of them are playing at that level this season. The Cowboys need Zeke to be a bigger run threat on offense. D-Law is playing better now that he's healthy again but the Cowboys need to see more sacks and Smith needs to be the dynamic linebacker that covers sideline to sideline and makes game-changing plays. We just haven't seen either of these three play at a consistent level.
Needs To Play More: At this point, the defense needs to see what they've got in some of these younger players – especially draft picks on defense. Let's see what Reggie Robinson can do, at least on special teams, where he was supposedly a star in college. We need to see Bradley Anae rushing off the edge and perhaps even his college teammate, linebacker Francis Bernard, who was an undrafted. We'll probably see more of Neville Gallimore as well, after what he did against Pittsburgh in the last game.
By The Numbers: The Cowboys are still allowing the most points per game in the NFL, despite a couple of impressive games defensively the last two weeks. But at 32.2 points per game, the Cowboys rank 32nd in the league, stemming mostly from that stretch in the first month where they allowed 49 to the Browns, 39 to the Falcons and 38 to Seattle in the first four games. Right now, the Cowboys have allowed 290 points, on a pace to surpass 500 this year. The Cowboys' record for most points allowed in a season is 436 in 2010.
Milestone: While this hasn't been his best season of his career by far – arguably this worst – Ezekiel Elliott is closing on the 6,000-yard rushing mark here halfway into his fifth season. Also, Zeke has a shot to move past Don Perkins (6,217) for third place in franchise history in rushing yards. With just 241 rushing yards, Zeke move into third, trailing only Emmitt Smith (17,162) and Tony Dorsett (12,036).
