Week 6 was a dismal chapter for the Dallas Cowboys, culminating in a humiliating 47-9 defeat at home against the Detroit Lions. With this loss, the Cowboys dropped to 0-3 at AT&T Stadium and now head into their Week 7 bye with much to ponder.
As they prepare for a challenging matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8, it’s crucial for the coaching staff to assess the roster critically. Here are three players who should be considered for replacement during the bye week
#1. Malik Hooker, Safety
Once regarded as one of the premier coverage safeties in the NFL, Malik Hooker has struggled mightily this season. In the first six games, he has allowed 144 receiving yards and a concerning quarterback rating of 116.4 against him. For context, Hooker gave up just 149 yards in all of 2021. At his current trajectory, he could surrender a staggering 408 yards, marking the worst total of his career.
Whether he’s lost a step or simply doesn’t fit Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme, it’s evident Hooker’s performance is inadequate for a team aiming to improve its pass defense.
#2. Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle
The switch from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator was expected to enhance the Cowboys’ run defense. However, Mazi Smith, a first-round pick in 2023, has emerged as a significant disappointment. With only 13 tackles and a ranking of 124th out of 125 defensive tackles according to PFF, Smith’s contributions have been minimal. His rush grade stands at a woeful 30.1.
This position was overlooked in the offseason, and the consequences are becoming increasingly evident as teams exploit the Cowboys’ run defense.
#3. Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
The decision to bypass running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft frustrated many Cowboys fans, especially since there was a widespread belief that Ezekiel Elliott could no longer perform at a starter’s level. Elliott has amassed just 115 yards on 38 carries, averaging a mere 3.0 yards per attempt—his lowest mark yet.
Despite his underwhelming performance, Elliott remains the team’s RB2. Jerry Jones previously claimed they were “saving” him, a statement that rings hollow given the context. Compounding the issue, the Cowboys inexplicably increased Elliott’s carries in Week 6, even after Rico Dowdle had impressive outings in prior games. Elliott’s glory days are behind him, and he should be either benched or released to allow younger talent a chance to shine.
As the Cowboys reflect on their struggles during the bye week, it’s imperative they consider making these changes to regain their footing in the competitive NFC landscape.
