In a tough 30-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys had a handful of players who stood out for all the right reasons. While the team as a whole struggled in the second half, these five players gave fans something to cheer about, showing resilience and skill when it mattered.
#5. Cooper Beebe, Center
Rookie center Cooper Beebe, taken 73rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, continues to impress as a reliable blocker and heads-up playmaker. Beebe showed keen awareness on the Cowboys’ first touchdown drive when KaVontae Turpin fumbled after an 11-yard run. Beebe jumped on the loose ball, keeping the drive alive and setting up an early 7-3 lead. His quick response and blocking consistency have made him a bright spot in Dallas’ offense.
#4. Chauncey Golston, Defensive End
With injuries disrupting the Cowboys’ defensive line, Chauncey Golston stepped up with a strong performance. Golston made five tackles and managed to draw a holding penalty against tight end Eric Saubert, which canceled out a would-be 66-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel. Golston’s impact on the field was a needed boost for a Dallas defense that’s been stretched thin.
#3. Jalen Tolbert, Wide Receiver
In the absence of Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert has become Dallas’ No. 2 wideout, and he’s quietly making the most of the opportunity. Tolbert caught all three of his targets for 44 yards against the 49ers, contributing in key moments. While his stats may not jump off the page, Tolbert’s reliability and sure hands have given the Cowboys another target in an offense searching for consistency.
#2. DeMarvion Overshown, Linebacker
Second-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was all over the field in Week 8, tallying eight tackles and one crucial sack in the fourth quarter. Overshown’s sack nearly forced a fumble, which could have swung the game back in Dallas’ favor. Though Brock Purdy managed to hold onto the ball, Overshown’s pressure halted the drive, giving the Cowboys’ offense a final chance to close the gap.
#1. CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver
The standout of the game, CeeDee Lamb, answered critics with a season-best performance, recording 13 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Lamb’s big day came on the heels of criticism from Cowboys legend Troy Aikman, who challenged the receiver’s route running. Lamb responded by becoming an unstoppable force in the fourth quarter, catching both of his touchdowns during Dallas’ late comeback attempt. Despite his stellar outing, Lamb was curiously sidelined on the final drive as Dak Prescott targeted KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks instead.
Conclusion
While the Cowboys’ loss to the 49ers was tough, the efforts of Beebe, Golston, Tolbert, Overshown, and Lamb provided a glimmer of hope. Their contributions stood out in an otherwise challenging game, showing that Dallas still has playmakers capable of impacting the game in big moments. As the Cowboys move forward, these players will be key to finding consistency and turning things around.
