After a crushing 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys are forced to confront their struggles head-on. With questions swirling around their quarterback depth and running game, it’s evident some players are trending up, while others are falling fast. Here’s a breakdown of who’s rising and who’s struggling following the tough Week 10 matchup.
Fallers
Cooper Rush, QB
Cooper Rush’s outing against the Eagles may have put any starting quarterback talk to rest. Completing just 13 of 25 passes for 45 yards without a single pass over 10 yards, Rush struggled to drive the offense forward. Adding to the difficulties, two fumbles led to his benching in favor of Trey Lance, marking a rough day for Dallas’ offense. Rush’s performance highlighted the gap between his ability and what the Cowboys need to remain competitive, raising questions about whether Lance should step in for future starts.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB
Elliott’s return to Dallas has been less of a boost and more of a challenge for the Cowboys’ offense. With only 22 yards on six carries and a critical red-zone fumble, Elliott’s performance proved costly when Dallas still had a fighting chance. Given his recent struggles, the door is opening for Rico Dowdle to take on a more prominent role, especially if Elliott continues to struggle to make an impact on the field.
Caelen Carson, CB
Rookie corner Caelen Carson had his hands full against Philadelphia, frequently targeted as the Eagles exploited his inexperience. While he struggled to keep up with veterans like A.J. Brown, Carson’s performance is seen as a learning opportunity. His potential remains promising, but this game served as a reminder that growth is needed before he can lock down some of the league’s top receivers consistently.
Risers
DeMarvion Overshown, LB
Rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown made a splash before an injury cut his game short, teaming up with Micah Parsons to pressure the Eagles. Overshown recorded two sacks and eight solo tackles, cementing his value as a defensive playmaker with an aggressive, blitz-focused style. His performance on Sunday could be a preview of Overshown’s potential as a cornerstone in Dallas’ defense.
Micah Parsons, Edge
Parsons came out with a mission, tallying two sacks and forcing a fumble, reminding everyone why he’s an indispensable part of the Cowboys’ defense. Though the defense gave up 34 points, Parsons’ impact was undeniable. As a leader, he continues to set the tone for the defense, demonstrating that he’s ready to elevate his game, even if he can’t carry the entire team on his shoulders.
Rico Dowdle, RB
Dowdle’s consistent performance provided a bright spot amid a difficult game. He managed 53 rushing yards on 12 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and added a few catches to his totals. Dowdle’s effort is a testament to his potential as a reliable contributor, making a case for himself as a key piece of the Cowboys’ running game moving forward. With continued consistency, Dowdle could pair well with rookie Ashton Jeanty for a dynamic backfield duo.
Looking Forward
Dallas has plenty to evaluate as they look to move forward in a season that’s slipped from their grasp. With players like Parsons and Dowdle proving their worth and others struggling to find form, Dallas must adapt if they’re to build a foundation for the future. The remaining games will be crucial for identifying who can contribute to a more competitive roster in the seasons to come.
