What would you say is the biggest thing you have learned about the Cowboys lately?
The Dallas Cowboys got back to their winning ways with a 30-14 beatdown of the Carolina Panthers. For the first time with quarterback Cooper Rush at the helm, the Cowboys scored three offensive touchdowns and never let the Panthers in the game. Rico Dowdle continued his hot streak with his third consecutive game over 100 yards. They only had one reception a piece, but Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks both scored touchdowns in Week 15.
All-Pro Micah Parsons is simply back in his bag after missing four games with an ankle sprain. He had two sacks against the Panthers, making it his third multi-sack game in the last six weeks. Chauncey Golston stacked yet another impressive performance, and Osa Odighizuwa keeps playing his best football, which could price himself out of the Cowboys range once free agency comes about. Simply put, it was one of the best overall performances by Dallas in 2024 on both sides of the ball.
The Cowboys still need a mini-miracle to make the postseason. However, they have won three of their last four games, which is testament to their resolve. As they get set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, here’s three things we have learned about the Cowboys entering Week 16.
Marist Liufau looks comfortable and confident
As devastating as the season-ending injury to second-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was, it opened up an opportunity for Marist Liufau to put his thumbprint on the Cowboys defense. He got off to a great start in the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits. However, he got to start against the Panthers, and he responded by tying a career high with five tackles and he also had a forced fumble. Liufau has no hesitation when he recognizes a play, and he shoots downhill with force every time he sees someone with the ball. It’s all about reps at this point with Liufau, and he still has three more games to go this season. With Overshown likely to miss at least most of 2025, if not more, Liufau will be needed immensely next season. So, these games are great learning experiences for him.
CeeDee Lamb is quietly having another All-Pro type season
CeeDee Lamb put up nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown against that Panthers, and it put him in the Cowboys record books. Lamb became the first player in Dallas to have four 1,000-yard seasons in his first five years, and he also joined Hall of Famer Michael Irvin as the only Cowboys with four consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. The former first round pick is quietly third in the NFL in receptions (94) and yards (1,089). Keep in mind that he has played without Dak Prescott since Week 9. Putting up great numbers with Prescott is on the field is a given, but to continue to produce at the highest level with a guy who is limited like Cooper Rush just speaks to how good Lamb is.
Brock Hoffman is making a case to be Zack Martin’s successor
Sadly, the Zack Martin era is likely coming to an end, and the Cowboys have to think about the future of the right guard position. Brock Hoffman, who has taken the reigns there, is playing excellent football. Hoffman has logged 315 snaps in 2024, and he hasn’t allowed a sack yet. Also, he has only given up one quarterback hit and two pressures. It’s not just at guard that Hoffman has shined, though, as he’s played 109 snaps at center and 19 at left guard as well. The Cowboys shouldn’t let Hoffman’s play stop them from upgrading with a new player in the draft. Even if they do, whoever comes in will have to fight for the job because Hoffman is not only skilled, but he plays with a grit and toughness that is needed in the trenches, and he could very be the starting right guard in 2025.
