Half season underrated player

[Stash]

Jonathan Cooper for me. I liked him over Green going into the season, and that's shown itself to be the case so far. The offensive line didn't look like they had in the past until Cooper came into the lineup over Green. Everything has started to gel since then.

The defense will have to keep up their high level of play from Sunday before I would consider someone from that side of the ball as underrated.

 

[QT]

Zach Martin.. haven't heard his name often this year.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Offense - Cooper

Defense - Lewis and Hitch

 

[basstapp]

Mike Nugent....

 

[Direwolf63]

If underrated mean exceeding expectation, it has to be DLaw. No one thought he'd be the top pass rusher he's been this season. I think most would have been happy if he'd get close to 10 sacks this year.

Agreed.

I didn't think he would be playing anywhere near the level he is at now.

 

[Risen Star]

Tyrone Crawford.

Written off as a bust he's played well this year.

 

[Scotman]

For me, it's Lewis. I wasn't sure how the court stuff would even go. He fell to the 3rd round because of all that stuff. I thought he was another gamble and those have been 50/50 at best it seems. But...he's been very solid. I think he could be your number 1 CB long before season's end.

 

[gimmesix]

Jason Witten. Yes, it's hard to under-rate a future Hall of Famer, but he's been undervalued here for a few years now. He had his peak years as a receiver when we were all about the pass, but just when fans start doubting him, he shows even at 35 he's still a reliable receiver and target. He's seventh among tight ends in receptions, 13th in yards and tied for eighth in TDs ... and he's still one of the best blocking tight ends among starters in the league.

 

[gimmesix]

Jonathan Cooper for me. I liked him over Green going into the season, and that's shown itself to be the case so far. The offensive line didn't look like they had in the past until Cooper came into the lineup over Green. Everything has started to gel since then.

The defense will have to keep up their high level of play from Sunday before I would consider someone from that side of the ball as underrated.

Although I saw no reason in his play to believe Green was the problem (I think we were having multiple problems with the line jelling), Cooper has been better than I thought he would be. He wasn't doing a bad job in the preseason, but he was being fairly passive, letting the defenders come to him. He's grown more assertive so maybe that was just that he wasn't completely comfortable with the scheme or unit at first.

The line has gotten cohesive with him in there, which it couldn't do with Green because of the injury issues, so I agree that this turned out to be the better direction to go. Plus, it has allowed Green to return to being the swing tackle, which means there are fewer opportunities for him to get injured plus he's back where he seems to feel the most comfortable.

 

[gimmesix]

Tyrone Crawford.

Written off as a bust he's played well this year.

I think I had higher expectations for Crawford than some. I expected him if healthy to be a solid starter and easily one of our top four DL.

 

[Vinnie2u]

Dak Prescott.. Wentz, Goff and Watson are getting all the Praise.

 

[jday]

Who would be the most underrated Cowboys player half way through the season?

My pick would be Jordan Lewis....hardly ever hear his name called, which is a good thing being a cornerback in the NFL. The guy has great technique, and will only improve as he continues to gain experience.

Byron Jones. He has caught alot of grief lately... particularly following his two-flag day Sunday. But he has also been a big part of slowing down the pass-catching TE that used to be a thorn in the Cowboys side before he came here. He doesn't account for the turnovers we would like to see from a FS, but he does handle coverage responsibility better than anyone the Cowboys have had from that position since Darren Woodson did it.

 

[RJ_MacReady]

Xavier Woods.

 

[Stash]

Although I saw no reason in his play to believe Green was the problem (I think we were having multiple problems with the line jelling), Cooper has been better than I thought he would be. He wasn't doing a bad job in the preseason, but he was being fairly passive, letting the defenders come to him. He's grown more assertive so maybe that was just that he wasn't completely comfortable with the scheme or unit at first.

The line has gotten cohesive with him in there, which it couldn't do with Green because of the injury issues, so I agree that this turned out to be the better direction to go. Plus, it has allowed Green to return to being the swing tackle, which means there are fewer opportunities for him to get injured plus he's back where he seems to feel the most comfortable.

Agreed.

I never saw the point of having Green in consideration to start at left guard, he's an injury-prone player, best suited at tackle anyway. The only thing that decision did was to put Green out of position, and stunt the process of both Cooper getting comfortable and his linemates getting comfortable with him.

I questioned it then, and nothing that transpired makes it look any better in retrospect.

A player with Green's history of injury and lack of reliability should be relegated to being a backup. An "in-case" option, not a starter. In fact, I'd actively be seeking out his replacement in the upcoming draft. Time to stop relying on the unreliable.

 

[robjay04]

Honestly.. I think everyone kind of plays to the expectation I had for them.

Maybe Crawford is a little better then I thought but he's been such a jag that I don't really want to get my hopes up for him.

Crawford is actually a great choice. He will never live up to his contract in most people’s eyes but he is healthy and is really playing well this season.

Most of us, including myself, figured this is his last season here but his play is starting to make me think he returns for at least another season with his current contract.

 

[Stash]

Crawford is actually a great choice. He will never live up to his contract in most people’s eyes but he is healthy and is really playing well this season.

Most of us, including myself, figured this is his last season here but his play is starting to make me think he returns for at least another season with his current contract.

Same here. I've been an outspoken critic, especially given his contract. But I will also give credit where credit is due, he's playing well and has been a quality contributor to this defensive line. I'd like to see him do more against the better tackles he faces, but it's a small complaint compared to the plays he is making.

He's obviously not best suited as a RDE, but he's playing much better there than I had ever expected. And I think the combination of Crawford playing there and the return of Lee and Hitchens has gone a long way in improving the team's overall run defense as well.

 

[gimmesix]

Agreed.

I never saw the point of having Green in consideration to start at left guard, he's an injury-prone player, best suited at tackle anyway. The only thing that decision did was to put Green out of position, and stunt the process of both Cooper getting comfortable and his linemates getting comfortable with him.

I questioned it then, and nothing that transpired makes it look any better in retrospect.

A player with Green's history of injury and lack of reliability should be relegated to being a backup. An "in-case" option, not a starter. In fact, I'd actively be seeking out his replacement in the upcoming draft. Time to stop relying on the unreliable.

He's here one more year as the swing tackle, so I doubt we look to replace him before he walks in free agency. However, I wouldn't be surprised if we add an OL after the first to compete with Bell for his roster spot. If that player proves to be an eventual replacement for either Green or Bell as one of the active linemen that would be great.

 

[Walker]

Heaths kicking abilities.

 

[Stash]

He's here one more year as the swing tackle, so I doubt we look to replace him before he walks in free agency. However, I wouldn't be surprised if we add an OL after the first to compete with Bell for his roster spot. If that player proves to be an eventual replacement for either Green or Bell as one of the active linemen that would be great.

I don't think Bell is under contract after this year, is he?

But I agree with you, I'm not sure I would cut Green outright, that would just be spiteful, not smart. But I also wouldn't go into 2018 counting on him for anything, starter or backup, if I can help it. Draft another option so you're not stuck.

 

[Ken]

On Offense: La'el Collins
No one has drawn more difficult match ups through the first 8 games and he has more than held his own in those match ups. The cowboys are 2nd in the NFL in rushing and are second in sacks given up.

On Defense: Tyrone Crawford
4 Sacks, 1 FF, blocked a kick that turned the game around against Washington, and is probably 2nd on the team in pressures.

Two very unsung and often criticized members of the team.