It hasn’t been the most memorable 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys so far, but there’s still plenty to look forward to and plenty to play for heading into a busy festive period. Their team roster excels in both defense as well as offense, and NFL fans have plenty of stars and underappreciated players to watch in action as ‘America’s Team’ attempts to finish the campaign on a high (and eke out a winning record!)
Micah Parsons – Linebacker
Micah Parsons is set for a bigger contract next season, and the linebacker has earned it after several impressive performances at the heart of the Cowboys’ defense during their 2024 campaign. Parsons is a constant thorn in opposing sides’ offenses with his ability to rush passers, disrupt plays, and make tackles anywhere. While the Cowboys playoff chances are now becoming incredibly slim, expect the 25-year-old to continue lighting up the NFC East over the busy period; he’s certainly one to watch in the coming months!
CeeDee Lamb – Wide Receiver
It seems that the ‘Boys are blessed with talented 25-year-olds. CeeDee Lamb inked a hefty $136m four-year deal before the season even got underway and has been an ever-present threat during the campaign so far. The wide receiver has developed strong chemistry with star quarterback Zak Prescott, and he is also showcasing the excellent route-running and catching skills that made the Cowboys draft him in the first round of the Draft way back in 2020. Lamb scored two touchdowns during a recent game against the San Francisco 49ers, which took his total for the year to four. Now considered one of the best receivers in the NFL and the Cowboys’ top target, every NFL fan should keep an eye on his plays this season.
Brandin Cooks – Wide Receiver
Veteran receiver Brandin Cooks could boost the Cowboys’ offense by returning from injury. The 31-year-old has been sidelined with a knee infection since Week 4, which has left the team with few options in offense. McCarthy believes Cooks is getting close to returning, so he could play a critical role over the next month or two. McCarthy noted: “He’s feeling better, I know he’s champing at the bit to get out there, but he’s one of our team leaders, let alone in the wide receiver room, so he’s definitely been missed.”
Cooks could return to the field for the clash against the Houston Texans at the AT&T Stadium, one of three stadiums the Cowboys have played in since being founded in 1960. Fans will undoubtedly be relieved if he does make a comeback sometime in November!
Trevon Diggs – Cornerback
Dallas has struggled a little with defense this term, which a spate of injuries has not helped. Trevon Diggs was the latest to hit the treatment table in early November, with owner Jerry Jones revealing he had a “tear in his calf.” Cowboys fans hope the 26-year-old quickly returns to action after a stop-start campaign. Diggs is crucial to the team’s secondary, providing reliable coverage and aggression in the right moments. Now in his fifth season in Texas, Diggs will be key to any late-season momentum for the ‘Boys, especially in building back that defensive line they’ve been missing!
Mazi Smith – Defensive Linesman
Mazi Smith continues to divide opinions. However, it cannot be argued that he has made notable improvements to his game during the last twelve months. The defensive tackle offers physical presence and strength, allowing other players to flourish. He also has an uncanny ability to clog up running lanes at just the right moments. The 23-year-old is still quite raw, but as he adjusts and grows in the NFL, you wouldn’t bet against him becoming an integral part of the Cowboys’ team. His contributions to the run defense could be key to Dallas’ late-season form, making him one to watch.
Jake Ferguson – Tight End
Jake Ferguson has stepped up following the departure of Dalton Schultz and given Prescott a reliable target to hit. Ferguson certainly has safe and dependable hands and is effective in key phases at the third down as well as in the red zone. His blocking ability also impresses and has recently enhanced the Cowboys’ ground game.
An amusing side note is that the 25-year-old believes he “should’ve just caught the ball” after recently missing a touchdown pass against the Eagles. Still, Ferguson is one to watch as he has the potential to become a key playmaker during the season’s final throes (and throws, for that matter)!
Tyler Smith – Offensive Guard
Tyler Smith has consistently performed in an indifferent year for the Cowboys. It looked like he set for a spell on the sidelines after being spotted with heavy wrapping on his knee in mid-November, but coach McCarthy is confident that the offensive guard can make a swift return. Smith is now in his third season at Dallas after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team soon after and continues to be a shining light during a reasonably challenging period for the team. Like the six other Dallas stars listed here, he’s one to watch out for as the regular season reaches its climax.
Main Image Credit:
