Dallas Cowboys Stock Report: Week One

The Dallas Cowboys started their 2017 campaign with a convincing victory over their NFL East division rivals, the New York Giants. There were several standouts and a lot of guys that played really well. The defense really set the tone holding the Giants to just three points and it took the Giants into the second half to cross their own 35-yard line.

Our weekly stock report is where we take a look at three players that had a positive impact on this week’s game and three players that could have been better. This week’s edition is tough because so many guys played extremely well and there weren’t many weak links in Sunday’s 19-3 win.

Stock Up

DeMarcus Lawrence

DeMarcus got his 2017 season started with a huge performance on Sunday night. He recorded his first sack on the first possession of the game. He later recorded another sack as well as a couple of tackles. This is a very important season for Lawrence as he is in a contract year. If he gets 8-10 sacks this season, not only is that very helpful for a team that lacked a pass rush the last few seasons but it would also set him up for a very nice payday this season, whether it’s with the cowboys or some other organization in the NFL.

La’el Collins

I would consider Collins first start at right tackle a success. He faced one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and held him in check. You didn’t hear his name much at all on the broadcast, which for an offensive lineman that is a great thing. He had one flag, but other than that he had a very successful debut. It doesn’t get any easier for Collins as Von Miller is up next.

Jason Witten

I think it would be disrespectful to not mention the all-time leading receiver in Cowboys history in this week’s stock report. That’s exactly what Witten became on Sunday night, passing Cowboys legend Michael Irvin. Witten now has 11,947 receiving yards. Witten had seven catches for 59 yards and the team’s only touchdown in the game.

Stock Down

Dak Prescott

In a game where not a whole lot goes wrong, you have to be harder on some guys. The Cowboys went 1-4 in the red zone Sunday and one drive that really stands out is early in the game where three pass plays were called and all three plays went for incomplete passes intended for Dez Bryant. Two of those throws should have resulted in touchdowns but the throws were not made.

Taco Charlton

Taco’s NFL debut didn’t make fans feel good about their first round draft pick. Now, it is only one game but Charlton will be compared to TJ Watt for as long as he wears the star. TJ Watt posted two sacks and had one interception earlier in the day, a line that no one, not even TJs brother has posted. Taco will be fighting to be on the 46 once everyone gets back from suspension unless his play picks up.

Alfred Morris

Alfred Morris was number two on the depth chart Sunday night with Darren McFadden being inactive for the first time in his career. Morris didn’t take advantage of the limited opportunities he got. He carried the ball four times for one yard.