(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout the year, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÏÂÔØÈë¿Ú 2024 season.)
The 2024 season is halfway through. Nine weeks down, nine more to go and the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÏÂÔØÈë¿Ú (3-5) have nine more opportunities to find a groove. They'll have to do so against a grueling upcoming schedule with Philadelphia (6-2), Houston (6-3), and Washington (7-2) all on the docket before Thanksgiving.
Hopefully, there are some reinforcements on the way with players like Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, Brandin Cooks, and others returning to play soon. But for them to return with something to play for, Dallas needs contributions from across the roster.
Everyone from the coaching staff to the rookies is needed for a true resurgence to happen. But there are a few players that stick out as the crucial keys to a Cowboys comeback. Let's look at the five players that are most crucial for providing hope to the 2024 season.
5) Mazi Smith
The defensive tackle position continues to be a sore spot for the Cowboys. Dallas waived Jordan Phillips who they traded a 2026 sixth-round pick for in August and hasn't seen much of anything out of Linval Joseph or Mazi Smith. Smith stands out because over his 253 snaps on the defensive line, he is the lowest graded defensive lineman in the NFL. Ranked 124th out of 124. He's tallied three pressures, eight stops, and 12 tackles over those 253 total tries. Despite his poor production, he is the only option for Dallas this season with the trade deadline in the rearview. There were signs of life in his performance against the Giants in Week 4 that haven't shown up since. Dallas desperately needs Mazi Smith to take a step forward on the defensive line.
4) CeeDee Lamb
Expectations were high for Lamb entering the year. They may be even higher now as he's proven to be the only consistent weapon on offense this season. Last week, he also proved a level of grit and toughness that this team needed to see, while fighting through a sprained AC joint suffered in the loss to Atlanta. Despite that injury, he's fighting his way to be in the lineup this week and will be needed in a big way without the franchise quarterback available. Lamb is still one of the best receivers in the NFL. He'll be needed as such down the stretch.
3) Zack Martin
It is no longer a secret. Zack Martin has not been great this season. Throughout his career, he's been one of the best offensive linemen in the league week in and week out. That just isn't the case this season. He's allowed five sacks and 27 pressures this season according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Both of those numbers are his highest throughout a full season since 2019, and we're only eight games in. If this offense truly stands a chance to turn things around over the second half of the season, they need their cornerstone lineman to turn back the clock.
2) Cooper Rush
It's rare to see a backup quarterback in the NFL bring any sort of hope. However, Cooper Rush has earned that sentiment with his play so far as a starter. By now most Cowboys fans have seen his 5-1 record as a starter and his ability to play with a steady hand and bode of confidence. But when looking a little deeper, this is his toughest challenge yet. Not only is he taking over with a 3-5 record and in the middle of a three-game losing streak, but he's taking over an offense that has been a shell of its former self through the first eight games. He'll need to play the best football of his career for the Cowboys to have any opportunity at the postseason.
1) Micah Parsons
As one of the top edge rushers and defenders in football, Micah Parsons is feared by offensive coordinators throughout the league. Without him in the fold, there is rarely a moment where teams fear someone on the Cowboys defense. It's time for the Lion to eat. There really isn't any time for a ramp-up period, or an adjustment process. This front seven needs him to be at his best as soon as he is ready to play. Whether it's pressure, sacks, or turnovers, having Parsons back on the defensive line is the biggest reason for hope at a turnaround in 2024.
