The Dallas Cowboys have to be pretty happy with the way things have gone through the first five weeks of the 2016 season.
They are sitting atop the NFC East division with a 4-1 winning record and have done so despite the fact they are battling through numerous injuries to key players on both sides of the ball.
It’s no secret that the Cowboys have a talented roster, but there have been some unexpected players that have stepped up and filled larger roles this year. This is been a big reason why they have gained national recognition and look to be a team to be reckoned with from here on out.
I thought it would be a good idea to identify some of the individuals that are responsible for helping the Dallas Cowboys get off to such a good start so far.
Below are six of the players that have unexpectedly become individually dominating members of the team so far in 2016.
Dak Prescott
No one could’ve possibly predicted that Dak Prescott not only start the 2016 season as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, but perform as well as he has for the first five games of the year.
Prescott has unexpectedly led the Cowboys banged up offense to a 4-1 winning record and has done so in a dominating fashion.
#4 has yet to throw an interception and his loan turnover for the season was a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals. He has thrown for 1,239 passing yards and four touchdowns, rushed for three touchdowns, and has an overall passer rating of 101.5.
Dak Prescott has performed so well in fact, that a lot of people are wondering whether or not he should remain the starting QB once Tony Romo is 100% healthy.
Who knew?
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Ezekiel Elliott
Okay, being the fourth overall draft pick and performing up to one’s draft status might not fall into the category of being unexpected. But, who could have guessed Ezekiel Elliott completely dominate defenses like he has so far?
Elliott got out to a slow start, but as become more and more dominant with each game he plays.
To date, he is the leading rusher in the NFL with 546 rushing yards on 109 carries and has scored five TDs.
FEED THE MAN!
If he can keep up this pace he should shatter all kind of records for a rookie RB and help the Dallas Cowboys reach the playoffs.
Who knew?
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Morris Claiborne
I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am to see Morris Claiborne finally playing up to his potential. I was a big fan of the selection when the Dallas Cowboys traded up to draft him, but injuries have negatively impacted his career in the NFL.
Claiborne has been one of best cornerbacks in the NFL and has pretty much shut down any wide receiver he has been asked to cover through the first five weeks of the 2016 season.
If Claiborne can remain healthy, he will not only help the backend of the Cowboys defense, but could possibly earn his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Who knew?
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Anthony Brown
A lot of you still might not really know who Anthony Brown is, but he has not only stepped in for an injured Orlando Scandrick, but done so without the defense missing a step.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted Brown in the sixth round of this year’s draft. They have found a player that has unexpectedly had to step into a larger role than initially anticipated, and has been impressive doing so.
Brown has been asked to cover the opponents slot receiver and so far has been up to the task. He has done an excellent job at arguably one of the most difficult positions on defense.
I encourage you to watch #30 next time he’s on the field. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Who knew?
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Terrell McClain
Before the season started not many people even thought that Terrell McClain would even be a member of the Dallas Cowboys when the 53 man roster was finalized, but I’m sure we are all glad that wasn’t the case.
McClain has earned the right to start in the middle of the Cowboys defensive line over Cedric Thornton, who was the big-money free agent signing during the off-season.
He has arguably been the most dominating/consistent player the Dallas Cowboys have on that side of the ball and he is making plays in both the passing and running game.
Injuries have limited his playing time in Dallas, but if he can stay healthy this year, he can be an impact player.
Who knew?
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Cole Beasley
If someone would’ve told you before the season started that Cole Beasley would be the best Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, what would you have said?
Upon learning that Dak Prescott would be the starting QB to start the season, I predicted that Beasley would benefit the most, but I never imagined how much.
Beasley has become Prescott’s go to WR and he is on pace to double his catches and receiving yards from any of his previous seasons in the NFL.
#11 may be one of the smaller wide receivers in the league, but that doesn’t mean his impact on the field isn’t gigantic.
Who knew?
What do you think?
Let me hear your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below so that we can further discuss this topic.
