(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 Dallas Cowboys 2024 season.)
Five weeks into the 2024 NFL season, teams are all trying to find their identity after a grueling start to the season. Injuries and coaching changes have dominated the headlines this week while teams are focused on finishing the first third of the year strong.
But those who has started the season strong deserve some credit as well. Individuals around the league have stepped up in a big way, even with some obstacles in the way. Including for the Dallas Cowboys, who have started the season 3-2 because of the contributions from many different athletes. Some, more unexpected than others.
Let's look at the top five individual performances so far this season. All worthy of mention and praise.
5) Mazi Smith – Week 4 (at Giants) - Very few have received the constant criticism for a lack of performance than Mazi Smith throughout his first two seasons as a pro. All for good reason. As a first-round pick, Smith was drafted with the expectation to stop the run and be a constant force on the defensive line. He had failed to live up to those expectations, until Week 4 against New York. Smith was much better with his run fits and stunts up front and was given the Cowboys highest defensive grade of the week by PFF. He was a key to stopping the run and controlling the line of scrimmage. Hopefully a sign of more to come.
4) Brandon Aubrey – Week 2 (vs Ravens) - In a week where very few things went well for the Cowboys, Brandon Aubrey remained perfect. Not only did he continue his unbelievable streak with 15-straight field goals of 50-or-more yards, but he did so from 65-yards out. Marking the second-longest field goal in NFL history and the longest ever by a Dallas kicker. Aubrey has put together some fantastic performances, but this was one not only cemented him as a current threat but also put him on the "all-time great" radar.
3) Jalen Tolbert – Week 5 (vs Steelers) - There is no win against the Steelers without the performance from Jalen Tolbert. When Brandin Cooks was placed on IR earlier in the week, the opportunity for the former third-round pick was there. But for Tolbert to take the WR2 spot and raise his performance to WR1 territory was a welcome surprise. He finished with 7 receptions for 87 yards and the game winning touchdown. Capping off what could be a breakout performance.
2) Eric Kendricks – Week 1 (at Browns) - There have only been three players in Cowboys history to tally two sacks and an interception in the same game. Jim Jeffcoat (@NYG, 12/15/1985), Tommy Haynes (@NYJ, 10/4/1987), and Eric Kendricks in his team debut against Cleveland in Week 1. It was an incredible debut that personified what Mike Zimmer's system could bring in Dallas. It was one of multiple star-studded performances along with Micah Parsons, DeMarvion Overshown, and DeMarcus Lawrence that lead to a win over the Browns.
1) Rico Dowdle – Week 5 (vs Steelers) - The offense needed a running game and a way to settle down the offense. That's exactly what they found with Rico Dowdle in Week 5. After tallying 20 rushing yards on five carries and one catch for five yards in the first half, Dowdle put it all together in the second. Leading the charge on multiple drives with a receiving touchdown and 89 scrimmage yards. All culminating in a much-needed Cowboys 20-17 win on the road.
