Rating of the 5 best players of the week

Whenever a team loses, it’s easy to assume that everyone on the field was the problem. It felt like that in every one of the four games the Dallas Cowboys lost in 2024.

Their latest defeat is a prime example. The Cowboys lost to the San Francisco 49ers 30-24, but the final score doesn’t show how lopsided this game was for much of the second half.

Despite the loss, there were several players who stood out for the right reasons. Here’s a look at Dallas’ top five players in Week 8.

Cooper Beebe, the 73rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was the team’s top rookie this season. He showed up as a blocker again on Sunday, but had some great one-on-one play in the first half.

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On KaVontae’s first touchdown, Turpin nearly turned the ball over. He lost it after an 11-yard run, but Beebe showed great awareness by diving for the loose ball. His recovery from the setback kept the game alive and gave Dallas a 7–3 lead.

Dallas has struggled to build a full defensive line due to injuries. They have yet to find the right combination and are desperate for Mickey Parsons to return.

Although it was obvious on Sunday, at least one defenseman showed up for the game. Chauncey Golston made five tackles and tagged tight end Eric Sobert for a holding. That penalty negated a 66-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel.

With Brandin Cooks still out, Jalen Tolbert has moved into the team’s No. 2 spot. Overall, he played well and had another decent game against the 49ers.

Tolbert saw just three passes, but caught them all for 44 yards.

Sophomore linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was flying around the field in Week 8. He finished with eight tackles and one sack.

That sack in the fourth quarter nearly led to a setback that could have led to the win. Even though Brock Purdy retained possession, Overshown’s play stopped the attack and gave the offense one last chance to win.

CeeDee Lamb responded to critics.

After being called out for route running by Troy Aikman, Lamb turned in his best game of the year. He topped 100 yards for the first time in 2024, finishing with 146 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions.

Both of Lamb’s touchdowns came in the fourth quarter, helping his team tie the game to within one point.

Despite his excellent play, Dak Prescott gave the ball to KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks on the main drive. Lamb remains an unstoppable force, but the Cowboys continue to move on from him at the worst possible times.

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