The Dallas Cowboys escaped Week 2 with a heart-stopping 40-37 win over the New York Giants. The effort took two buzzer-beating field goals from Brandon Aubrey, who has firmly cemented himself as the league's best kicker. Still, the effort was far from perfect from the rest of the roster, with the Giants being given every chance to win this game. It took an epic offensive performance to push the game back into the hands of Dallas.
With this in mind, there is a trio of Cowboys who should consider themselves on thin ice heading into Week 3. Anything short of a drastic improvement is going to be considered a failure for a clear group that didn't get the job done.
1. Matt Eberflus, OC
Putting the defensive coordinator on the hot seat after giving up 37 points to the ghost of Russell Wilson isn't exactly un unpopular take. There has been a reason to wonder if the coordinator is going to survive the week after an absolutely brutal showing, which is where it is important to note that the coaching staff can only work with the talent it has been given.
Still, the Cowboys have enough pieces in place that you shouldn't be getting gashed in the passing attack at this level. The lack of adjustments and answers from the former Bears head coach was incredibly alarming. Prescott and Aubrey cannot be asked to put on their capes at this level and expect the Dallas season to end in anything but misery. Only two weeks into his career with the Cowboys, and it is fair to say Eberflus is coaching for his job.
The defense has to be held accountable in some way for this pathetic performance, and so often, this means a coach is going to be let go or demoted into another role. This, as well as potential free agency upgrades, must be on the table heading into Week 3.
2. Miles Sanders, RB
The Dallas front office took a questionable approach to attempt to fix issues in the run game. Shopping in the bargain aisle of free agency Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams were brought in with the hopes that one or both could breathe life back into their respective careers behind a better offensive line. For Williams, this has appeared to be the case with the back winning the starting job and contributing at a high level in both of the first two weeks of the season.
Not only did Sanders fumble in Week 1, but the rusher looks to have slowed a step and cannot fight through contact at the level he once did. Dallas fans remember the former rival from his days with Philadelphia before landing with the Carolina Panthers on a highly paid deal. One that aged poorly and left Sanders no choice but to sign a low upside deal with America's Team.
Outside of his 49-yard run in Week 1, Sanders is averaging only 2.4 yards on his other eight carries.
Two weeks in, and it seems the Cowboys would be wise to turn the page from Sanders and give a younger option a chance. There are a lot of the same signs fans watched in 2024 with Ezekiel Elliott struggling to create positive plays. It's clear that Sanders also simply lacks the needed burst and physicality for the position.
3. Jalen Tolbert, WR
Tolbert is unlike the rest of this list in the fact that there is zero threat of his job being taken away at this point in the season. However, Sunday's effort isn't what is expected of a player who is benefiting from playing in an offense with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Tolbert is often dealing with the third or fourth coverage option a roster has to offer, which should set him up for an increase in production and opportunities.
Late in the game against the Giants, Tolbert ran a great route and dropped a ball that was very catchable for a player of his talent level. Add in the fact that Williams, KaVontae Turpin, and Jake Ferguson all had more production than the receiver, and it wasn't his best showing. Tolbert should always be the third or fourth leading receiver in this offense. Two catches for 16 yards and a key drop aren't getting it done in what was an offensive boat race.
The Cowboys were looking ot every piece on the roster to make a play, and Tolbert appeared to be the fourth or fifth option on the depth chart and not the third receiver he is expected to be. With Jonathan Mingo potentially returning as early as Week 5, Tolbert can't afford to maintain the status quo for long.