Saturday, October 10, 2020

Dallas Cowboys Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Dallas Cowboys rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 18.8 (19th)
  • Best ranking: 17th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Cowboys in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 17

Last week, they got picked apart through the air. Against the Browns, the Cowboys couldn't stop the run, allowing 307 rushing yards (7.7 YPC). According to TruMedia's model, Dallas' performance was the third worst by any defense in a game this season. But to place blame on just the defense would be a mistake. While the Cowboys are putting up gaudy yardage numbers, no offense has been more hurt by turnovers. Dallas gave the ball away three times Sunday, and that number could have been much higher if the Browns didn't drop multiple interceptions. The Athletic's Bob Sturm took inventory of the team's highest-paid players like Amari Cooper, DeMarcus Lawrence and Jaylon Smith. His assessment should be concerning to Cowboys fans. Given the state of the NFC East, Dallas still has time to get it together. But we're four games in. The Cowboys no longer get the benefit of the doubt.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 20

The defense is putrid. They can't stop anybody. That puts way too much pressure on Dak Prescott and the offense. Jerry Jones can't be happy.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

Has Dallas ever been more Jekyll and Hyde? The "Hot and Cold Boys" (maybe?) have gained most yards in team history through four games while also surrendering the most.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

FPI chance to make playoffs: 68.7%

That figure represents too much faith in the returns of Leighton Vander Esch, Sean Lee, Chidobe Awuzie and Anthony Brown from injury to help the defense. The Cowboys will score points. That we know. Can they stop anybody? They have struggled in coverage in allowing too many big plays. They allowed 307 yards on the ground to Cleveland. Their saving grace is that they play in the NFC East. They will be in it until the end, but that percentage seems too high, especially with what should be a more difficult close to the season than beginning. -- Todd Archer

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

You officially have permission to panic about the 2020 Cowboys. This team can't cover, can't stop the run and can't get off the field when it counts -- the defense's failures were all laid bare in a 49-38 loss to the Browns at Jerrah World. The struggles were especially painful on a day when Dak Prescott and the offense went on a 24-0 run in the fourth quarter to bring the Cowboys to the precipice of another miracle win. But the defense wilted again on a game-sealing Odell Beckham 50-yard touchdown run that could have gone for a 12-yard loss if Aldon Smith had been able to wrangle the speedy wide receiver. The Cowboys have allowed 146 points through four games, the most in franchise history. How does it get better?

Previous update: Dallas Cowboys Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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