Cowboys report card: Grading the first half of the season

The Dallas Cowboys' first half of the 2026 season has been a mixed bag, much like an amusement park ride. While there have been some bright spots, the overall performance has been less than stellar, leaving fans wondering if the team has taken a step back after a promising start.

Defensively, Quinnen Williams has been the standout player, earning an A grade for his impressive performances. With 23 tackles, 4 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 6 QB hits, Williams has turned a corner and is a key contributor to the defensive improvement. His leadership has also been praised as a major reason for the defense's resurgence.

Offensively, Dak Prescott has been a mixed bag, earning a B+ grade. While he has had A+ moments, particularly in the second half of games against the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, his struggles against the blitz have hindered the team's overall performance. Prescott is currently third in passing yards (2,381), tied for seventh in touchdown passes (16), and third in quarterback rating (77.0).

CeeDee Lamb has also had a strong season, earning an A grade for his contributions. Despite a cool-down period against the Packers, Cardinals, and Buccaneers, Lamb bounced back with a dominant performance against the Indianapolis Colts, catching 10 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. His ability to elevate the entire team has been crucial, as he has been a significant reason for Dallas's wins when he's been on fire.

However, the Cowboys' overall performance has been lacking due to inconsistent play from their backup players. Tyler Guyton and Joey Porter Jr., while showing promise, have not yet reached their full potential. Guyton, in particular, has been a bright spot, turning into one of the team's most consistent players up front, but he still has work to do to reach Pro Bowl status. Porter Jr., on the other hand, has been inconsistent due to injuries and lack of health, leading to a B grade for his performance.