The Dallas Cowboys had a long day against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, losing 27-17 and looking outmatched most of the game. Still, there were some positives for the rookie class, as some key future pieces took steps forward. 

After struggling to a career worst 51.1 grade in his Week 7 return from injury, Booker bounced back to post a career and team best mark of 83.1 grade in Week 8. And while his 80.1 grade from this week was lower, I’d argue it was actually the best game of his career. 

That’s because for the first time, Booker had a truly balanced game, posting an 82.0 run blocking grade to go with an 86.0 pass blocking grade. His overall grade was dragged down by a penalty. 

After being very good at one or the other, it’s very encouraging to see Booker excel in both facets of blocking. While the team’s overall output was concerning, Booker has taken huge strides the last two weeks. 

Like his rookie counterpart on the offensive side of the ball in Tyler Booker, EZ had the most complete game of his career. This is due not just to a strong pass rush grade (71.3) but also a career best run defense grade of 80.0.

With that said, his pass rushing stole the show as he set a career high with five pressure on his way to his second career sack. That’s two sacks in three weeks after none in his first six games. 

Throw in two stops as a run defender, and EZ showed that he’s not just a one trick pass rushing pony. While the defense has struggled overall, it would appear that they hit on this pick in the draft.  

Blue was a healthy scratch, being passed on the depth chart by Malik Davis. After Brian Schottenheimer discussed the number two running back job being up for grabs, concern and questions about Blue’s future with the team are getting harder and harder to ignore. 

After his 28.9 grade against the Denver Broncos in Week 8, we talked about how it wasn’t that performance that was concerning in a vacuum, but how James would respond to that adversity that mattered. Suffice it to say, he didn’t respond well. 

It’s a disappointing stacking of performances for a player that had gradually improved in each of his first four games, culminating in a 63.8 grade against the Washington Commanders in Week 7. With Logan Wilson coming to town via trade, expect to see James fill a more complimentary role, one that will allow him to continue learning without the pressure of starting as a Day 3 rookie. 

Playing for the first time since Week 6 and matching the career high 20 snaps he played in Week 1, Toia had the best game of his young career while posting a 54.4 grade. This was led by his 66.8 tackling grade. 

Notably, he also logged both his first career pressure and hit as a pass rusher. They’re baby steps, but positive steps nonetheless.

Clark was inactive as he nurses a rib injury he suffered against the Broncos in Week 8. It’s possible he will return after the bye week. 

After posting a team worst 27.8 grade in 48 snaps in Week 8, Bridges was effectively benched playing only seven snaps. He did post a 52.7 grade, including a 72.5 tackling mark, and perhaps that’ll work towards rebuilding his confidence.