Two steps forward, countless steps back. That’s the takeaway from the Dallas Cowboys' 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. As frustrating as the day was though, the offense more than did its part to get the win. 

Yes, having to settle for two field goals under 30 yards is frustrating, but they shouldn’t have to be perfect. Let’s take a look at the two highest graded players from that side of the ball, as well as the lowest to see where there’s room for improvement. 

George Pickens, WR, 91.1

Pickens has been on an absolute tear since Week 2, catching at least one touchdown in five straight games after never recording one in back-to-back games in his career. His six scores are already a career-high. 

He had what is so far his best game of the year, recording nine catches on 11 targets for 168 yards and a touchdown. And for good measure, he also had his highest run blocking grade of the season at 62.3.

Pickens has more than played his way into the Cowboys’ future plans after his contract expires in the offseason. The question now becomes if Dallas will be willing to play him as the 1B he’s been playing as, or if the franchise tag is in his future. 

Dak Prescott, QB, 81.1

Perhaps the most frustrating part about Dallas’ defensive ineptitude is that it’s making it that much harder to appreciate how good Dak has been this season. While passing Troy Aikman for second on the team’s all-time passing yardage list is impressive, it doesn’t quite do his campaign justice. 

After throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday, Dak is completing a career high 71.6% of his passes, is averaging the most yards per game since 2020, has his lowest INT% since his rookie season in 2016, and is on pace to set a career-high in touchdown passes. 

All while doing it with a shuffled and scuffling offensive line and without his top target for most of the season. It’s truly been a generational season, one that’s so far been wasted by a generationally bad defense.

Javonte Williams, RB, 46.4

When I say that the offense shouldn’t need to be perfect for the Cowboys to win, performances like this is what I mean. Before Week 6, Williams’ worst performance was a 66.8 grade in the season opener, with the rest being anywhere from 68.3 to 75.3. 

So, while his 29 yards on 13 carries were extremely disappointing, he’s built enough equity with the coaching staff, locker room, and fan base that such a dud can be forgiven. And, in an odd way, this subpar performance might have an indirectly helpful impact on the season as a whole. 

If it proves to Jerry Jones that the defense has been so bad, that the offense has to be perfect and, when it’s not, the team has no shot, leading Jerry to greenlight some necessary changes on that side of the ball, than Williams’ day could actually be a net positive in the end.