Dallas Cowboys: Studs and duds vs. Packers in Week 5

By Randy Gurzi | Oct 7, 2019

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 06: Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a touchdown pass reception against Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 06: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers rushes the ball against Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Stud: Jaylon Smith

For two weeks in a row, Jaylon Smith came up with a sack to end a drive late. Against New Orleans, he pushed them out of field goal range and they had a chance at the win. Against Green Bay, he cost them 11 yards and gave Dallas a shot at making it a one-score game.

That didn’t happen but Smith continues to step up and make plays for the Boys. This week, he finished with nine tackles and had the sack as well. He was recently rewarded with a huge new contract and he shows week after week that it was money well spent.

Dud: Leighton Vander Esch

Selected in the first round last season out of Boise State, Leighton Vander Esch was a monster for Dallas. He was all over the field and he and Jaylon Smith looked to be the next great linebacker duo in the league. Unfortunately for Dallas, LVE hasn’t been as impactful this season and on Sunday he was just off his game.

He finished with nine tackles but that’s misleading as he was out of position on a few runs and missed on several open-field tackles. It was completely out of character and hopefully, he can get that cleaned up because the entire defense looked different when he wasn’t stuffing the ball carrier.

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