Dallas Cowboys: Studs and duds from gritty loss to Steelers in Week 9

Stud: John Fassel

Dallas has had several issues when it comes to special teams in recent seasons, and because of that, the hiring of John Fassel in the offseason was huge. The well-respected special teams coordinator has had plenty of success in the NFL and on Sunday, he had one of his better days.

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Knowing the Cowboys needed to dig deep, he was able to dial up some big plays including a trick punt return in the first half. On that play, Cedrick Wilson fielded the ball and then threw it across the field to C.J. Goodwin who ran it 83 yards. The play wasn’t perfect as Goodwin bobbled the pass and there was a block in the back but it still set up points.

Later, he had a blocked extra point and there was a 64-yard kickoff return from Rico Dowdle. Sadly, the offense failed to capitalize on those opportunities but Fassel’s unit gave them a spark on Sunday.

Dud: Saivion Smith

Trevon Diggs has had his issues this season but the rookie has been playing better in recent weeks. In Week 9, he found himself on the sidelines late due to a foot injury, and in his place was Saivion Smith, who struggled mightily. He was beaten for 45 yards by Chase Claypool on the drive and then was hurdled by Eric Ebron on the winning score.

It’s not as if we should crucify Smith since he wasn’t expected to be on the field this late in a meaningful game but it still wasn’t an ideal performance.