Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series examining whether Cowboys players are trending up, down or holding steady at the end of the 2019 season.

(See more: Part I | Part II | Part III)

The Cowboys finished with a .500 record for the fourth time in the last nine years. Some point to that as the definition of mediocrity.

Others consider it a flatline, especially given the expectations in place for this team entering the season.

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The status of the head coach has consumed most of the oxygen in the early days of this unexpected early end to the season. For a moment, let’s put that aside and look at what players were trending up, down and holding steady at the conclusion of this season.

Holding steady (26)

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrators after picking up a first quarter first down against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts Sunday, November 24, 2019. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News) (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

Ezekiel Elliott, RB: The two-time rushing champion ran for 1,357 yards to finish fourth in the league. His numbers declined in the second half — he was held to less than 50 yards in three of the final eight games while going over 100 just twice — but that was more a function of the play calling and the team falling behind in games. He remains a force.

Amari Cooper, WR: Another player whose numbers were better in the first half of the season than the second. Cooper’s final 100-yard game of the season came in Week 10 against Minnesota. After that he was held to less than 40 yards in four games, including being shut out in the loss to New England. Still, he finished among the league’s top 10 receivers with 79 catches for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns.

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE: Yes, the highest-paid player in franchise history managed just five sacks. The last sack credited solely to him came in Week 10. Lawrence didn’t have the impact he had in the previous two seasons when he combined for 25 sacks. But he did have 36 quarterback pressures, was strong against the run and graded out as high as any player on defense.

Others

Randall Cobb, WR: The veteran receiver slipped into the slot receiver role vacated by Cole Beasley and had his best season in five years. While not as quick as Beasley, Cobb is stronger and more of a vertical threat. He finished with 55 catches for 828 yards and three touchdowns.

Jason Witten, TE: Still effective after all these years. Witten was the first place Prescott looked after Cooper and Gallup, finishing with 63 catches for 529 yards and four touchdowns.

Zack Martin, G: Another season, another Pro Bowl. This is six straight for the former first-round pick. And to think, owner Jerry Jones considered taking Johnny Manziel instead of Martin on the day of the 2014 draft.

Travis Frederick, C: Returned to his starting role after losing a season to Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Frederick didn’t have the best season of his career, but it was arguably his most meaningful. He was rewarded with a Pro Bowl berth.

Tyron Smith, LT: Still a dominant left tackle. Tends to wear down as the season wears on and missed three games for his fourth consecutive season.

Joe Looney, C: He didn’t play nearly as much as last season when he stepped in for Frederick. But when he was called upon, he played well.

Cameron Fleming, OT: Stepped in for Smith at left tackle for three games and played well. A solid backup.

Michael Bennett, DL: Upgraded the Cowboys’ pass rush after arriving from New England in early November. Had four sacks and 24 quarterback hurries in his nine games. The only drawback was his penchant for lining up in the neutral zone.

Dorance Armstrong, DE: A strong training camp elevated expectations. Armstrong played well early but failed to record a sack in the final eight weeks.

Christian Covington, DT: Started six games at the one-technique when Antwaun Woods wrestled with injuries. Played well against the run and collapsed the pocket a little better than Woods in the passing game.

Maliek Collins, DT: Doesn’t get close to the double-digit sacks you hope to have from the three-technique in this defensive scheme — he finished with four, his best total since his rookie season — but he’s solid. His 30 QB hits was third on the team.

Antwaun Woods, DT: An MCL sprain knocked the starting defensive tackle out of six games. When he was healthy, he was the team’s best run stopper.

Justin March, LB: Value is on special teams. Finished third on that unit with seven tackles.

Darian Thompson, S: Another special teams staple, but he did start four games this season because of injury. Thompson’s performance was erratic, but he had some good moments. Had a season-high nine tackles and a sack against Chicago and recovered a fumble earlier in the season.

Xavier Woods, S: An outstanding training camp led to speculation this could be a breakout season for the young safety. It wasn’t. But Woods had a hand in five turnovers — two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery — which is more than any other defender in a Dallas uniform.

C.J. Goodwin, CB: Special teamer who led the unit in tackles with 10 and briefly saw time on the field in the final month of the season.

Byron Jones, CB: Jones doesn’t get the recognition of other top corners around the league. That’s because has hasn’t had an interception since October 2017. But he’s a player quarterbacks avoid, and one who consistently holds receivers below their statistical average.

Jeff Heath, S: Critics consistently talk about upgrading this position, and Heath consistently responds with one solid season after another. A big hitter, Heath broke up nine passes to tie for second on the defense and is a valuable part of special teams coverage.

LP Ladouceur, LS: Another flawless season for the Cowboys deep snapper. He’s automatic, and now he’s a U.S. citizen.

Anthony Brown CB: Ended the final six games of the season on injured reserve with a triceps injury. Missed a game before that with a hamstring injury. When he did play, he was effective.

Connor Williams, G: A torn ACL ended his season prematurely in Week 13. He missed a game two weeks before that after having a scope. Overall, he showed progress from his rookie season.

Xavier Su’a-Filo, G: His season came to an end in Week 16 with a fractured fibula. Before this, he stepped in for Williams at left guard for the second consecutive season and played well.

Jaylon Smith, LB: He easily led the team in tackles (168) and in self-promotion. Smith was the only defensive player to record a sack, come up with an interception, force a fumble and recover one.

Kerry Hyder, DE: A solid rotation player in the defensive front. Finished fifth on the team with 19 quarterback hits.