It's safe to say the Dallas Cowboys haven't had an ideal start to the season.

If it weren't for the NFC East's collective ineptitude, the playoffs wouldn't even be in consideration. Instead, the Cowboys making it to the playoffs is a realistic possibility right now (though it may hurt Dallas long term).

The Cowboys offense has been ineffective, unproductive and flat out boring, ranking 30th in points per game (16.6), 28th in yards per game (307.8) and 24th in yards per play (5.3).

It's been especially infuriating because one cannot place blame on a single culprit. Instead, the blame must be spread around evenly to Dak Prescott, the coaching staff, receivers and offensive line, as each has had its own fair share of failures through five weeks.

The defense, on the other hand, has been stellar, ranking fifth in points per game allowed (19.2), eighth in yards per game allowed (337.4) and sixth in yards per play allowed (5.2).

Byron Jones has played like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL (despite being beat by DeAndre Hopkins a few times Sunday night). Jaylon Smith looks completely healthy, and he's improved week by week, culminating in his masterful performance against the Texans. Leighton Vander Esch has filled in admirably for Sean Lee, as he's been by far the best rookie linebacker in the NFL. DeMarcus Lawrence, who is fourth in the NFL in sacks (5.5), has continued to harass quarterbacks and be disruptive against the run, quieting the concerns that he may be a 'one-year wonder.'

Whether it be on offense or defense, there are a few players who deserve more playing time. Maybe they have earned more playing time on the field, or maybe they present a skill set that should be utilized more frequently. Whatever the case may be, here are a few Cowboys who deserve more playing time.

Daniel Ross, DT

One of the biggest surprises on the Cowboys defense has been the play of defensive tackle Daniel Ross, who ranks first on the team in quarterback hits - thanks to his five quarterback hits against Houston - and fifth in total pressures.

Even with David Irving's impending return, Ross deserves a larger role on the Cowboys defense. He has the flexibility to play nose and under tackle, using his power and active hands to make and affect plays behind the line of scrimmage against the run or pass.

Here's the end zone view of Daniel Ross stealing a soul and nearly getting the sack. He deserves more snaps. pic.twitter.com/mvny7Usifa — John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 9, 2018

Through five weeks, Ross has played in around 19 plays per game while Antwaun Woods (39.6 plays per game) and Tyrone Crawford (51.4) average much more.

Irving will definitely steal a lot of Woods and Crawford's snaps upon his return. It would make sense for Ross to receive a similar count as Woods once Irving returns. While Woods has been a truly effective run defender, helping shore up the Cowboys' leaky run defense from a year ago, he isn't going to blow anyone's hair back as a pass rusher.

Nice job by Daniel Ross and Taco Charlton of winning their 1-on-1 matchup after the stunt. pic.twitter.com/aR8dbRe7Cq — John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 9, 2018

Moving forward, it would be smart for Dallas to give Ross the pass rush snaps that would have gone to Woods in the past, allowing Woods to focus on what he does best while giving Ross a larger role in the defense without stealing snaps from Irving or Crawford - though a slight decrease in snaps could lead to Crawford maximizing his efficiency on the field.

Even with Irving's return, Ross deserves a bigger role on the Cowboys defense. Maybe that means giving him a more specified role on the Cowboys defense. At worst, Ross deserves to not see his snaps reduced once Irving returns - he's simply played too well.

Tavon Austin, WR

Through five games, Tavon Austin has been the best big-play threat for the Cowboys offense. Disregarding special teams, Austin has touched the ball 10 times thus far this season, accumulating 166 yards (16.6 yards per touch).

So why does Austin rank fifth among Cowboys receivers in snaps played through five weeks?

Anyone?

When the Cowboys traded for Austin, Stephen Jones boasted that Austin could get the ball "a dozen to two dozen" times per game; however, Austin hasn't playing in more than 23 snaps this season.

#Cowboys WR Tavon Austin gets loose on the jet sweep. Nice block by Geoff Swaim to get him to edge untouched. pic.twitter.com/QHALZgbRht — John Owning (@JohnOwning) September 24, 2018

While the Cowboys have used Austin in a myriad of ways, they haven't been nearly frequent enough. Austin has proven to be a capable blocker and an effective deep threat in the passing game. He's always a threat on jet sweeps, and the Cowboys would be wise to utilize him more on tunnel and bubble screens. Any concept where the Cowboys can get Austin the ball in space is a good idea and will lead to more productivity from the offense.

Plus, Austin can be used as an effective decoy on plays where he's not the target because defenses have to respect his speed down the field. And using him on jet sweeps could open up weapons in the passing game in addition to Ezekiel Elliott in the running game.

Currently, the only receivers who have played fewer snaps than Austin (87) are Terrance Williams (39) and Brice Butler (one). For a team that ranks 24th in explosive passes (15-plus yards), that's unacceptable.

Rico Gathers, TE

Through five weeks, Rico Gathers has only played in 27 snaps, just over five plays per game.

With only one catch for 32 yards to his name -- though he has gotten open on occasion when he's been given a chance -- it may befuddle some as to why anyone would advocate for such a player to receive more snaps, but Gathers' receiving skill set is one that Prescott desperately needs.

Play action to #Cowboys TE Rico Gathers. Nearly the entire defense bites on the play-action fake, allowing Rico to get so wide open behind the LB. pic.twitter.com/0pd58fMLUG — John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 9, 2018

At 6-foot-6 and 282 pounds with an 83-inch wingspan, Gathers presents a giant target in the passing game. Since Prescott struggles with his accuracy, it makes sense to give him a large target to hit on a regular basis. A player with Gathers' frame can be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses when used in the right way.

Furthermore, when given the opportunity in the preseason, Gathers has proven to be effective gaining yards after the catch, an area where the Cowboys have been awful thus far, ranking 30th in yards after catch through five weeks.

Oh, what do we have here? Another explosive #Cowboys run using the pin-and-pull sweep. Impressive blocks by Rico Gathers and La'el Collins on top of excellent block manipulation by Zeke. pic.twitter.com/q3zd9orGrW — John Owning (@JohnOwning) September 24, 2018

Moreover, while Gathers doesn't thrive as a blocker, he's proven that he can be a capable one when called upon. He certainly isn't worse than Blake Jarwin in that respect, whom the Cowboys continue to play over Gathers.

Thus far, Geoff Swaim has proven to be the most effective tight end on the roster. He's been a capable outlet for Prescott in the passing game and an above-average blocker in the run game. The No. 2 spot, however, is much murkier. Jarwin has received the second-most snaps among tight ends, but he's been far from effective on a snap-by-snap basis.

While there have been whispers that Gathers has struggled with his assignments, it's on the coaching staff to make sure Gathers is up to speed by gameday.

No one is saying that Dallas should funnel targets to Gathers on a weekly basis, but he should be a bigger part of the offense's game plan. Jarwin has out-snapped Gathers three-to-one through five weeks and has yet to make a meaningful impact.

Dallas would be wise to change things up, Making Gathers the No. 2 tight end in the Cowboys offense just may yield benefits for Prescott and the passing game.

John Owning writes about NFL player evaluation for SportsDayDFW.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JohnOwning.