Dallas Cowboys: Fantasy Flops
Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) talks to wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Running back
Despite all the media claims, the world did not end when DeMarco Murray left the Cowboys for rivals in Philadelphia. While Murray dominated NFL fields and fantasy games in 2014 the same can not be said this year.
Murray’s 2014 294 point score ranks 6th among running backs in the last six years. Yet over a quarter of the way into this season with Murray in an Eagles shirt there’s the likes of Frank Gore, Chris Johnson and Charles Sims all scoring higher than him.
While the Cowboys running game has faltered in recent weeks, and questions remain over Joseph Randle‘s long term future as the teams lead back he’s put up a solid 61 fantasy points leaving him 7th overall.
The running back by committee scheme the Cowboys are operating mean you’re looking at a RB2 type production from the players in fantasy. Murray was considered a first or second round draft pick; you’d have expected far more than the lowly 25th ranking right now.
Wide receiver
Much like real life, the loss of Dez Bryant to a broken foot was a massive blow to fantasy teams. The Cowboy’s #88 is considered one of the best receivers in the league be it real life or fantasy and after the core pool of five running backs are drafted Dez’s name often followed.
With Dez injured, Demaryius Thomas suffering at the deteriorating hands of Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson MIA and Antonio Brown being ignored by Michael Vick in Pittsburgh, the fantasy wide receiver race has been dominated by Julio Jones. With over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns the Falcons man is approaching the 100 point mark already.
His rookie year aside, Dez hasn’t finished lower than 6th in fantasy points among wide receivers. While Dez’s fantasy outlook may not be quite so exciting with Cassel at quarterback instead of Romo you wouldn’t bet against 88 going on a touchdown scoring frenzy before the season ends.
You’d be forgiven for not realizing other wide receivers currently reside upon this Cowboys team. Blame Weeden for the lack of accuracy, the receivers for poor routes, the conservative play calling or a combination of all three it quite frankly hasn’t been good enough for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
After Week 5 in 2014 the Cowboys receivers had scored nine touchdowns – Williams had five of them. It’s a sorry state of affairs to see that in 2015 Williams is the only receiver to have a touchdown on this team and he only has 2. During the bye week it’s imperative that Cassel is working on establishing some kind of relationship with either Williams or Cole Beasley.
Next: Tight End & Defense