A-Z of the Dallas Cowboys Season (Part Two)
Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (left) and wide receiver Devin Street (right) both celebrate after Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (not pictured) scored a touchdown agent the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Cowboys won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
O is for offense
In the seven games without Tony Romo the Dallas Cowboys offense was quite simply offensive.
In three games they failed to achieve over 300 total yards. Dan Bailey was the focal point of attack, and 11 touchdowns across those seven games arguably flatters the team.
Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Devin Street and Gavin Escobar were all MIA bar a couple of fleeting moments. The absence of both Tony Romo and Dez Bryant proved to be far bigger a deal that perhaps anyone thought it would be.
The players weren’t the only people at fault though. Scott Linehan and Jason Garrett altered the play calling in a way that it became predictable. Stuffing the run was a simple decision for opposition coaches to make- the quarterbacks couldn’t (or at least wouldn’t be allowed) to make plays.
Romo’s return last week against the Dolphins was noticeable in stats as well as result. It was the 4th most total yards gained by the team this season, the joint 5th highest passing yards (maybe nothing to write home about, but with Romo returning from injury it was enough), and Darren McFadden led the team in the 2nd most rushing yards had all year.
P is for practice squad
It’s easy to consider the practice squad as irrelevant. Just a place to stash a few guys you’re not quite ready to cut loose. This season though the Cowboys have certainly made use of the additional bodies within the camp.
Deji Olatoye, Keith Smith and Vince Mayle were all activated to the Cowboys roster from the practice squad this season, whille the likes of Trey Wiliams, David Irving and Kellen Moore were acquired from other teams practice squads.
Linebacker Keith Smith epitomises the life of an NFL player on the skirt of a team. After appearing in ten games for the Cowboys in 2014 he’s spent much of 2015 dipping in and out of the side.
- 31st July – signed
- 5th October – cut
- 7th October – added to the practice squad
- 14th November – activated to main roster
- 16th November – cut
- 18th November – added to the practice squad
Next: Quarterback, Rookies, Super Bowl 50