2013 (Dallas Cowboys) Season Review
Record: 8-8 (2nd place NFC East)
Playoffs: N/A
Head coach: Jason Garrett
Notable Assistants: Bill Callahan (offensive coordinator), Monte Kiffin (defensive coordinator), Rod Marinelli (defensive line), Rich Bisaccia (special teams).
Regular Season Overview
This was another disappointing year for the Cowboys as they were only able to finish at the .500 mark. The Cowboys are definitely the most talented team in the NFC East and they were once again the favorite to win the division. With offensive weapons like Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, and Jason Witten the Cowboys should’ve been dominate in a division with so many terrible defensive units. They even have star power on their defensive unit that tends to come under fire. Sean Lee is one of the best young linebackers in the game, Barry Church was a tackle machine this season, and Demarcus Ware is a future Hall of Famer.
The NFC East was also regarded as the worst division in football his year which makes not winning the division especially hard for Dallas. With New York starting out 0-6 and Washington limping worse than their quarterback, the Cowboys were thought to have a huge advantage over an Eagles team that didn’t seem to have much going right. This is getting to be an every year thing with the Cowboys, they have the talent and weapons to be a contender every year. For some reason though they can’t seem to get it together. How many times can these guys loose he division in week 17?
Biggest Win
The week 16 win against Washington was big for Dallas not because of anything concerning playoffs but because it kept hope alive for the team. They knocked off their rival 23-24 on an dramatic game winning drive in the last two minutes of the game. This win also was key in them finishing was at least and 8-8 record, also with the 9-6 Eagles in week 17 for the division they needed to win. Not to mention if they lost to a team that finished 3-13 starting their backup quarterback, let’s just say we might have been talking more about their new head coach right now.
Toughest Lost
A lot will argue that the week 17 loss to the Eagles was the toughest loss, it kept them out of the playoffs and they were so close to winning.
I want to take it back to week five when they almost beat the high and mighty Denver Broncos.
Romo threw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns in an old….sorry new era shootout.
They were in it right down to when Romo threw that back breaking interception that gave Peyton Manning the dagger to take the Cowboys heart. This win would have meant so much to Dallas, with a quality win like this under your belt it gives the whole organization a reason to be proud and a confidence that will last all season. This is also the second of four games that were decided by three points or less that they ended up losing. They pull out two of these games they're in the playoffs.
Offensive MVP’s
Dez Bryant 93 receptions 1,233 yards 13 touchdowns
This season Bryant cemented himself as one of the best recievers in the league and a weapon you should really pay attention too. He also showed something that doesn't show up in a statbook, heart. He wants to win and he wants to be the best reciever in the leauge. His play this year showed that he is on his way to possibly being one of the greats.
Tony Romo 3,828 yards 31 touchdowns 10 interceptions
Romo had a fantastic year throwing for almost 4.000 yards. The stat that pops out to me is his touchdown to interception ratio. For all that is said about his tendency to turn the ball over 10 interceptions to 30 plus touchdowns will make any fan cry tears of joy. He proved this year that he is not as turnover prone as some would like to think.
Defensive MVP
Sean Lee 99 total tackles 68 solo 31 assist (in only 11 games)
Lee has solidified himself as a tackle machine. 100 tackles in 11 games is unbelievable and his skills in coverage is something every team desires in a linebacker. The fact that he is the teams real lead tackler and that he lead them in interceptions as well is proof that he is one of the top inside backers in the league.
Most Disappointing Player
Miles Austin 24 receptions 244 yards 0 touchdowns (only started eight games)
Austin missed most of the season once again and wasn't very productive in the games that he played. I hate to say that his time may be limited in Dallas with the emergence of young players like Terrance Williams and Dwayne Harris. The fact that he can't seem to stay healthy is very dissapointing to any supporter of the team. Let's hope he can turn it around this off season.
Best Rookies
Travis Frederick and Terrance Williams
Frederick started 16 games this season after the team was criticized for taking him early in the draft. This year he was part of a line that helped DeMarco Murray to his first 1,000 yard season and Tony Romo to a three to one touchdown to interception ratio.
Williams shocked a lot of fans with his explosivness and play making ability. Each and every week his speed was a factor and teams had to know where he was on the field just as much as Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. His presnece helped to open up chances for Witten and Bryant and it also game Romo another weapon to work with. I'm sure he can develope into a dangerous offensive weapon for Dallas especially if they can grab another outside reciever in free agency. If so this Cowboys team can look a lot like the Broncos team from this past year.
Statistical Leaduers
QB- Tony Romo 3,828 yards 31 touchdowns 10 interceptions
RB- DeMarco Murray 1,121 yards 9 touchdowns
WR- Dez Bryant 93 receptions 1,233 yards 13 touchdowns
TE- Jason Witten 73 receptions 851 yards 8 touchdowns
Tackles- Barry Church 135 totals 107 solo 28 assist
Sacks- Jason Hatcher 41 totals 11 sacks 2 forced fumbles
INT- Sean Lee 99 total tackles 4 interceptions (in only 11 games)