Cowboys playing their roles to perfection
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EDITORS: Chart at bottom of story. () —
By Bill Nichols
The Dallas Morning News
(MCT)
The Cowboys needed a first down against Philadelphia in last Sunday's fight for first in the NFC East. On third-and-9, and a hostile crowd wailing, the Cowboys sent in the perfect player for the pressure situation.
Never mind that undrafted rookie Kevin Ogletree could count his career catches on one finger when he broke the huddle. He has carved a niche with the Cowboys as "bubble screen" specialist. He gained 19 yards to set up Dallas' first score and later converted another third down on the same drive.
"Just maximizing opportunities," Ogletree said. "Just trying to make a play whenever I get a chance."
What's most unique about Ogletree is that he isn't unique. He's one of many role players contributing to Dallas piling up a four-game winning streak like a colony of ants.
The Cowboys (6-2) have discovered strength in numbers as they gather momentum by connecting the dots. The utilitarian approach has narrowed the scope of responsibility for many players and increased accountability.
It's a team game
In the rise of the role player, competition for jobs has led to better practices, which has improved game performance. The Cowboys probably have more depth than any other team in the NFL. And their musical chair lineup keeps players fresh and opponents guessing.
Perhaps most important in this all-for-one formula is the bonding that's developed, a sense of togetherness from working toward the same goal.
"We're not the Dallas Cowboys individuals," fullback Deion Anderson said with a shrug. "I don't need attention. Just throw me in there, bust a couple heads, and I'm good."
Last year's Cowboys surfed on waves that ebbed and flowed according to how many balls went to one star. This season, there's only one ball. Hungry rookies and polished veterans are vying for spots on special teams. High-profile players are thriving in reduced or specialized roles.
"Guys are tired of coming so close to the playoffs, or getting to the first round and losing," said receiver Roy Williams, who's had some frustration over his role and chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo.
"I think guys have finally got it in their mind, 'let's put our foot down and try to come together as a football team.' That's what's been winning these last couple of years — Patriots, Giants, Steelers — good football teams."
Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice could be featured running backs on most teams. As a combo platter, the three distinct dishes are tough for opponents to swallow, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. That depth also serves as a security blanket in case of injury.
On any given drive, the Cowboys can trot out a multitude of personnel and sets — one or two tight ends, zero to three backs and any combination of five wide receivers. Twelve players have caught passes. Five have at least 14 receptions.
Who, exactly, does an opponent key on?
"If they take something away, we've got to be good enough to do something else," Romo said. "The system is in place to have those options. I think you're seeing that we have different people do different things well, and we're getting them the ball in those situations."
Nobody worried about finding ways to limit Miles Austin in the first four games. Two NFL scouts watched him work out after he left Monmouth University. Nobody drafted him. The Cowboys could see his potential, so they signed him as a free agent in 2006.
A new element
Austin's transformation came in his first start, when he moved up the depth chart because of Williams' injury. When the game against Kansas City ended, Bob Hayes' long-standing record was no longer standing. Austin's 250 yards surpassed the franchise mark for one game by four yards.
Having ignited the offense with his breakaway speed, Austin is attracting attention. He drew double coverage from the Eagles last week. That opened the field for Williams, who had a season-high five catches, and others. Austin finished with only one reception — a 49-yard touchdown.
Patrick Crayton didn't sulk after being brought down a peg in the receiver rotation and losing his punt return job to Allen Rossum. After Rossum got hurt on his first kickoff against Atlanta, Crayton resumed his punt return role with a 73-yard touchdown, then scored on an 82-yard return against Seattle the next week. He ranks second among NFL punt returners. He's also gained 122 yards receiving over the last three games.
"When the ball's getting spread around like that, you run your routes with a little more effort and get excited about play calls that come to you," Crayton said. "You don't get frustrated. You've got to be ready when it does come."
Patrick Watkins, the Cowboys' leading tackler on special teams, made 13 tackles in two games filling in for injured safety Gerald Sensabaugh. Defensive end Stephen Bowen has 16 tackles, including 10 solos. And nose tackle Junior Siavii posted seven tackles against Atlanta.
David Buehler, drafted solely for kickoffs, leads the NFL with 17 touchbacks, 17 more than Dallas had last year. Mat McBriar ranks third in net punting.
And the coverage units have excelled under new special teams coach Joe DeCamillis. Opponents' average drives start at the 21.9-yard line, second in the league. And that has been a big reason why Dallas has surrendered an average of 16.9 points the last six games.
Receiver Sam Hurd, safety Alan Ball and Butler are right behind Watkins in special teams tackles. They wage friendly competitions each game for leading tackler.
"I think our guys are basically buying into their roles," DeCamillis said. "If a guy comes up to me and says he really doesn't like to play special teams, I'm going to try to accommodate him as much as I can and make sure that he doesn't play for me."
Solid contributors
Key role players for the Cowboys during their 6-2 start:
David Buehler — 17 touchbacks on kickoffs
Victor Butler — 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble at linebacker; 11 tackles special teams
Patrick Crayton — 365 yards, 2 TDs receiving; 290 yards, 2 TDs punt returns
Sam Hurd — 115 yards, 1 TD receiving; 12 tackles special teams
Patrick Watkins — 17 tackles at safety; 13 tackles special teams
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(c) 2009, The Dallas Morning News.
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