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Column by By BILL NICHOLS / The Dallas Morning News
bnichols@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Miles Austin, Mike Jenkins and Anthony Spencer had breakout seasons that dramatically enhanced the Cowboys in 2009.
Their transformation from role to marquee players coincided with Dallas' strong finish and first playoff win in 13 years. They were major reasons why the Cowboys were positioned among the top teams for 2010.
But it's been a reversal of fortune for Austin, Jenkins and Spencer. And just as their surprising success bolstered the team a year ago, their decreased production has mirrored the Cowboys' slide to 4-9.
Instead of building momentum for a playoff run to the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium, Dallas plays its final home game today against the Redskins, a matchup devoid of postseason implications.
The reversals of fortune – for Austin, Jenkins, Spencer and the Cowboys – are shocking, given their contributions to an 11-5 record in 2009. With virtually the same team returning that won the NFC East and a wild-card game over Philadelphia, the Cowboys aimed high for 2010.
They had a game-breaking receiver in Austin, who made the Pro Bowl after an 81-catch, 1,320-yard season. They had a shutdown cornerback in Jenkins, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection after leading the team in interceptions (five) and pass breakups (23). And in Spencer, they had an athletic pass rusher opposite the dominant DeMarcus Ware.
Miles Austin
Austin began last season as the third receiver, having spent his first three seasons primarily returning kickoffs. He caught two passes in the first three games.
An injury to Roy Williams opened the door to Austin's first start in Game 5, and he burst through. Against Kansas City, he had 10 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns, including the 60-yard game-winner in overtime. He followed that with a 171-yard performance against Atlanta.
Austin's emergence added a dynamic the team direly needed. The Cowboys won five of their next six games. And after his breakout season, Austin received a six-year contract extension believed to be worth $54 million.
But for Austin, the opposite has happened in 2010. After catching 31 passes in the first four games, he has only 27 receptions in the last nine. He's among the league leaders with eight drops. Five balls thrown to him have been intercepted.
Austin has been targeted 96 times and made 58 receptions for a .604 catch percentage. Last year, he was targeted 124 times and had a catch percentage of .653.
Some of Austin's drop-off can be attributed to backup quarterback Jon Kitna throwing a lot of balls underneath to tight ends and running backs. After catching seven passes in Kitna's first start against Jacksonville, Austin has had four games with only two receptions.
"There are different quarterbacks and there are different players out there," Austin said. "So things are going to change. But I feel like we're going about it the right way, we're practicing the right way, we're moving the ball. I'm happy when the team's moving the ball, not necessarily if I'm moving the ball."
Austin has worked in practice on reducing the drops. He tried shedding his gloves to see if that improved his feel. Asked what he would tell Austin in terms of ball security, interim coach Jason Garrett said:
"Keep playing, keep working at it; catch a ton of balls in practice. Work on catching the ball the right way in practice and hopefully that carries over to games. He's got very natural hands. He's just got to eliminate some of those drops on plays that he's capable of making."
Mike Jenkins
Jenkins opened last season competing with Orlando Scandrick for the job at right corner and then started 15 of 16 games.
He thrived in man coverage, and his confidence showed in his aggressive style. He had five interceptions. Quarterbacks throwing in his direction had a 53.6 passer rating.
But this season, Jenkins hasn't been the same since drawing five pass interference penalties in a three-game stretch. His shutdown skills eroded as he began playing off receivers, and he's been giving up big plays instead of making them.
Passer ratings against him have almost doubled to 105.7. He has allowed a league-high 895 passing yards. He has only one interception and has been beaten on four receptions over 50 yards, including DeSean Jackson's 91-yard touchdown last week.
Reduced pressure up front has contributed to the higher numbers because quarterbacks have more time to throw. Jenkins attributes the struggles to his change in style.
"It's going to be more man press," Jenkins said. "That's what I do best. When I line up in their face, it's hard for a lot of guys to complete balls on me.
"I had gotten to the point where I was playing a lot of off coverage, and that was in man coverage too, and that's not really my game. I kind of got out of my game. I really just want to go back to myself, get back into my rhythm and get comfortable with myself."
Anthony Spencer
Spencer has first-hand knowledge of the reduced pressure. Like Austin and Jenkins, he flourished in his first season as a starter last year.
Spencer posted 19 pressures before getting his first two sacks in Week 10. Last season, he finished with six sacks and was tied for fifth in the NFL with 40 knockdowns.
But the linebacker has been quiet in 2010. Although he has played a big role for the defense, his wow factor has diminished significantly.
So has the entire defense. The Cowboys are tied for 20th in the NFL with 24 sacks, four below the league average. Other positions have contributed to the lack of pressure. Dallas ranks last in blitzing in passing situations.
Spencer ranks 45 spots lower in knockdowns and hurries and 52 spots lower in sacks (three). Last year, he rattled quarterbacks with seven passes defended; he has only one this season.
"I think he's been down from a production standpoint in terms of his sacks, but he's certainly showed up," Garrett said of Spencer. "He's playing hard, defending the run well and just continuing to grow.
"Just because you don't have the sacks doesn't necessarily mean you're not showing up. He's pushing the pocket well and affecting the quarterback."
bnichols@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Miles Austin, Mike Jenkins and Anthony Spencer had breakout seasons that dramatically enhanced the Cowboys in 2009.
Their transformation from role to marquee players coincided with Dallas' strong finish and first playoff win in 13 years. They were major reasons why the Cowboys were positioned among the top teams for 2010.
But it's been a reversal of fortune for Austin, Jenkins and Spencer. And just as their surprising success bolstered the team a year ago, their decreased production has mirrored the Cowboys' slide to 4-9.
Instead of building momentum for a playoff run to the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium, Dallas plays its final home game today against the Redskins, a matchup devoid of postseason implications.
The reversals of fortune – for Austin, Jenkins, Spencer and the Cowboys – are shocking, given their contributions to an 11-5 record in 2009. With virtually the same team returning that won the NFC East and a wild-card game over Philadelphia, the Cowboys aimed high for 2010.
They had a game-breaking receiver in Austin, who made the Pro Bowl after an 81-catch, 1,320-yard season. They had a shutdown cornerback in Jenkins, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection after leading the team in interceptions (five) and pass breakups (23). And in Spencer, they had an athletic pass rusher opposite the dominant DeMarcus Ware.
Miles Austin
Austin began last season as the third receiver, having spent his first three seasons primarily returning kickoffs. He caught two passes in the first three games.
An injury to Roy Williams opened the door to Austin's first start in Game 5, and he burst through. Against Kansas City, he had 10 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns, including the 60-yard game-winner in overtime. He followed that with a 171-yard performance against Atlanta.
Austin's emergence added a dynamic the team direly needed. The Cowboys won five of their next six games. And after his breakout season, Austin received a six-year contract extension believed to be worth $54 million.
But for Austin, the opposite has happened in 2010. After catching 31 passes in the first four games, he has only 27 receptions in the last nine. He's among the league leaders with eight drops. Five balls thrown to him have been intercepted.
Austin has been targeted 96 times and made 58 receptions for a .604 catch percentage. Last year, he was targeted 124 times and had a catch percentage of .653.
Some of Austin's drop-off can be attributed to backup quarterback Jon Kitna throwing a lot of balls underneath to tight ends and running backs. After catching seven passes in Kitna's first start against Jacksonville, Austin has had four games with only two receptions.
"There are different quarterbacks and there are different players out there," Austin said. "So things are going to change. But I feel like we're going about it the right way, we're practicing the right way, we're moving the ball. I'm happy when the team's moving the ball, not necessarily if I'm moving the ball."
Austin has worked in practice on reducing the drops. He tried shedding his gloves to see if that improved his feel. Asked what he would tell Austin in terms of ball security, interim coach Jason Garrett said:
"Keep playing, keep working at it; catch a ton of balls in practice. Work on catching the ball the right way in practice and hopefully that carries over to games. He's got very natural hands. He's just got to eliminate some of those drops on plays that he's capable of making."
Mike Jenkins
Jenkins opened last season competing with Orlando Scandrick for the job at right corner and then started 15 of 16 games.
He thrived in man coverage, and his confidence showed in his aggressive style. He had five interceptions. Quarterbacks throwing in his direction had a 53.6 passer rating.
But this season, Jenkins hasn't been the same since drawing five pass interference penalties in a three-game stretch. His shutdown skills eroded as he began playing off receivers, and he's been giving up big plays instead of making them.
Passer ratings against him have almost doubled to 105.7. He has allowed a league-high 895 passing yards. He has only one interception and has been beaten on four receptions over 50 yards, including DeSean Jackson's 91-yard touchdown last week.
Reduced pressure up front has contributed to the higher numbers because quarterbacks have more time to throw. Jenkins attributes the struggles to his change in style.
"It's going to be more man press," Jenkins said. "That's what I do best. When I line up in their face, it's hard for a lot of guys to complete balls on me.
"I had gotten to the point where I was playing a lot of off coverage, and that was in man coverage too, and that's not really my game. I kind of got out of my game. I really just want to go back to myself, get back into my rhythm and get comfortable with myself."
Anthony Spencer
Spencer has first-hand knowledge of the reduced pressure. Like Austin and Jenkins, he flourished in his first season as a starter last year.
Spencer posted 19 pressures before getting his first two sacks in Week 10. Last season, he finished with six sacks and was tied for fifth in the NFL with 40 knockdowns.
But the linebacker has been quiet in 2010. Although he has played a big role for the defense, his wow factor has diminished significantly.
So has the entire defense. The Cowboys are tied for 20th in the NFL with 24 sacks, four below the league average. Other positions have contributed to the lack of pressure. Dallas ranks last in blitzing in passing situations.
Spencer ranks 45 spots lower in knockdowns and hurries and 52 spots lower in sacks (three). Last year, he rattled quarterbacks with seven passes defended; he has only one this season.
"I think he's been down from a production standpoint in terms of his sacks, but he's certainly showed up," Garrett said of Spencer. "He's playing hard, defending the run well and just continuing to grow.
"Just because you don't have the sacks doesn't necessarily mean you're not showing up. He's pushing the pocket well and affecting the quarterback."
