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Updated: June 16, 2011, 12:39 PM
Roster Rundown
Miles Didn't Match '09, But Still Effective
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Email | Follow robphillips3 on Twitter
(Editor's Note: Throughout the offseason, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing each player's impact last season and how he fits into the team's 2011 plans. Today's featured player is wide receiver Miles Austin.)
Name: Miles Austin
Position: Wide receiver
Height/Weight: 6-2/215
Experience: 5 seasons
College: Monmouth
Key Stat: In 2010, Austin and Jason Witten became the sixth and seventh players in team history, respectively, with consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Both reached 1,000 yards in the season finale at Philadelphia.
Contract Status: Signed through 2016.
2010 Impact: Even as a full-time starter, Austin didn't match the blistering 2009 totals he posted mostly in just nine starts (81 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns) to earn a six-year, $54 million extension. But he led the team in receiving yards (1,041) and yards per catch (15.1), and was second in catches (69) and receiving touchdowns (9). He also made his second consecutive Pro Bowl as an injury replacement for Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson.
Where He Fits: Back at the spot he claimed overnight in 2009: the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver and one of Tony Romo's top two targets alongside Witten. Head coach/offensive coordinator Jason Garrett tried to move Austin around the formation, including the slot in three-receiver sets, to free him from double coverage.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: Dez Bryant has as much potential as any player on this planet. Right now, though, Austin is the Cowboys' most well-rounded and productive wideout. He suffered most from Romo's 10-game absence, catching only 33 passes during that stretch, and his 11 drops were admittedly too many. But Austin has come a long way in five years, from undrafted rookie to rightfully voted one of the game's top 100 players by his peers.
Nick Eatman: After two years of being the starter, Miles Austin has definitely emerged as one of the NFL's top receivers. Whether or not he remains the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver will likely be determined by Dez Bryant's success. But even if Bryant surpasses Austin as the team's top receiving option, it should only help Austin's career. His contract doesn't warrant being the No. 2 receiver, but if that occurs, look for Austin to flourish even more in this offense.
Roster Rundown
Miles Didn't Match '09, But Still Effective
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Email | Follow robphillips3 on Twitter
(Editor's Note: Throughout the offseason, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing each player's impact last season and how he fits into the team's 2011 plans. Today's featured player is wide receiver Miles Austin.)
Name: Miles Austin
Position: Wide receiver
Height/Weight: 6-2/215
Experience: 5 seasons
College: Monmouth
Key Stat: In 2010, Austin and Jason Witten became the sixth and seventh players in team history, respectively, with consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Both reached 1,000 yards in the season finale at Philadelphia.
Contract Status: Signed through 2016.
2010 Impact: Even as a full-time starter, Austin didn't match the blistering 2009 totals he posted mostly in just nine starts (81 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns) to earn a six-year, $54 million extension. But he led the team in receiving yards (1,041) and yards per catch (15.1), and was second in catches (69) and receiving touchdowns (9). He also made his second consecutive Pro Bowl as an injury replacement for Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson.
Where He Fits: Back at the spot he claimed overnight in 2009: the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver and one of Tony Romo's top two targets alongside Witten. Head coach/offensive coordinator Jason Garrett tried to move Austin around the formation, including the slot in three-receiver sets, to free him from double coverage.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: Dez Bryant has as much potential as any player on this planet. Right now, though, Austin is the Cowboys' most well-rounded and productive wideout. He suffered most from Romo's 10-game absence, catching only 33 passes during that stretch, and his 11 drops were admittedly too many. But Austin has come a long way in five years, from undrafted rookie to rightfully voted one of the game's top 100 players by his peers.
Nick Eatman: After two years of being the starter, Miles Austin has definitely emerged as one of the NFL's top receivers. Whether or not he remains the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver will likely be determined by Dez Bryant's success. But even if Bryant surpasses Austin as the team's top receiving option, it should only help Austin's career. His contract doesn't warrant being the No. 2 receiver, but if that occurs, look for Austin to flourish even more in this offense.