Was strolling through Valley Ranch last week and stumbled upon a story for this week's Star Magazine by the esteemed Josh Ellis. He was grading each player on the Cowboys for the season that was. Cool idea. Definitely agreed with many of the letters awarded, disagreed with a few others and thought, why not offer up my own grades side-by-side with Josh's?
Will use the same criteria as he did: Everyone was graded on a curve based on what was expected of them entering the season. Here is Josh's grading system:
A: Provided consistently excellent performances, easily exceeding expectations.
B: A good season overall, living up to, or slightly exceeding expectations with regularity.
C: Expectations met at times, but not consistently enough.
D: A passable effort, but did not take advantage of enough opportunities.
F: Level of play over the course of the season was not acceptable.
I: Incomplete. No way to judge.
QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo
Jeff Sullivan: Statistically speaking, the best quarterback season in the 52-year history of the Cowboys. Played through two tough injuries that would've sidelined most. Yeah, there were a few frustrating moments, but for me, he's one of the top-6 signal callers in the NFL. He's also the undisputed leader of this team now, which just happened this past year. (A-)
Josh Ellis: It's hard to overlook the several poorly-timed mistakes early in the season, which certainly had their impact in keeping the Cowboys out of the playoffs. However, his performance in the 16 games as a whole was so good that it's tough to imagine the Cowboys more than 4-12 or 5-11 without him. (B+)
Jon Kitna
JS: Only 36 men in the history of the NFL have thrown for more yards than his 29,745. Threw a gorgeous touchdown pass against the 49ers, the final one of his career. (I)
JE: Just one game played, spelling Romo at San Francisco, and the year cut short by a back injury. The contract is up, and at age 39, retirement is likely. (I)
Stephen McGee
JS: Has earned at least the chance to compete for backup gig at camp. Needs to make quicker decisions in the pocket, but has definitely made progress. (B)
JE: There was nothing too inspiring about the performance against Philadelphia in relief of Romo. Weighing the preseason as well, since it's as good a chance as there is to evaluate the No. 3 guy, McGee does appear to be making slow, steady improvement. (
Chris Griesen
JS: Might have become the oldest practice squad player in NFL history. (I)
JE: Off-the-street insurance late in the season. (I)
RUNNING BACKS
Felix Jones
JS: Many were expecting 1,200 rushing yards and 50 catches, so even more the injury, Jones wasn't that player. Still just 24 years old, like him as a tandem back. No excuse for five fumbles and four dropped passes. (C-)
JE: The running game was almost nonexistent early in the year, but improved as the season went along, with Jones eventually topping 100 yards three times. Still, his durability remains a major concern, and the play of DeMarco Murray proved that there were yards left on the field. (C)
DeMarco Murray
JS: Would've easily broken the team rookie rushing record if not for the late injury, averaged 5.5 per rush, only one fumble, made defenders miss, catches the ball beautifully. His blocking was a mess, but hey, am guessing Gisele Bündchen doesn't cook. Such is life. (A-)
JE: As bright a spot as the Cowboys had all year, the rookie third-round pick showed that the days of the every-down, workhorse back have not necessarily gone by the wayside. His season-ending injury was as tough a blow as the team suffered. (A)
Phillip Tanner
JS: Really like this kid. He's hungry. He wants to play football. Could become an elite special teams guy, Pro Bowl-caliber. Nice third tailback, too. (B+)
JE: The undrafted rookie showed the ability to pick up tough yards, as well as a willingness to play special teams, but his season was ended by a hamstring injury. (B+)
Sammy Morris
JS: Performed better than expected, can still hit a hole. Won't be back. (B)
JE: Signed off his couch during a numbers crunch at the position, the 34-year-old filled his role admirably. (B)
Chauncey Washington
JS: Played just two games on special teams. (I)
JE: A special teams ace. (B)
Tony Fiammetta
JS: Was playing as well as any fullback in the league before the bizarre inner-ear infection forced him to the sidelines. Really struggled after returning, especially against Tampa. (C+)
JE: The difference in the running attack between games he played and games he did not was stark. A savvy waiver-wire addition, he was claimed from Carolina on the final day of camp cuts. (A)
Shaun Chapas
JS: Rookie played three games, caught a pass. (I)
JE: The seventh-round pick didn't do enough in training camp to win a spot on the roster. He's now a Fiammetta backup plan. (D+)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Miles Austin
JS: Was the best player on the field in the San Francisco overtime win, but subtract that game and it's 34 catches for 436 yards and four TDs. Kind of a lost year. Was on the field for about half the team's offensive snaps with the hamstring injuries. Just four drops. (D+)
JE: It was a season lost for the Cowboys' top wideout. Whether he worked too hard or not hard enough in the offseason is a good question, because his hamstrings were simply not right all year. (F)
Dez Bryant
JS: His dramatic improvement, even maturation, on and off the field, from early-October through the remainder of the season was for the most part lost on the media. His route-running the last month was stunning, and his 1.56 percent drop rate was the best in the NFL among wide receivers taking at least half of their team's snaps according to ProFootballFocus. Easy to forget "Planet Dez" turned 23 in November. (B)
JE: There was definitely progress, particularly in his route running and his ability to read defenses the same way as his quarterback. He still has a long way to go before his grasp of the offense is adequate, however. (
Laurent Robinson
JS: An amazing story of career revival, only four players in franchise history have caught more than the 11 TDs Robinson hauled in. Just immediately clicked with Romo for whatever reason. Good locker room guy, too. Not sure if he returns, could have out-priced himself. (A)
JE: Signed in Week 1 after being cut by San Diego, Robinson was an unexpected success, filling in seamlessly during Austin's absence. Can the Cowboys afford to keep him? Can they afford to let him get away? (A)
Kevin Ogletree
JS: Thought he would take that No. 3 receiver gig in camp, but just didn't happen. Kind of surprised he caught 15 balls; would've guessed about 8-10. (D+)
JE: Three years in the league, and little proof of improvement. (D)
Jesse Holley
JS: Not sure why he was only on the field for 27 offensive snaps the last 14 games after an impressive showing in overtime at San Francisco. Solid on special teams, there's a place for him on this team in 2012. (B)
JE: One of the best special teamers the club has, he's taken advantage of every opportunity he's had since 2009. (A)
Dwayne Harris
JS: Five catches for 127 yards and two TDs in the preseason opener was more or less the highlight. Was solid on kick returns. Has a future with the club. (
JE: The sixth-round pick battled hamstring injuries of his own, flashing potential occasionally, but spending half the year on the practice squad. (C+)
Andre Holmes
JS: Practice squad guy. (I)
JE: A season-long practice squad member who the Cowboys signed to protect his rights. (I)
TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten
JS: Another solid campaign, not breaking as many tackles, but still sixth among tight ends with 365 yards-after-the-catch. Only four drops, too, as compared with 12 for Green Bay's Jermichael Finley. Struggled with one-on-one run blocking, still solid with the chips in pass protection. Turns 30 in May. (B)
JE: The first season without a Pro Bowl berth since he was a rookie, Witten is still a dependable pass-catcher, but a new, younger breed of tight ends is pushing the position to new limits that he is no longer able to reach, athletically. (C-)
Martellus Bennett
JS: Ranked No. 1 run blocking among tight ends according to ProFootballFocus.com, with New England's All-Pro Rob Gronkowski second. Really played well the last six games, and is still just 24. Next year is make or break. (
JE: A dominating blocker, but not nearly the athletic freak he was sold as, offering little impact as a pass-catcher. (C)
John Phillips
JS: Played as much H-back as tight end, struggled with run blocking, was a little better in pass protection. Nine tackles on special teams. Solid No. 3 on the depth chart, works hard. (C+)
JE: Not a natural at fullback, and not the imposing on-the-line blocker that Bennett is, Phillips will offer a bit more as a receiver if he takes on the No. 2 role in 2012. (C-)
OFFENSIVE LINE
Doug Free
JS: The singular biggest disappointment on the team. Of the 30 players to take an offensive snap this season, he was the lowest-rated by ProFootballFocus at minus-9.9. Allowed 33 QB pressures, 10 sacks and was flagged for 10 penalties. Was decent run blocking but just a mess in pass protection. Would be stunning if he wasn't moved back to the right side. (F)
JE: Higher expectations, thanks in part to a lucrative new contract, have rendered his season a disappointment. With more film of him available to pass-rushers, he seems to have been figured out, and will have to move out of the left tackle position for his play to improve. (F)
Montrae Holland
JS: The team's most underappreciated performer this year, really exceeded expectations. Allowed just eight QB pressures and two sacks in 641 offensive snaps before a late injury. (B+)
JE: After re-signing midway through the season, Holland was as steady as anyone could've hoped, arguably the Cowboys' second-best lineman for half the year. (B+)
Phil Costa
JS: Certainly not great, but not horrible, either, Costa allowed 15 QB hurries and three sacks. Was flagged just twice. Needs to improve to keep the job next season. (C)
JE: Inheriting the starting job when Andre Gurode was released in preseason, the Cowboys claimed Costa would actually be an improvement from the five-time Pro Bowler. Not exactly. (C)
Kyle Kosier
JS: Was supposed to anchor the front with Free. Yeah, not so much. Was decent, avoided penalties, easily the team's best blocker on screens, allowed 17 QB pressures and three sacks. (C-)
JE: A heady, tough player, but a guy who has dealt with his share of injuries in recent years, the Cowboys have to decide whether he is now an impediment to their O-line rebuilding effort. (C)
Tyron Smith
JS: Exceeded even the highest of expectations. Many graded him the league's best right tackle in 2011. Not among rookies, either. We're talking one and all. Didn't turn 21 until November. Going to be special for a long time. (A-)
JE: As dependable a lineman as the Cowboys had, the No. 9 overall pick improved as the year went along. Blessed with great athleticism for the position, he will continue to add muscle and become a more powerful run blocker. (B+)
Jeremy Parnell
JS: Played sparingly in six games. (I)
JE: The team's swing tackle, Parnell's development continues. However, it's a testament to his progress that he was trusted with such an important depth role already. (B+)
Bill Nagy
JS: Rookie started four games early before a season-ending injury. Pass blocking was impressive, against the run less so. (
JE: The seventh-round pick didn't even start in college, won a first-team job to open the year, but was placed on the injured reserve after six weeks. (B)
Kevin Kowalski
JS: Really like this kid. The rookie free agent didn't allow a single QB pressure in 114 snaps at guard and center. Think he earns a starting gig next season. (B+)
JE: An undrafted free agent, Kowalski became the Cowboys' first man up at both guard spots and center, occasionally filling in capably enough despite limited practice reps. (A-)
David Arkin
JS: One of the few disappointments from the 2011 draft class, fourth-rounder didn't play. (I)
JE: Despite injury upheaval at the guard position throughout the year, it was a complete redshirt season for the fourth-round pick. He wasn't ready physically. (D)
Derrick Dockery
JS: Veteran was decent, started two games. (C)
JE: Signed with the intention that he would start, Dockery was injured in his first game, and couldn't wrestle the starting left guard job away from Holland. (D+)
DEFENSIVE LINE
Jason Hatcher
JS: Cannot stress enough how well he played, before and after missing October with a calf injury. Finished with 14 QB pressures, five sacks and really played with a high energy. (B+)
JE: A starter for the first time in his career, Hatcher had a greater impact than ever before, registering 4.5 sacks in Rob Ryan's scheme. (B)
Jay Ratliff
JS: First guy on the practice field, last one to leave. He wants to win so badly, maybe the team's most passionate player. Another outstanding season despite a plethora of double teams, 21 QB pressures, one of the top three or four tackles in the NFL. (A-)
JE: Another trip to the Pro Bowl for the undersized nose tackle, though he had his fewest sacks since his rookie season. To protect their long-term investment, it might be wise for the Cowboys to set a limit on Ratliff's snaps in each game. By December, he was worn down. (
Kenyon Coleman
JS: Decent. Did just enough to stay on the field. Nine QB pressures and a sack from 426 defensive snaps just isn't enough, though. (C)
JE: His knowledge of Ryan's scheme allowed him to quickly take over a starting job. (C)
Marcus Spears
JS: Avoided drawing a penalty this season. So that was good. Moving on ... (D)
JE: The Cowboys' highest-paid defensive end, he was pushed from the starting lineup, but continued to play ample snaps as a rotational player. The team may be questioning its reinvestment. (D)
Josh Brent
JS: Solid contributor, would like to see him playing more snaps next year. Like how he closes the gaps against the run. (B)
JE: A knee injury kept him out of important games down the stretch, though he returned for a couple of big run stuffs versus the Giants in the finale. The Cowboys were only 1-4 with him out of the lineup. (C)
Sean Lissemore
JS: This kid should be given every chance to start next year. Could be more of a rotation guy, but either way, needs to be on the field more. Really solid, smart player, rated behind only DeMarcus Ware, Ratliff and Sean Lee via ProFootballFocus among the team's defensive players. (A-)
JE: A versatile player along the line, he played end, filled in at nose tackle when Ratliff was beat up, and rushed from inside in nickel packages, mostly making good on his spare opportunities. (B+)
Clifton Geathers
JS: Didn't see enough of him. (I)
JE: A tall, big-bodied end, Geathers' playing time was minimal, but he could be a useful player if his frame continues to fill out. (I)
LINEBACKERS
DeMarcus Ware
JS: Another All-Pro caliber year, although for me, this wasn't on the level of 2008 or even 2010 when he was stellar against the run. Too many penalties (11) and never really made the big play when it was most needed. Still, 19.5 sacks and 44 QB pressures is quite impressive. (B+)
JE: A neck injury hampered his pursuit of the NFL's single-season sack title, but he still managed 19.5 sacks, only a half-sack short of becoming the only player in league history with two 20-sack years in his career. (A)
Sean Lee
JS: Hard not to make the Lee Roy Jordan comparison and that's saying a lot. Lee is already one of the most knowledgeable defensive players in the league and if he stays healthy in 2012, he could have 140 tackles and double-digit turnovers. He's that good. (A-)
JE: Originally expected to split time with the two veteran inside linebackers, Lee pushed them both out, becoming as consistent a player as the Cowboys had, while showing toughness in fighting through a bum wrist. (A)
Bradie James
JS: Couldn't have handled himself with more class this season. Not that anyone was surprised. Played hard, too, just doesn't have that burst anymore. Likely won't be back. (C)
JE: The team's leading tackler for six seasons in a row, James showed grace as his playing time was scaled back. He was still a big part of the Cowboys' base defense. (C-)
Keith Brooking
JS: Would love to see him stick around in a coaching capacity of some kind. Another class act. His playing days are behind him, though. (D+)
JE: At 37, his remaining physical skills were limited, but he still played a role for the defense. (C-)
Anthony Spencer
JS: Wildly inconsistent, think it's probably time to head in another direction. Did have 35 QB pressures, but just 6.0 sacks. Missed a lot of tackles. Let someone else throw monopoly money at him. (C-)
JE: Starting the season relatively hot, Spencer never has kicked his game into the next gear. While he's pretty affective as a run stopper, his pass-rushing ability is severely limited, and the evolution of the NFL into a passing league cannot be understated. (C-)
Victor Butler
JS: Think he can be a starter in this league. In limited time, barely 200 snaps, tallied nine QB pressures, four QB hits and 3.0 sacks. Was like a ball in tall grass against the run. Lost. Time to make the leap in 2012. (
JE: The counter to Spencer, Butler supplied some pass rush, but is challenged in the running game. (C-)
Alex Albright
JS: Really solid on special teams, definitely a place for him. Another rookie bright spot. (B)
JE: An undrafted free agent from Boston College, he played in every game as one of the club's most trusted special teamers. (
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Terence Newman
JS: Will say this. His previous eight seasons here, Newman was a solid corner, always thought he was undervalued by the fan base and media. As for 2011, he was decent the first half and an absolute nightmare thereafter. Time to move on. (D-)
JE: Injured to start the year, Newman returned to play well for several weeks in the middle of the season, but had lost all confidence by the stretch run. A very good player during his Cowboys career, he was a major liability at the end of it. (F)
Mike Jenkins
JS: Gutsy effort, played through a ton of injuries, showed he wanted to play for this franchise. Was the team's best corner, too. Am alright with him starting in 2012. (C+)
JE: Having previously gained a reputation for not being tough, he fought through a litany of injuries in 2011, and didn't commit a single penalty after having a pass interference target on his back in 2010. (A)
Orlando Scandrick
JS: A work in progress, showed real promise in the slot, could really blossom in blitzing the quarterback. He wasn't the problem, guess that's the best way to put it. (C)
JE: Whether it's as the slot corner or a starter moving forward, Scandrick is an important part of the team's plans at the position. His best effort of 2011 was in limiting New England's Wes Welker to only six catches for 45 yards in Week 6. (B)
Abram Elam
JS: Respected veteran presence, helped in the process of grasping Rob Ryan's complex schemes. Was really solid against the run, not so much in pass coverage. Likely one-and-done. (D+)
JE: Helping to solidify the safety position, probably more than it's been since Darren Woodson retired, Elam appeared to make few mistakes, but offered no signature plays, either. (C+)
Gerald Sensabaugh
JS: A solid No. 2 safety. Willing tackler, can blitz, intercept a pass here and there. Not going to kill a unit, not going to anchor it. (
JE: Perhaps better suited for the free safety position, which he took over in Ryan's scheme, Sensabaugh was on the wrong side of very few big plays, but likewise didn't make nearly enough himself. (C+)
Alan Ball
JS: Take away the Miami game on Thanksgiving and he grades as well as any player in the secondary. Perfect fourth corner/special teams guy to have around. (C+)
JE: A better fit at cornerback than safety, but still found himself picked on with some frequency. (C-)
Frank Walker
JS: One of the more engaging, entertaining guys to grace the Cowboys locker room in recent memory. Started off strong, kind of faded down the stretch, was inactive for the Giants finale. (D+)
JE: Offered some good performances after being picked up in Week 2, but faded badly down the stretch. (C-)
Danny McCray
JS: Top special teams contributor, can contribute to a secondary in a pinch. (
JE: This team's Bill Bates. McCray led the Cowboys in special teams tackles a second straight year, despite suffering a high ankle sprain he had to play through. (B)
Barry Church
JS: Really was impressed with his versatility, playing some rover/linebacker, laying some of the hardest hits of the year on defense. Good team guy. (B)
JE: Continuing to show promise as both a defensive player and safety, his season was lost to a shoulder injury. However, he could challenge for a starting job next year. (C+)
Mana Silva
JS: Guess he played some special teams late. Honestly, didn't know of his existence until this very moment. (I)
JE: Signed late in the season, he played only special teams. (I)
SPECIALISTS
Dan Bailey
JS: A terrific feel-good story, Bailey proved himself time and again as a rookie and hopefully is the answer long-term. (A)
JE: It was arguably the best rookie season ever by a Cowboys kicker – better than Nick Folk or Chris Boniol in 1994. Though Richie Cunningham had a higher field goal percentage in 1997, Bailey's season included four game-winning kicks. (A)
Mat McBriar
JS: The hands down best punter in franchise history kind of broke down this season, easily his worst since 2005. (C-)
JE: A foot injury plagued McBriar all year, and by the end was too much to take, the Cowboys having to place him on the IR before the season finale. His future with the team has to be in doubt now. (D)
L.P. Ladouceur
JS: Few struggles, wouldn't be surprised if this was his swan song in Dallas. (C)
JE: At a position with basically no margin for error, the veteran deep snapper had late miscues in back-to-back losses against Arizona and the New York Giants. (D+)
David Buehler
JS: Kind of a lost year, do feel there's a place for him in the NFL. Just likely not with Cowboys. (I)
JE: Jerry Jones was perturbed that Buehler did not have himself physically right to kick after the NFL lockout ended. (F)
Chris Jones
JS: Thought he was superb in both games he punted this season, could be the guy in 2012 and beyond. (A)
JE: McBriar's fill-in on two occasions, he could be the team's new punter next season. (B)
Will use the same criteria as he did: Everyone was graded on a curve based on what was expected of them entering the season. Here is Josh's grading system:
A: Provided consistently excellent performances, easily exceeding expectations.
B: A good season overall, living up to, or slightly exceeding expectations with regularity.
C: Expectations met at times, but not consistently enough.
D: A passable effort, but did not take advantage of enough opportunities.
F: Level of play over the course of the season was not acceptable.
I: Incomplete. No way to judge.
QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo
Jeff Sullivan: Statistically speaking, the best quarterback season in the 52-year history of the Cowboys. Played through two tough injuries that would've sidelined most. Yeah, there were a few frustrating moments, but for me, he's one of the top-6 signal callers in the NFL. He's also the undisputed leader of this team now, which just happened this past year. (A-)
Josh Ellis: It's hard to overlook the several poorly-timed mistakes early in the season, which certainly had their impact in keeping the Cowboys out of the playoffs. However, his performance in the 16 games as a whole was so good that it's tough to imagine the Cowboys more than 4-12 or 5-11 without him. (B+)
Jon Kitna
JS: Only 36 men in the history of the NFL have thrown for more yards than his 29,745. Threw a gorgeous touchdown pass against the 49ers, the final one of his career. (I)
JE: Just one game played, spelling Romo at San Francisco, and the year cut short by a back injury. The contract is up, and at age 39, retirement is likely. (I)
Stephen McGee
JS: Has earned at least the chance to compete for backup gig at camp. Needs to make quicker decisions in the pocket, but has definitely made progress. (B)
JE: There was nothing too inspiring about the performance against Philadelphia in relief of Romo. Weighing the preseason as well, since it's as good a chance as there is to evaluate the No. 3 guy, McGee does appear to be making slow, steady improvement. (
Chris Griesen
JS: Might have become the oldest practice squad player in NFL history. (I)
JE: Off-the-street insurance late in the season. (I)
RUNNING BACKS
Felix Jones
JS: Many were expecting 1,200 rushing yards and 50 catches, so even more the injury, Jones wasn't that player. Still just 24 years old, like him as a tandem back. No excuse for five fumbles and four dropped passes. (C-)
JE: The running game was almost nonexistent early in the year, but improved as the season went along, with Jones eventually topping 100 yards three times. Still, his durability remains a major concern, and the play of DeMarco Murray proved that there were yards left on the field. (C)
DeMarco Murray
JS: Would've easily broken the team rookie rushing record if not for the late injury, averaged 5.5 per rush, only one fumble, made defenders miss, catches the ball beautifully. His blocking was a mess, but hey, am guessing Gisele Bündchen doesn't cook. Such is life. (A-)
JE: As bright a spot as the Cowboys had all year, the rookie third-round pick showed that the days of the every-down, workhorse back have not necessarily gone by the wayside. His season-ending injury was as tough a blow as the team suffered. (A)
Phillip Tanner
JS: Really like this kid. He's hungry. He wants to play football. Could become an elite special teams guy, Pro Bowl-caliber. Nice third tailback, too. (B+)
JE: The undrafted rookie showed the ability to pick up tough yards, as well as a willingness to play special teams, but his season was ended by a hamstring injury. (B+)
Sammy Morris
JS: Performed better than expected, can still hit a hole. Won't be back. (B)
JE: Signed off his couch during a numbers crunch at the position, the 34-year-old filled his role admirably. (B)
Chauncey Washington
JS: Played just two games on special teams. (I)
JE: A special teams ace. (B)
Tony Fiammetta
JS: Was playing as well as any fullback in the league before the bizarre inner-ear infection forced him to the sidelines. Really struggled after returning, especially against Tampa. (C+)
JE: The difference in the running attack between games he played and games he did not was stark. A savvy waiver-wire addition, he was claimed from Carolina on the final day of camp cuts. (A)
Shaun Chapas
JS: Rookie played three games, caught a pass. (I)
JE: The seventh-round pick didn't do enough in training camp to win a spot on the roster. He's now a Fiammetta backup plan. (D+)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Miles Austin
JS: Was the best player on the field in the San Francisco overtime win, but subtract that game and it's 34 catches for 436 yards and four TDs. Kind of a lost year. Was on the field for about half the team's offensive snaps with the hamstring injuries. Just four drops. (D+)
JE: It was a season lost for the Cowboys' top wideout. Whether he worked too hard or not hard enough in the offseason is a good question, because his hamstrings were simply not right all year. (F)
Dez Bryant
JS: His dramatic improvement, even maturation, on and off the field, from early-October through the remainder of the season was for the most part lost on the media. His route-running the last month was stunning, and his 1.56 percent drop rate was the best in the NFL among wide receivers taking at least half of their team's snaps according to ProFootballFocus. Easy to forget "Planet Dez" turned 23 in November. (B)
JE: There was definitely progress, particularly in his route running and his ability to read defenses the same way as his quarterback. He still has a long way to go before his grasp of the offense is adequate, however. (
Laurent Robinson
JS: An amazing story of career revival, only four players in franchise history have caught more than the 11 TDs Robinson hauled in. Just immediately clicked with Romo for whatever reason. Good locker room guy, too. Not sure if he returns, could have out-priced himself. (A)
JE: Signed in Week 1 after being cut by San Diego, Robinson was an unexpected success, filling in seamlessly during Austin's absence. Can the Cowboys afford to keep him? Can they afford to let him get away? (A)
Kevin Ogletree
JS: Thought he would take that No. 3 receiver gig in camp, but just didn't happen. Kind of surprised he caught 15 balls; would've guessed about 8-10. (D+)
JE: Three years in the league, and little proof of improvement. (D)
Jesse Holley
JS: Not sure why he was only on the field for 27 offensive snaps the last 14 games after an impressive showing in overtime at San Francisco. Solid on special teams, there's a place for him on this team in 2012. (B)
JE: One of the best special teamers the club has, he's taken advantage of every opportunity he's had since 2009. (A)
Dwayne Harris
JS: Five catches for 127 yards and two TDs in the preseason opener was more or less the highlight. Was solid on kick returns. Has a future with the club. (
JE: The sixth-round pick battled hamstring injuries of his own, flashing potential occasionally, but spending half the year on the practice squad. (C+)
Andre Holmes
JS: Practice squad guy. (I)
JE: A season-long practice squad member who the Cowboys signed to protect his rights. (I)
TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten
JS: Another solid campaign, not breaking as many tackles, but still sixth among tight ends with 365 yards-after-the-catch. Only four drops, too, as compared with 12 for Green Bay's Jermichael Finley. Struggled with one-on-one run blocking, still solid with the chips in pass protection. Turns 30 in May. (B)
JE: The first season without a Pro Bowl berth since he was a rookie, Witten is still a dependable pass-catcher, but a new, younger breed of tight ends is pushing the position to new limits that he is no longer able to reach, athletically. (C-)
Martellus Bennett
JS: Ranked No. 1 run blocking among tight ends according to ProFootballFocus.com, with New England's All-Pro Rob Gronkowski second. Really played well the last six games, and is still just 24. Next year is make or break. (
JE: A dominating blocker, but not nearly the athletic freak he was sold as, offering little impact as a pass-catcher. (C)
John Phillips
JS: Played as much H-back as tight end, struggled with run blocking, was a little better in pass protection. Nine tackles on special teams. Solid No. 3 on the depth chart, works hard. (C+)
JE: Not a natural at fullback, and not the imposing on-the-line blocker that Bennett is, Phillips will offer a bit more as a receiver if he takes on the No. 2 role in 2012. (C-)
OFFENSIVE LINE
Doug Free
JS: The singular biggest disappointment on the team. Of the 30 players to take an offensive snap this season, he was the lowest-rated by ProFootballFocus at minus-9.9. Allowed 33 QB pressures, 10 sacks and was flagged for 10 penalties. Was decent run blocking but just a mess in pass protection. Would be stunning if he wasn't moved back to the right side. (F)
JE: Higher expectations, thanks in part to a lucrative new contract, have rendered his season a disappointment. With more film of him available to pass-rushers, he seems to have been figured out, and will have to move out of the left tackle position for his play to improve. (F)
Montrae Holland
JS: The team's most underappreciated performer this year, really exceeded expectations. Allowed just eight QB pressures and two sacks in 641 offensive snaps before a late injury. (B+)
JE: After re-signing midway through the season, Holland was as steady as anyone could've hoped, arguably the Cowboys' second-best lineman for half the year. (B+)
Phil Costa
JS: Certainly not great, but not horrible, either, Costa allowed 15 QB hurries and three sacks. Was flagged just twice. Needs to improve to keep the job next season. (C)
JE: Inheriting the starting job when Andre Gurode was released in preseason, the Cowboys claimed Costa would actually be an improvement from the five-time Pro Bowler. Not exactly. (C)
Kyle Kosier
JS: Was supposed to anchor the front with Free. Yeah, not so much. Was decent, avoided penalties, easily the team's best blocker on screens, allowed 17 QB pressures and three sacks. (C-)
JE: A heady, tough player, but a guy who has dealt with his share of injuries in recent years, the Cowboys have to decide whether he is now an impediment to their O-line rebuilding effort. (C)
Tyron Smith
JS: Exceeded even the highest of expectations. Many graded him the league's best right tackle in 2011. Not among rookies, either. We're talking one and all. Didn't turn 21 until November. Going to be special for a long time. (A-)
JE: As dependable a lineman as the Cowboys had, the No. 9 overall pick improved as the year went along. Blessed with great athleticism for the position, he will continue to add muscle and become a more powerful run blocker. (B+)
Jeremy Parnell
JS: Played sparingly in six games. (I)
JE: The team's swing tackle, Parnell's development continues. However, it's a testament to his progress that he was trusted with such an important depth role already. (B+)
Bill Nagy
JS: Rookie started four games early before a season-ending injury. Pass blocking was impressive, against the run less so. (
JE: The seventh-round pick didn't even start in college, won a first-team job to open the year, but was placed on the injured reserve after six weeks. (B)
Kevin Kowalski
JS: Really like this kid. The rookie free agent didn't allow a single QB pressure in 114 snaps at guard and center. Think he earns a starting gig next season. (B+)
JE: An undrafted free agent, Kowalski became the Cowboys' first man up at both guard spots and center, occasionally filling in capably enough despite limited practice reps. (A-)
David Arkin
JS: One of the few disappointments from the 2011 draft class, fourth-rounder didn't play. (I)
JE: Despite injury upheaval at the guard position throughout the year, it was a complete redshirt season for the fourth-round pick. He wasn't ready physically. (D)
Derrick Dockery
JS: Veteran was decent, started two games. (C)
JE: Signed with the intention that he would start, Dockery was injured in his first game, and couldn't wrestle the starting left guard job away from Holland. (D+)
DEFENSIVE LINE
Jason Hatcher
JS: Cannot stress enough how well he played, before and after missing October with a calf injury. Finished with 14 QB pressures, five sacks and really played with a high energy. (B+)
JE: A starter for the first time in his career, Hatcher had a greater impact than ever before, registering 4.5 sacks in Rob Ryan's scheme. (B)
Jay Ratliff
JS: First guy on the practice field, last one to leave. He wants to win so badly, maybe the team's most passionate player. Another outstanding season despite a plethora of double teams, 21 QB pressures, one of the top three or four tackles in the NFL. (A-)
JE: Another trip to the Pro Bowl for the undersized nose tackle, though he had his fewest sacks since his rookie season. To protect their long-term investment, it might be wise for the Cowboys to set a limit on Ratliff's snaps in each game. By December, he was worn down. (
Kenyon Coleman
JS: Decent. Did just enough to stay on the field. Nine QB pressures and a sack from 426 defensive snaps just isn't enough, though. (C)
JE: His knowledge of Ryan's scheme allowed him to quickly take over a starting job. (C)
Marcus Spears
JS: Avoided drawing a penalty this season. So that was good. Moving on ... (D)
JE: The Cowboys' highest-paid defensive end, he was pushed from the starting lineup, but continued to play ample snaps as a rotational player. The team may be questioning its reinvestment. (D)
Josh Brent
JS: Solid contributor, would like to see him playing more snaps next year. Like how he closes the gaps against the run. (B)
JE: A knee injury kept him out of important games down the stretch, though he returned for a couple of big run stuffs versus the Giants in the finale. The Cowboys were only 1-4 with him out of the lineup. (C)
Sean Lissemore
JS: This kid should be given every chance to start next year. Could be more of a rotation guy, but either way, needs to be on the field more. Really solid, smart player, rated behind only DeMarcus Ware, Ratliff and Sean Lee via ProFootballFocus among the team's defensive players. (A-)
JE: A versatile player along the line, he played end, filled in at nose tackle when Ratliff was beat up, and rushed from inside in nickel packages, mostly making good on his spare opportunities. (B+)
Clifton Geathers
JS: Didn't see enough of him. (I)
JE: A tall, big-bodied end, Geathers' playing time was minimal, but he could be a useful player if his frame continues to fill out. (I)
LINEBACKERS
DeMarcus Ware
JS: Another All-Pro caliber year, although for me, this wasn't on the level of 2008 or even 2010 when he was stellar against the run. Too many penalties (11) and never really made the big play when it was most needed. Still, 19.5 sacks and 44 QB pressures is quite impressive. (B+)
JE: A neck injury hampered his pursuit of the NFL's single-season sack title, but he still managed 19.5 sacks, only a half-sack short of becoming the only player in league history with two 20-sack years in his career. (A)
Sean Lee
JS: Hard not to make the Lee Roy Jordan comparison and that's saying a lot. Lee is already one of the most knowledgeable defensive players in the league and if he stays healthy in 2012, he could have 140 tackles and double-digit turnovers. He's that good. (A-)
JE: Originally expected to split time with the two veteran inside linebackers, Lee pushed them both out, becoming as consistent a player as the Cowboys had, while showing toughness in fighting through a bum wrist. (A)
Bradie James
JS: Couldn't have handled himself with more class this season. Not that anyone was surprised. Played hard, too, just doesn't have that burst anymore. Likely won't be back. (C)
JE: The team's leading tackler for six seasons in a row, James showed grace as his playing time was scaled back. He was still a big part of the Cowboys' base defense. (C-)
Keith Brooking
JS: Would love to see him stick around in a coaching capacity of some kind. Another class act. His playing days are behind him, though. (D+)
JE: At 37, his remaining physical skills were limited, but he still played a role for the defense. (C-)
Anthony Spencer
JS: Wildly inconsistent, think it's probably time to head in another direction. Did have 35 QB pressures, but just 6.0 sacks. Missed a lot of tackles. Let someone else throw monopoly money at him. (C-)
JE: Starting the season relatively hot, Spencer never has kicked his game into the next gear. While he's pretty affective as a run stopper, his pass-rushing ability is severely limited, and the evolution of the NFL into a passing league cannot be understated. (C-)
Victor Butler
JS: Think he can be a starter in this league. In limited time, barely 200 snaps, tallied nine QB pressures, four QB hits and 3.0 sacks. Was like a ball in tall grass against the run. Lost. Time to make the leap in 2012. (
JE: The counter to Spencer, Butler supplied some pass rush, but is challenged in the running game. (C-)
Alex Albright
JS: Really solid on special teams, definitely a place for him. Another rookie bright spot. (B)
JE: An undrafted free agent from Boston College, he played in every game as one of the club's most trusted special teamers. (
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Terence Newman
JS: Will say this. His previous eight seasons here, Newman was a solid corner, always thought he was undervalued by the fan base and media. As for 2011, he was decent the first half and an absolute nightmare thereafter. Time to move on. (D-)
JE: Injured to start the year, Newman returned to play well for several weeks in the middle of the season, but had lost all confidence by the stretch run. A very good player during his Cowboys career, he was a major liability at the end of it. (F)
Mike Jenkins
JS: Gutsy effort, played through a ton of injuries, showed he wanted to play for this franchise. Was the team's best corner, too. Am alright with him starting in 2012. (C+)
JE: Having previously gained a reputation for not being tough, he fought through a litany of injuries in 2011, and didn't commit a single penalty after having a pass interference target on his back in 2010. (A)
Orlando Scandrick
JS: A work in progress, showed real promise in the slot, could really blossom in blitzing the quarterback. He wasn't the problem, guess that's the best way to put it. (C)
JE: Whether it's as the slot corner or a starter moving forward, Scandrick is an important part of the team's plans at the position. His best effort of 2011 was in limiting New England's Wes Welker to only six catches for 45 yards in Week 6. (B)
Abram Elam
JS: Respected veteran presence, helped in the process of grasping Rob Ryan's complex schemes. Was really solid against the run, not so much in pass coverage. Likely one-and-done. (D+)
JE: Helping to solidify the safety position, probably more than it's been since Darren Woodson retired, Elam appeared to make few mistakes, but offered no signature plays, either. (C+)
Gerald Sensabaugh
JS: A solid No. 2 safety. Willing tackler, can blitz, intercept a pass here and there. Not going to kill a unit, not going to anchor it. (
JE: Perhaps better suited for the free safety position, which he took over in Ryan's scheme, Sensabaugh was on the wrong side of very few big plays, but likewise didn't make nearly enough himself. (C+)
Alan Ball
JS: Take away the Miami game on Thanksgiving and he grades as well as any player in the secondary. Perfect fourth corner/special teams guy to have around. (C+)
JE: A better fit at cornerback than safety, but still found himself picked on with some frequency. (C-)
Frank Walker
JS: One of the more engaging, entertaining guys to grace the Cowboys locker room in recent memory. Started off strong, kind of faded down the stretch, was inactive for the Giants finale. (D+)
JE: Offered some good performances after being picked up in Week 2, but faded badly down the stretch. (C-)
Danny McCray
JS: Top special teams contributor, can contribute to a secondary in a pinch. (
JE: This team's Bill Bates. McCray led the Cowboys in special teams tackles a second straight year, despite suffering a high ankle sprain he had to play through. (B)
Barry Church
JS: Really was impressed with his versatility, playing some rover/linebacker, laying some of the hardest hits of the year on defense. Good team guy. (B)
JE: Continuing to show promise as both a defensive player and safety, his season was lost to a shoulder injury. However, he could challenge for a starting job next year. (C+)
Mana Silva
JS: Guess he played some special teams late. Honestly, didn't know of his existence until this very moment. (I)
JE: Signed late in the season, he played only special teams. (I)
SPECIALISTS
Dan Bailey
JS: A terrific feel-good story, Bailey proved himself time and again as a rookie and hopefully is the answer long-term. (A)
JE: It was arguably the best rookie season ever by a Cowboys kicker – better than Nick Folk or Chris Boniol in 1994. Though Richie Cunningham had a higher field goal percentage in 1997, Bailey's season included four game-winning kicks. (A)
Mat McBriar
JS: The hands down best punter in franchise history kind of broke down this season, easily his worst since 2005. (C-)
JE: A foot injury plagued McBriar all year, and by the end was too much to take, the Cowboys having to place him on the IR before the season finale. His future with the team has to be in doubt now. (D)
L.P. Ladouceur
JS: Few struggles, wouldn't be surprised if this was his swan song in Dallas. (C)
JE: At a position with basically no margin for error, the veteran deep snapper had late miscues in back-to-back losses against Arizona and the New York Giants. (D+)
David Buehler
JS: Kind of a lost year, do feel there's a place for him in the NFL. Just likely not with Cowboys. (I)
JE: Jerry Jones was perturbed that Buehler did not have himself physically right to kick after the NFL lockout ended. (F)
Chris Jones
JS: Thought he was superb in both games he punted this season, could be the guy in 2012 and beyond. (A)
JE: McBriar's fill-in on two occasions, he could be the team's new punter next season. (B)
