The Dallas Cowboys are 3-8 after a loss to the Carolina Panthers that cost them QB Tony Romo and their season. Romo re-fractured his collarbone, ending his year. That means no playoffs for the Cowboys. With that in mind, here are 10 things we know about the Cowboys through 11 games.
10. Cowboys Need Sean Lee Healthy
Lee has been one of the Cowboys' best defensive players, despite missing some time this season. He leads the team with 81 tackles and has one sack, a pick and four pass breakups. He's to the defense what Tony Romo is to the offense.
9. Joseph Randle Was A Disappointment
Randle has talent, but a myriad of off-the-field issues finally caught up to him. The Cowboys cut him and haven't really missed his presence on the field. Perhaps the team should have turned to Darren McFadden sooner.
8. Christine Michael Wasn't Worth The Draft Pick
It only cost a late round pick, but the addition of Michael did not pay off. The team cut him after Michael picked up 51 yards on 15 carries in five games. I thought the move was a smart one at the time, but the Cowboys and I were wrong.
7. At Least Darren McFadden Stepped Up
The Cowboys cut Randle and Michael and lost third down back Lance Dunbar to an injury. That left McFadden as the only RB from the start of the season and it's a good thing he stepped up. He's picked up 634 yards and two TDs on 169 carries while staying healthy. He's been a weapon in the passing game, picking up 31 catches for 257 yards.
6. Greg Hardy Is A Distraction
Hardy has 4.5 sacks, but hasn't been the disruptive force Dallas expected this season. He disappears too often during games. He's also been a distraction off the field, from his poor comments and actions in the media to his bad teammate behavior during games. He's just not worth it.
5. Byron Jones Has Been Solid
The Cowboys have asked Jones to do a lot this season and I've been impressed with his play. He's played both safety and corner and has a future at either spot. He's racked up 38 tackles with eight pass breakups.
4. Tony Romo's First Injury Doomed Team
The Cowboys went 0-7 without Romo and their playoff chances took a major hit without him. The entire team's play dropped off because of the loss of Romo. I can't shake the feeling Dallas would have been near the top of the NFC Standings if Romo had stayed healthy. I'm talking a 7-2 or better record.
3. A New Backup QB Is Needed
Matt Cassel isn't the answer as a backup and, clearly, neither was Brandon Weeden. Kellen Moore isn't more than a third string QB, so Dallas needs to find an upgrade behind Romo in case he goes down again. The Cowboys have tried the veteran route, so I recommend going with a younger option.
2. It's Time To Look For Romo's Replacement
I am a firm believer in Romo's ability, but it's time for Dallas to look for his replacement. Romo will turn 36 next season and hasn't played a full season since 2012. Romo is a great QB and Dallas needs him healthy to compete. But he can't play forever, unfortunately. It's time for Dallas to start looking at his eventual replacement in the draft, because the long-term answer isn't on the roster.
1. Season Is Over
The Cowboys aren't making the playoffs now that Romo is out. It's just not going to happen. It's time to turn their attention to next season and the draft. I say sit Dez Bryant and make sure he doesn't injury himself again. Play Kellen Moore at QB, just to see if he has anything to offer next year. There's no downside, because the worst case is that Dallas gets a higher draft pick. Adding a defensive stud makes sense, but I'd strongly consider taking a QB, too.
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