The 2006 Dallas Cowboys' final report card
By Andy Targovnik on January 19, 2007 12:05 AM
Now that the dust has settled on the Dallas Cowboys ' 2006 season, it can be evaluated from a more objective perspective than after their dreadful playoff loss to Seattle on Jan. 6. With that said, here's what the team's '06 report card ought to look like:
Coaching: C+
This certainly was not of one Bill Parcells' better coaching jobs, by any stretch of the imagination. From the first day Terrell Owens walked into training camp, he ruled over Parcells. And very uncharacteristically of a Parcells-led team, the Cowboys fell apart down the stretch, including a loss to the pathetic Detroit Lions . Dallas did make the playoffs, but more was expected of the 66-year-old.
Quarterbacks: C+
By throwing devastating interceptions against the Jaguars, Giants and Eagles, Drew Bledsoe (D+) offset Tony Romo's overall good performance. Romo (B+) started out great, but made costly mistakes in the last month.
Running Backs: B
Just average an 'A' and 'C' for Marion Barber and Julius Jones, respectively, and you get a 'B'. Barber was outstanding, picking up almost five yards a carry. He was money at the goal line, too, hitting paydirt a whopping 16 times. Jones started out well, only to struggle in the second half of the season.
Offensive Line: B+
The entire offensive line was a pleasant surprise. After last year's disastrous problems at left tackle, special kudos go to Marc Colombo, who played much better than expected.
Tight Ends: C-
Jason Witten had a disappointing season. He only caught one touchdown, and dropped his fair share of balls. Rookie Anthony Fasano, who was supposed to be the starting H-back coming into the season, never panned out. By year's end, the Cowboys scrapped the H-back idea and were playing Oliver Hoyte, a linebacker, at fullback.
Wide Receivers: B+
While Owens had 13 touchdown catches, he also had some huge drops. Terry Glenn started out hot, then fizzled during the second half. Patrick Crayton did well in limited playing time, catching four touchdown passes.
Defensive Line: C
Jason Ferguson played well at nose tackle and stuffed opposing running backs, earning him a 'B'. Chris Canty and Marcus Spears earned 'D' grades, after registering only one sack a piece at defensive end.
Linebackers: A-
DeMarcus Ware had a phenomenal season and was the only Cowboy who made opposing quarterbacks run for their lives. Bradie James and Akin Ayodele were solid. However, the team was never able to replace the injured Greg Ellis.
Cornerbacks: C+
Anthony Henry and Terence Newman weren't horrible, but with the lack of a pass rush and poor safety play, their shortcomings were accented.
Safeties: D
Roy Williams was good against the run but had trouble in pass coverage. Dallas paid for Pat Watkins' inexperience, as he was burned early and often for long pass completions. Keith Davis was a little better. Marcus Coleman, meanwhile, was waived after a DWI arrest.
Punting: A-
Mat McBriar made the Pro Bowl, leading the NFL with a 48.2-yard gross average. However, he did have a disastrous fumble against Philadelphia, and one of his punts was returned for a touchdown.
Kicking: C
There's no need to rehash the Mike Vanderjagt saga. On the other hand, Martin Gramatica made a huge game-winning kick against the Giants. Unfortunately, it was never found out whether he was going to nail a chip shot against Seattle that would have propelled the Cowboys further along in the playoffs.
Return Teams: C+
The Cowboys were in the top third of the league in kickoff return yardage, but didn't score a touchdown. On punt returns, they were in the bottom third in yardage, but scored once.
Overall: C+
Considering the soft competition in the NFC, the Cowboys' first-round ouster was a big disappointment. Besides hoping Parcells returns, many Dallas fans are keeping their fingers crossed that the team upgrades its defensive line and secondary.
With a year of experience and a full training camp under Romo's belt, there's no reason the Cowboys can't make a run at the Super Bowl next season.
Now that the dust has settled on the Dallas Cowboys ' 2006 season, it can be evaluated from a more objective perspective than after their dreadful playoff loss to Seattle on Jan. 6. With that said, here's what the team's '06 report card ought to look like:
Coaching: C+
This certainly was not of one Bill Parcells' better coaching jobs, by any stretch of the imagination. From the first day Terrell Owens walked into training camp, he ruled over Parcells. And very uncharacteristically of a Parcells-led team, the Cowboys fell apart down the stretch, including a loss to the pathetic Detroit Lions . Dallas did make the playoffs, but more was expected of the 66-year-old.
Quarterbacks: C+
By throwing devastating interceptions against the Jaguars, Giants and Eagles, Drew Bledsoe (D+) offset Tony Romo's overall good performance. Romo (B+) started out great, but made costly mistakes in the last month.
Running Backs: B
Just average an 'A' and 'C' for Marion Barber and Julius Jones, respectively, and you get a 'B'. Barber was outstanding, picking up almost five yards a carry. He was money at the goal line, too, hitting paydirt a whopping 16 times. Jones started out well, only to struggle in the second half of the season.
Offensive Line: B+
The entire offensive line was a pleasant surprise. After last year's disastrous problems at left tackle, special kudos go to Marc Colombo, who played much better than expected.
Tight Ends: C-
Jason Witten had a disappointing season. He only caught one touchdown, and dropped his fair share of balls. Rookie Anthony Fasano, who was supposed to be the starting H-back coming into the season, never panned out. By year's end, the Cowboys scrapped the H-back idea and were playing Oliver Hoyte, a linebacker, at fullback.
Wide Receivers: B+
While Owens had 13 touchdown catches, he also had some huge drops. Terry Glenn started out hot, then fizzled during the second half. Patrick Crayton did well in limited playing time, catching four touchdown passes.
Defensive Line: C
Jason Ferguson played well at nose tackle and stuffed opposing running backs, earning him a 'B'. Chris Canty and Marcus Spears earned 'D' grades, after registering only one sack a piece at defensive end.
Linebackers: A-
DeMarcus Ware had a phenomenal season and was the only Cowboy who made opposing quarterbacks run for their lives. Bradie James and Akin Ayodele were solid. However, the team was never able to replace the injured Greg Ellis.
Cornerbacks: C+
Anthony Henry and Terence Newman weren't horrible, but with the lack of a pass rush and poor safety play, their shortcomings were accented.
Safeties: D
Roy Williams was good against the run but had trouble in pass coverage. Dallas paid for Pat Watkins' inexperience, as he was burned early and often for long pass completions. Keith Davis was a little better. Marcus Coleman, meanwhile, was waived after a DWI arrest.
Punting: A-
Mat McBriar made the Pro Bowl, leading the NFL with a 48.2-yard gross average. However, he did have a disastrous fumble against Philadelphia, and one of his punts was returned for a touchdown.
Kicking: C
There's no need to rehash the Mike Vanderjagt saga. On the other hand, Martin Gramatica made a huge game-winning kick against the Giants. Unfortunately, it was never found out whether he was going to nail a chip shot against Seattle that would have propelled the Cowboys further along in the playoffs.
Return Teams: C+
The Cowboys were in the top third of the league in kickoff return yardage, but didn't score a touchdown. On punt returns, they were in the bottom third in yardage, but scored once.
Overall: C+
Considering the soft competition in the NFC, the Cowboys' first-round ouster was a big disappointment. Besides hoping Parcells returns, many Dallas fans are keeping their fingers crossed that the team upgrades its defensive line and secondary.
With a year of experience and a full training camp under Romo's belt, there's no reason the Cowboys can't make a run at the Super Bowl next season.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:25 PM
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