It was a season that had many questions and many expectations. Dallas came into the 2015 season after a surprising playoff run in 2014 behind a dominant offensive line and an opportunistic defense that was greater than the sum of its parts. Certainly the future looked brighter. Dallas used its first-round draft pick on high-potential defense back, Byron Jones, and drafted Randy Gregory after he slipped with some questions about his off-field issues. These combined with several free agent signings promised a marked improvement in an already solid defense. Things didn’t look so good for the offense though. DeMarco Murray, the single-season franchise record holder left in the offseason after feeling undervalued by Dallas. Despite assurances from the coaching staff and Jerry Jones, there was no illusion that the running back position would be as good. Dallas still had Tony Romo and Dez Bryant though, along with stalwart Jason Witten. All in all, Dallas had some high hopes and good reason for them.
The season started well, with two big wins. The opening game against the Giants was a classic in the rivalry and a win over the Eagles put Dallas in a great position in the NFC East from the beginning. At the end of week 2 though, Dallas had a challenge ahead. Tony Romo went down with a broken collarbone and would be out at least 6 weeks, if not longer. There was still hope. The defense had shown it could hold its own and Dallas still had Dez, so even Brandon Weeden should have been able to steer the ship. Then Dez Bryant went down with a broken foot. The passing game all but dried up with the Weeden game plan and the running game was stagnant. This led to a three-game losing streak. Surely a quarterback change was the answer. Matt Cassel took over for Brandon Weeden after being acquired in a trade after the Romo injury and Brandon Weeden was released. Cassel showed a little improvement by making some deeper throws, but even with the return of Dez and a somewhat more productive ground game, the losing streak continued to seven games in a row. The defense did its job but the offense simply could not get going. Finally, though, Romo was coming back. The Cowboys were 2-7 but miraculously only a couple games back in the division. The season could still be saved. Dallas even won the first game of Romo’s return, the offense clicking like it should in the 2nd half against Miami. Hope vanished quickly though on Thanksgiving day as Romo’s shoulder was driven into the ground by a Carolina defender and he didn’t get up. Romo was out for the season and while the Cowboys still had hope, it was all but certain that the Cowboys were done. The hope Romo brought with him was broken and nothing was left to drive the team. The only bright spot now is the flashes of potential showed by Kellen Moore, a 4th year quarterback getting his first real game experience. While there were some mistakes you’d expect from an inexperienced quarterback, the supporting offensive cast at wide receiver left a lot to be desired (as did the play calling). This was a team that had no identity outside of Tony Romo and his high football IQ and improvisation skill.
This is not a surprising development. Dallas’s offense is based on winning one on one matchups and Romo’s ability to move and make plays. Without one, the other doesn’t exist. It also doesn’t translate to other quarterbacks. That raises several questions. The biggest question is why Dallas hasn’t drafted a quarterback in recent years to develop behind Romo. Romo may have several good years left, but he has also shown he can be brittle at times and could potentially be lost at any time. Finding a successor to Romo is a big priority and Kellen Moore may or may not have that potential, but he should not be the only option Dallas considers. Running back and receiver also need a big look. Dez Bryant is a great playmaker, but needs a threat on the other side to really bring out his best. Terrence Williams can also make plays but is only average. Cole Beasley is as reliable as they come in the slot, but a slot receiver can’t do it all. The tight end position is in good shape with Witten being ageless and Escobar and Hanna developing well. Darren McFadden showed some return to form but injuries remain a concern with him. There needs to be a young and reliable option at running back that can be a workhorse.
That brings us to this offseason. Dallas is almost guaranteed a top-5 pick though it does depend on how the last week of the season goes. There are many needs Dallas has and many tough decisions ahead. Dallas needs to take a hard look at who it sees as a successor at quarterback. They don’t need to draft a first round quarterback this year but they do need to look closely at who is available. Running back needs an improvement and Ezekiel Elliot should be available. Trading down for several picks is also a good move to consider to help bolster several positions of need. It will be interesting to watch Dallas this offseason to see who gets cut, what new free agent signings happen, and where Dallas falls in the draft order.
Despite there being a week of the NFL season left, the season for Dallas has been over for a while. Fans do have some hope though in the future with some good pieces still in place. Free agency and the draft will be very important this year. And maybe, just maybe, Jerry Jones will fire himself and hire a general manager. We shall see what happens.
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