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Tony Romo targeted Beasley just three times, but he rewarded Romo by catching all three balls for 42 yards and two touchdowns. He was just inches away from a third touchdown.
Beasley now has three touchdowns over the past three weeks after scoring no touchdowns in the first 10 weeks, suggesting that he has begun to emerge as a legitimate weapon for Romo and the Cowboys heading into the final stretch of the season and likely the playoffs.
The most obvious question after Beasley's performance Thursday night is: why now?
The receiver is in his third season with the Cowboys after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Though his 2013 numbers aren't much to look at—39 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns—Beasley developed a reputation for accuracy and reliability, a solid foundation upon which to build a career.
Beasley caught 75 percent of his targets in 2013 according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and the 5'8", 180-pound receiver also proved to be elusive: He forced five missed tackles, a respectable number given that he only caught 39 passes.
His speed (he ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash) and route running proved to be a "valuable asset" on third downs in 2013, per receivers coach Derek Dooley via Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram. "He’s got tremendous short-area quickness and some real clutch play-making production," Dooley said.
What Beasley lacks in vertical size, he makes up for with work put in in the weight room, which helps when he's fighting for extra yardage and no doubt helped him carry Bears safety Chris Conte into the end zone Thursday.
But the Cowboys envisioned a bigger role for him this season than just moving the chains. His development had to be in the back of Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett's minds when the Cowboys released receiver Miles Austin this offseason, expecting Beasley to step in as the team's No. 3 receiver.
Indeed, Beasley's 353 snaps this season prior to Thursday night are third behind Dez Bryant (681) and Terrance Williams (636), per Pro Football Focus.
Credit may also be due to Dallas' new passing game coordinator, Scott Linehan, who has been able to use Beasley effectively this season to pick up "hidden yardage," as DallasCowboys.com put it.
But circumstances can only go so far, and then comes skill. The rate at which Beasley has begun picking up steam seems to predict future production this season. Romo has clearly established a chemistry and trust with him, especially in scoring situations. That was obvious Thursday night.
Beasley has also proven that he can be a versatile weapon and has the route-running skills to be used at multiple spots on the field, on curl routes and go routes in addition to quick slants.
Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles will be an especially welcome opportunity for Beasley to prove himself and to keep the momentum going.
He had a costly fumble when Dallas faced Philadelphia in Week 13, and playing a role in a potential win over the division rival next week would be another exclamation point on the noteworthy season he's putting together.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
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