News: Evaluating the Cowboys: Despite the team's success, these players need to improve in 2017

[CCBoy]

Evaluating the Cowboys: Despite the team's success, these players need to improve in 2017

http://sportsday.***BANNED-URL***/d...spite-teams-success-players-need-improve-2017





Dez Bryant, WR: The attention defensive coordinators pay Bryant creates space for the team's other receivers. But he caught just one pass in three games and was shut out in another. With 50 catches for 796 yards, he failed to rank in the top 50 in either category. His response to suffering a hairline fracture of his right tibial plateau -- he skipped the initial MRI and team meetings, fearing the worst -- was irresponsible.

Tyrone Crawford, DE: He plays hard. He plays hurt. He spent most of the season at left defensive end after being told he would finally get to focus on playing the three-technique at defensive tackle. But Crawford hasn't come close to performing to the level his contract dictates. Only one of his 4 1/2 sacks came in the final two months of the regular season.

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE: He began the season with a four-game suspension. He missed the final three games of the regular season nursing a back injury. He didn't do much in between. After leading the team with eight sacks the previous season, Lawrence finished with just one in 2016. Seven other defensive linemen finished with more tackles and three others finished with more quarterback pressures...

 

[cowboyblue22]

three players that are paid like they are top flight players and are only average when it counts on the field

 

[CCBoy]

Of the players not being on contract in the off season, the following could just be let go, with the exception of Orlando Scandrick:

Others
Mark Sanchez, QB: Backup doesn't get many chances, but he has to be better than 9 of 17 for 85 yards with two interceptions and three sacks.

Brice Butler, WR: Deep threat who caught just seven balls for 122 yards in the final 10 games of the season.

Lucky Whitehead, WR/KR: Effective running the jet sweep. But caught only three passes as a receiver and didn't provide much pop in return game.

Gavin Escobar, TE: Team lost two tight ends to injury, and he still couldn't get on the field. Finished with just four catches for 30 yards.

Darren McFadden, RB: Injuries kept him out for all but three games, but averaged only 3.6 yards a carry when he did play.

Alfred Morris, RB: Got off to a good start as Ezekiel Elliott's backup but eventually lost that job to Darren McFadden.

Lance Dunbar, RB: A change-of-pace back who touched the ball only 25 times. He did score one touchdown.

Orlando Scandrick, CB: Struggled with injuries to both hamstrings and plantar fasciitis in coming back from ACL injury. Clearly wasn't himself.

Cedric Thornton, DT: Didn't have the impact the Cowboys anticipated after signing him as a free agent from Philadelphia.

Randy Gregory, DE: Played only two games because of suspension and picked up the first sack of his career, but his struggle with addiction puts his career in doubt.

Emmett Cleary, OL: Started one game late in the season and held up well, but still has to show he can land a spot in the league as a reserve.

Kavon Frazier, SS: Rarely saw the field as a backup safety but made a few plays on special teams.

Mark Nzeocha, LB: Made only one tackle on special teams, one fewer than punter Chris Jones.

Leon McFadden, CB: Got some time in the regular-season finale against Philadelphia. Otherwise, not much.

Keeping Scandrick, would leave about ten more roster players that could be retained to maintain the usual amount of yearly turn-overs...