Whom do you nominate as the most impactful Cowboy rookie in history?

[blueblood70]

That was Daks best year
All down hill since

Passing

SEASON	TEAM
2016	DAL
2017	DAL
2018	DAL
2019	DAL
2020	DAL
2021	DAL
2022	DAL
2023	DAL
2024	DAL
Career

GP	CMP	ATT	CMP%	YDS	AVG	TD	INT	LNG	SACK	RTG	QBR
16	311	459	67.8	3,667	8.0	23	4	83	25	104.9	77.6
16	308	490	62.9	3,324	6.8	22	13	81	32	86.6	70.0
16	356	526	67.7	3,885	7.4	22	8	90	56	96.9	55.2
16	388	596	65.1	4,902	8.2	30	11	62	23	99.7	71.9
5	151	222	68.0	1,856	8.4	9	4	58	10	99.6	73.1
16	410	596	68.8	4,449	7.5	37	10	51	30	104.2	60.5
12	261	394	66.2	2,860	7.3	23	15	68	20	91.1	59.9
17	410	590	69.5	4,516	7.7	36	9	92	39	105.9	73.4
8	185	286	64.7	1,978	6.9	11	8	65	21	86.0	45.3

I'm starting to believe you're the new king troll around here are you serious I mean you put up the stats and you're trying to convince us in 2016 was his best year he was rookie of the year but it really should have went to Ezekiel Elliott you know when Prescott actually had a strong run game a decent defense he wins games that's why he's never been part of a losing season when he starts and finishes a season healthy I know it's not a big deal to you..

All downhill from there huh 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2021 after having his ankle snapped off he's been part of several top three offenses in the league couple of them were number one overall he led the league in 2023 in scoring he should have been the MVP second team all pro second MVP voting literally had his best season debatably in 2023 so you're saying it's all downhill from what 18 months ago I mean I don't get it I mean where are you coming up with this you provided us the stats which I didn't need to see you had a bad year last year because this defense sucked coming out of the gate he had no run game his offensive line sucked coming out of the gate I mean you understand how bad this team started last year and then when the injuries all started it got even worse are you saying the coaching staff was somehow comparable to San Francisco or maybe the Ravens or the eagles that last year that look was Prescott's fault that they look bad like in 2020 and when he got his leg snapped off as well because of the same **** there was nothing going on the offensive line was horrible in that year no run game to speak of a lot of fumbles the defense I mean yeah dude I think somehow you have become the king troll right in front of my eyes just this morning looking at this I don't get it he hasn't been downhill ever since he's made himself a better passer I mean look at 2023 across the board probably his best year given the faculty he had no run game no primary runner offensive line was in shambles at times...

So you're gonna have to explain to me how he's went downhill since his rookie year when he's had multiple great years kinda argue 2023 I mean did you just miss that year I mean are you blaming Prescott for all the playoffs and the 30 years of bad history we've had in big games I mean that's what they did to Tony and now they're doing it to Prescott is insane..

 

[gtb1943]

Duane during his rookie year got us to the Super Bowl which we won. He only had a few good years and seem disinterested in football the entire time, but goodness he had talent. Calvin Hill was pretty amazing his rookie year as well.

No, his rookie year we lost to the colts

 

[gtb1943]

I'm starting to believe you're the new king troll around here are you serious I mean you put up the stats and you're trying to convince us in 2016 was his best year he was rookie of the year but it really should have went to Ezekiel Elliott you know when Prescott actually had a strong run game a decent defense he wins games that's why he's never been part of a losing season when he starts and finishes a season healthy I know it's not a big deal to you..

All downhill from there huh 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2021 after having his ankle snapped off he's been part of several top three offenses in the league couple of them were number one overall he led the league in 2023 in scoring he should have been the MVP second team all pro second MVP voting literally had his best season debatably in 2023 so you're saying it's all downhill from what 18 months ago I mean I don't get it I mean where are you coming up with this you provided us the stats which I didn't need to see you had a bad year last year because this defense sucked coming out of the gate he had no run game his offensive line sucked coming out of the gate I mean you understand how bad this team started last year and then when the injuries all started it got even worse are you saying the coaching staff was somehow comparable to San Francisco or maybe the Ravens or the eagles that last year that look was Prescott's fault that they look bad like in 2020 and when he got his leg snapped off as well because of the same **** there was nothing going on the offensive line was horrible in that year no run game to speak of a lot of fumbles the defense I mean yeah dude I think somehow you have become the king troll right in front of my eyes just this morning looking at this I don't get it he hasn't been downhill ever since he's made himself a better passer I mean look at 2023 across the board probably his best year given the faculty he had no run game no primary runner offensive line was in shambles at times...

So you're gonna have to explain to me how he's went downhill since his rookie year when he's had multiple great years kinda argue 2023 I mean did you just miss that year I mean are you blaming Prescott for all the playoffs and the 30 years of bad history we've had in big games I mean that's what they did to Tony and now they're doing it to Prescott is insane..

yawn

 

[blueblood70]

LOL. Romo was Dak's personal QB coach. What a crock. Dak's talent had nothing to with it??

Look this dude is becoming neutral and I believe he must be one of the guys I have on block he just recreated a new profile and he's trolling back he's one of those DAC trolls I have on block because I don't listen literally saying he's been downhill since 2016 has had several great years he's had a couple of elite years I know he's an elite quarterback but somehow 2023 just like have been lost to this paper bag I think he should have a paper bag over his head because he's trolling on purpose there's no way he provided the stats in that one post that proves he's had several great years probably better as a passer now than he has been in the past and now he's trolling everyone...

It's kinda hard to ignore trolls when they are ignoring facts like an aging offensive line no run game no separation no actual #2 target on the team that's actually like other people's number two targets whether it's a tight end or wide receiver they just don't have the defense a lot of the times and now we're blaming it all on the quarterback once again and I'm still in shock I didn't think it could get worse for the hate that Tony Romo had now the opposite group is came out that Tony Romo lovers which I was one of them are now Dak haters except I'm not..

 

[Blitzen]

Dak had 3,667 yds passing w/ 23 TD's. Those are bus driver numbers.

It was a good season for him-set up his career. But the 2016 season top headline and impact was Zeke and the running game pummeling the opposing defenses. It’s why he was drafted 4 overall. When he still had the speed to reach the sideline before defenders and a lot less mileage.

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Dorsett was the difference between a good team that could make the playoffs to a great team that could win a Super Bowl. Obviously, Dallas and team leadership felt that way considering the trade they did to get to get him that draft. The team’s offense was far more explosive and dynamic (both in the running game and screen passing game).

2015-the Cowboys lost Murray in free agency and suffered many injuries apart from just Romo. Dez broke a bone in his foot in week one and never fully recovered. Leary struggled with a groin injury. Darren McFadden got some easy yards in games where Dallas was going to lose anyway. 2016 was basically a resurgence of the running game with Zeke and a healthy offensive line pummeling teams and running RPO with Prescott to Bryant and Witten. Do you recall what the Dallas offense looked like in early 2017 when Zeke served that suspension?

in 1977 Dallas went from 11-3 to 12-2. They won their first playoff game 37-7. Dorsett ran for 85 yards. Do you believe Dallas loses this game if a different RB were playing?

Dallas won their second playoff game 23-6. Minnesota’s offense had 214 total yards and amounted to 2 fgs. Dorsett had 71 yards this game. Do you believe Dallas was overmatched if he didn’t contribute what he did?

In the SB, Dallas won 27-10. Dorsett had his lowest output of the playoffs at just 15 carries for 66 yards. Denver had 156(!) total yards of offense.

I’m not saying Tony didn’t help Dallas or wasn’t worthy of being a SB winner that year, but saying he was the main force that changed them from a good team to a SB is not entirely accurate

How many games do the 2016 Cowboys win if Romo gets hurt but Kellen Moore doesn’t? 8? Less?

 

[Creeper]

It was such a different time back in the 1960s and 1970s. Rookies were usually expected to sit on the bench for a year or two before they were given a chance to start. Landry, in particular, didn't like rookies playing right away.

Hollywood Henderson made his impact on special teams. Maybe that's not enough on field impact, but his reputation was made from running back a kickoff for a TD on a reverse. Despite his speed and athleticism, Landy had him playing special teams even though he was a 1st round draft pick. He was a backup LB for his first 2 seasons.

Today, rookies have to play, especially first round picks. If Hollywood Henderson was drafted today, he would be starting as a rookie.

I would love to say Dorsett made the biggest impact as a rookie, and maybe he would have if Landry trusted him to run as he was used to runner- finding the he and bursting through it - instead of forcing him to run designed plays to specific gaps. But Zeke broke Dorsett's rookie rushing record (Cowboys) in only 10 games. He rushed for over 1600 yards in his rookie season.

I loved Tony Dorsett, but Zeke clearly had a better rookie season. Unfortunately, Zeke set a high bar for himself and never reached that bar again.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

I appreciate mentioning Lilly, but I’m interpreting the question as which player had the greatest impact their rookie year. In Lilly’s first year, the team still was building, a.k.a. sucked.

The player who was the most impactful as a rookie was Tony Dorsett in 1977. The year before the leading Dallas Cowboys rusher, Doug Dennison, only had 540 yards on the season, and we lost in the first round of the playoffs. In Dorsett’s first year he ran for over 1000 yards snd the Cowboys won the Super Bowl. That’s quite a difference maker for a rookie.

That would be my pick also.

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Matt Cassell could have gotten 9-12 wins with the 2016 rushing offense.

Possibly, But Matt Cassel was not on the 2016 Cowboys

I would counter with saying Miles Sanders still wins the SB on the 1977 team

 

[MapleLeaf]

That was the difference in 1977. The defense was becoming elite again with "Doomsday II" but they needed someone to open things up and Dorsett was perfect. If you never saw him play, he was the kind of RB that makes fans of both teams hold their breath.

Facts man, facts.

I think many here forget that Landry was an extremely conservative coach. He was brilliant for his time when it came to tactics and formation, but he was also conservative.

The best indicator of the type of coach Landry was came in the way he managed Staubach in his career. He had a QB that was a natural born leader, driven, no quit and felt he could make every play. Their time together featured a cat and mouse game on how much he throttled Roger.

It was the same thing with Dorsett as a rookie. That is why Newhouse got so many carries and had more than 700 yards of rushing in Tony's rookie year. Tom gave his "reliable" players snaps.

I could only imagine what Tom felt when dive or stretch run plays were called and Tony would get double or triple the designated yards on those plays.

As a rookie he made what a very good Dallas offence electric and almost undefenceable. As I have stated before I would notice when TD was put in the game and wonder, "Is this a house call?"

He created the Deion Sanders' punt return type moments in the back field. You held your breath wondering if something great was going to happen.

Good times.

 

[stinkface]

No, his rookie year we lost to the colts

Yep. Guess his second year we won the Super Bowl.

 

[MapleLeaf]

I loved Tony Dorsett, but Zeke clearly had a better rookie season. Unfortunately, Zeke set a high bar for himself and never reached that bar again.

Zeke had a fantastic season in 2016. Why do I vote TD?

TD didn't have the best o-line in football. Zeke did IMO.

TD was an add-on the Dallas team. He was rotated with a trusted veteran, Robert Newhouse.

It was pretty darn obvious to fans and the rest of the NFL what Garrett and the coaching staff were trying to do. They rushed for almost a 100 more attempts than the next nearest NFL team in 2016.

Zeke and the o-line became the hammer to Dak's bus driver short passing game.

In a league where what really matters is winning a SuperBowl the 77 Cowboys were short of something on a good team to get the to the promised land. They had the HC, they had the coaches, it was a very good defence and a very good offence and they had a start QB. They had a average rb unit.

Then they got the rookie Dorsett, and the rest is history.

 

[MapleLeaf]

Yep. Guess his second year we won the Super Bowl.

I think it was his rookie season - 1977. You may be looking at sources that list the SuperBowl being played in 1978, but this is a common misconception. His rookie season was in the 1977-78 season. The Cowboys won the 1978 SuperBowl.

I get caught up with this one all the time so I have to look carefully to see what season the games were attached to.

 

[Vtwin]

Dak, and it's not even close.

His fool's gold season as a rookie will have significantly impacted this team for over a decade.

 

[gtb1943]

Look this dude is becoming neutral and I believe he must be one of the guys I have on block he just recreated a new profile and he's trolling back he's one of those DAC trolls I have on block because I don't listen literally saying he's been downhill since 2016 has had several great years he's had a couple of elite years I know he's an elite quarterback but somehow 2023 just like have been lost to this paper bag I think he should have a paper bag over his head because he's trolling on purpose there's no way he provided the stats in that one post that proves he's had several great years probably better as a passer now than he has been in the past and now he's trolling everyone...

It's kinda hard to ignore trolls when they are ignoring facts like an aging offensive line no run game no separation no actual #2 target on the team that's actually like other people's number two targets whether it's a tight end or wide receiver they just don't have the defense a lot of the times and now we're blaming it all on the quarterback once again and I'm still in shock I didn't think it could get worse for the hate that Tony Romo had now the opposite group is came out that Tony Romo lovers which I was one of them are now Dak haters except I'm not..

what little logic might be buried in this mess will always be ignored due to boredom

 

[gtb1943]

I think it was his rookie season - 1977. You may be looking at sources that list the SuperBowl being played in 1978, but this is a common misconception. His rookie season was in the 1977-78 season. The Cowboys won the 1978 SuperBowl.

I get caught up with this one all the time so I have to look carefully to see what season the games were attached to.

we were talking about Duane Thomas.

 

[tomokawan]

That was Daks best year
All down hill since

Passing

SEASON	TEAM
2016	DAL
2017	DAL
2018	DAL
2019	DAL
2020	DAL
2021	DAL
2022	DAL
2023	DAL
2024	DAL
Career

GP	CMP	ATT	CMP%	YDS	AVG	TD	INT	LNG	SACK	RTG	QBR
16	311	459	67.8	3,667	8.0	23	4	83	25	104.9	77.6
16	308	490	62.9	3,324	6.8	22	13	81	32	86.6	70.0
16	356	526	67.7	3,885	7.4	22	8	90	56	96.9	55.2
16	388	596	65.1	4,902	8.2	30	11	62	23	99.7	71.9
5	151	222	68.0	1,856	8.4	9	4	58	10	99.6	73.1
16	410	596	68.8	4,449	7.5	37	10	51	30	104.2	60.5
12	261	394	66.2	2,860	7.3	23	15	68	20	91.1	59.9
17	410	590	69.5	4,516	7.7	36	9	92	39	105.9	73.4
8	185	286	64.7	1,978	6.9	11	8	65	21	86.0	45.3

You can't even read your own stats right. If it was all downhill from 2016, how do you explain 2023 36td to 9 ints and second in MVP voting?? Where was his so called personal coach Romo 2023???

 

[Jipper]

Lilly’s rookie year he had 5.5 sacks and the team went 4-9-1. Are people confusing the question?

Impact is on a curve, and only 1 player here is the most impactful position. Dallas went from 4-12 in 2015 with a team QBR somewhere in the 30’s and a passer rating around 75 to 13-3 in 2016 behind Dak’s 77 QBR and 105 passer rating. It is not realistically possible for a nonQB to have the same level of impact, and Lilly’s rookie year certainly wasn’t that

yup spot on - in term's of a rookie season impact that has to take the cake. Didn't he have a record number of throws without an INT also?

 

[Blitzen]

in 1977 Dallas went from 11-3 to 12-2. They won their first playoff game 37-7. Dorsett ran for 85 yards. Do you believe Dallas loses this game if a different RB were playing?

Dallas won their second playoff game 23-6. Minnesota’s offense had 214 total yards and amounted to 2 fgs. Dorsett had 71 yards this game. Do you believe Dallas was overmatched if he didn’t contribute what he did?

In the SB, Dallas won 27-10. Dorsett had his lowest output of the playoffs at just 15 carries for 66 yards. Denver had 156(!) total yards of offense.

I’m not saying Tony didn’t help Dallas or wasn’t worthy of being a SB winner that year, but saying he was the main force that changed them from a good team to a SB is not entirely accurate

How many games do the 2016 Cowboys win if Romo gets hurt but Kellen Moore doesn’t? 8? Less?

Dorsett was the catalyst for that offense becoming as dynamic as it was. Did you watch those games? Whether he made as big of an impact in each playoff game as the Cowboys’ star defenders did is not what I’m arguing. The team was already good. And yes, he was the main reason the offense became “great” from 76 to 77.

In 2016, the team could have won 7-8 games with me or you or a one legged QB handing the ball off 50 times and throwing 5 yard passes to Dez, Witten, and Zeke.

 

[CooterBrown]

Emmitt Smith
Zeke
Dak
Everson Walls
Tyron Smith
Zach Martin
T. Frederick
T. Diggs
D Ware
T Dorsett
Calvin Hill

Bob Hayes. Led the league in touchdown receptions in his rookie year. Over 1000 yards in a 14 game season. Made defenses start playing zones. And the Cowboys first non-losing season was his rookie year.

Emmitt Smith
Zeke
Dak
Everson Walls
Tyron Smith
Zach Martin
T. Frederick
T. Diggs
D Ware
T Dorsett
Calvin Hill

Bob Hayes. Rookie in 1965. Over 1000 yards in a 14 game season. (When there was no such penalty as illegal contact). Led the league in touchdown receptions. Caused defenses to start playing zones. 1965 was the Cowboy's first non-losing season. (7-7). He had an immediate impact.