You know, it’s funny how just two regular-season games can change your entire perception of the depth chart for the Dallas Cowboys.
Of course, I’m not suggesting that two games into the 2016 season has completely shaken up the Cowboys depth chart, but I do think it has impacted how we should look at the wide receiver position.
I think that we can all agree that Dez Bryant sits atop the depth chart, with Terrance Williams filling in as the #2 WR playing opposite him. At least, that’s what we all probably predicted heading into the season, but it looks like the Cowboys offense has a new #2 WR now.
No, it’s not Brice Butler, who we all probably thought would give Williams a run for his money for that #2 WR spot during the off-season.
It is the Cowboys diminutive WR Cole Beasley, who has scratched and clawed his way up the depth chart and established himself as the most reliable receiver through the first two games.
It’s simply amazing the chemistry that Beasley has been able to develop with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott so early in the season. When Prescott needs to pick up a first down or get rid of the ball quickly, he usually looks in the direction of Beasley and has been successful more times than not.
Back in August, I predicted that Cole Beasley would benefit the most with Dak Prescott at QB and so for that connection is making me look like a genius.
The Beasley and Prescott connection has been working so well, that it is starting to have an impact in the fantasy world as well, especially in those points per reception (PPR) leagues.
John Williams, our Fantasy Football expert here at Inside The Star, had this to say about Cole Beasley in his recent Dallas Cowboys Week 2 Fantasy Football Roundup.
“In the first two games of the season, Cole Beasley has been targeted 18 times, has 13 catches, a 72.2% catch rate, and 140 yards receiving. He is the outright leader in every category aside from targets, which he shares with Jason Witten.”
“Cole Beasley and Dak Prescott have developed a rapport and Beasley has become a legit number two wide receiver on this team.”
The facts certainly speak for themselves and Cole Beasley has definitely moved up the depth chart behind Dez Bryant as the teams number two wide receiver.
Beasley’s 13 receptions for 140 receiving yards has him on pace for 104 catches and 1,120 yards for the 2016 season. That’s Crazy!
By the way, if you need any fantasy football advice, I would definitely advise you to hit up John Williams on twitter @john9williams. He knows his stuff and he could possibly be the reason why you win your league this year.
Sorry to get a little off-topic there for second, but I thought John Williams deserves a shout out for all of the work he puts in each week giving fantasy football advice.
Getting back on topic though, debating who has established themselves as the number two wide receiver on the Cowboys offense should really fall into the category of a non-discussion.
Cole Beasley has vastly outperformed Terrance Williams the first two games of the 2016 season. In fact, if you need even more evidence, then I suggest you factor in Williams wasn’t even targeted one single time in the Washington Redskins game.
To put things bluntly, Cole Beasley has not only establish himself as the #2 wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, but made all of the other WRs on the roster somewhat obsolete, with the exception Dez Bryant of course.
It’s still early in the 2016 season, and Terrance Williams could absolutely reestablish himself as the Dallas Cowboys number two wide receiver. But, as things stand right now it’s Beasley that has earned that honor.
Do you agree that Cole Beasley is the Dallas Cowboys’ real #2 WR?
Let me hear what you think in the comment section below.
Yea I think it’s obvious that he has taken that role and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say he is temporarily the #1 receiver. But I think it’s just until Dak is totally comfortable with a full playbook. Terrance Williams fooled us all in pre-season using his hands to catch passes and looking good doing it. I am planning to watch the Washington game back again and see what happened to him the 40 snaps he was in because either he couldnt get open or Dak never saw him. Same thing with Butler. The projected #2’s have been invisible and that’s ok as they are utilizing Beez, Witten, Dunbar, and Elliot in a way to make up for it. But over the long haul Williams or Butler need to show up to allow Dez to return to dominance.
Thanks for commenting Randy. I agree with everything that you said. I don’t think Beasley is the #1 WR. I still think that distinction belongs to Dez Bryant, but Beasley is definitely established himself as arguably the most reliable. Also, I completely agree with what you said about Williams and Butler. One or both of them need to make their presence felt on the field.
I firmly believe Beasley will be number 2 wr he has proven himself to be a very consistent player where I think terrance williams has lacked. Ive never been very fond of brice Butler I honestly would like to see the Cowboys give andy jones a shot or try to use lucky whitehead more he has to much speed to not be utilized.
Derrick, I think Terrance Williams has been a pretty good #2 WR for the Cowboys, but Beasley has taken his game to a different level this year. Butler has intriguing size and speed, but hasn’t been able to develop a bond with any of his QB’s so far in Dallas. In watching film, he shows up but the QB just isn’t looking his direction for some reason so far. And Andy Jones was making noise in training camp, but had way too many lapses in concentration during the preseason. I think he needs a year or more to develop before he can be counted on.
Terrance williams flashes promise when romo is in charge but not consistently enough maybe cowboys need to change up how they use him. I believe terrance williams has potential to be a weapon like Laurant Robinson was a few years back
Derrick, I completely agree that Williams is a better receiver when Romo is the QB. They have a good working chemistry that Prescott has yet to develop with Williams.
Looks like Cole is the new number 1.
Jim, I wouldn’t go that far. Beasley is the most targeted WR, but Bryant is the one that defensive coordinators fear the most.