The Cowboys are at the midway point of the season sitting on top of the NFC East at 4-4. It looks like they are poised for their third straight 8-8 record, however this year that might be good enough to win the division. We want to give out our mid-season awards.
Offensive MVP
I think Tony Romo would be the consensus among Cowboys fans as the MVP with the year he is having. Romo is on pace to throw for 4,400 yards, 36 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. However my MVP is Brian Waters. He has helped shore up this offensive line and he has allowed Doug Free to be the top rated offensive tackle in the NFL per Pro Football Focus. Cowboys’ fans are about to find out just how much Waters meant to the line. He is a savvy veteran who has also helped with the progression for rookie center Travis Frederick.
Defensive MVP
With a defense that has been riddled with injuries the only player that stands out is defensive captain Sean Lee. He is having his best season of his young career to this point. He has accumulated 59 tackles which is only 10 tackles short of his career high. Lee has also intercepted the opposing quarterback four times including a pick six against Phillip Rivers. His awareness and anticipation has Lee one of the best young linebackers in the game. Dallas fans should be excited about his future here.
Rookie of the Year
This award should be split between two offensive rookies who have been playing exceptional this season. Travis Frederick and Terrance Williams have been playing at a high level. Frederick has helped this offensive line reduce the number of sack opportunities for the opposing defense. Romo is on pace to be sacked less this year (32) than he was last year (36). This offensive lines play can also be attributed to fewer interceptions as well.
Terrance Williams has been coming on strong as of late. He has scored a touchdown in four straight games, which is a Cowboys’ rookie record. With his play, gives this team another deep threat at the wide receiver position alongside Dez Bryant. With both rookies performing well, that trade with San Francisco doesn’t look so bad in hindsight.
Biggest Disappointment
Miles Austin could easily be this team’s biggest disappointment (again). My vote however goes to the defensive line. Yes they have been hit with the injury bug and Rod Marinelli is trying to keep that group together. The group that was being referred to as “Rushmen” has only one starter playing at this point in Jason Hatcher, which was expected to make a huge impact in Monte Kiffin’s first season as defensive coordinator.
