Judging by my last contribution you may have guessed my aspirations for this season remain somewhat subdued.
The offense and defense, in my opinion, still have a lot of work to do…despite the content of the game against the Titans suggesting otherwise.
The Special Teams (all phases), however, is looking very much like a finished product. Consider:
Dan Bailey – Money. Worth the money. Money well spent. As clutch as they come. On pace to own every record currently held by the Cowboys history of kickers. Recently passed Michael Irvin on the all-time scoring list.
L.P. Ladouceur – The forgotten man…but that’s a good thing. If you heard his name, it probably means he made a mistake, which he never (I repeat never) does.
Dwayne Harris – Clearly he is a weapon that can be used on offense; but his contributions to special teams are truly unheard of in today’s NFL. Top-Tier return man. Top-Tier cover man. He does it all and does it well. You absolutely cannot have enough football players of this caliber on your team. If the Cowboys had 53 players that attacked everything he is asked to do like he does, the Cowboys would never lose!
Joseph Randle – I said it in the days leading up to the Cowboys deciding the final 53, his contributions on special teams are likely what will earn him a spot on the roster, and thus far, he has proven his value. Contrary to what you might expect from a running back of his size, he is a fearless hitter and a sound tackler.
Jeff Heath – We have not heard his name mentioned too often in games, but according to quotes I have read from Special Teams coach Rich Bisaccia, he is a key contributor.
C.J. Spillman – Like Heath above, his name hasn’t seen too much press either, but if he can turn in a season like his 2013 with the 49ers, he could be this year’s Keith Davis – another fearless hitter, who displays good athleticism and textbook tackling.
Chris Jones – Thus far, with 2 games down, Chris Jones has been solid. Not spectacular, but good enough to get the job done and help the Cowboys win some field position battles; an importance that should not be ignored given the questionable nature of this defense.
Given the above cast of characters, this could be the best special teams group the Cowboys have had in well over a decade and despite the lack of style points that may accompany their efforts, will be a significant reason behind the Cowboys winning games this year.
