NFL Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys’ Third-Quarter Season Grade

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By @RyanRattyNFL

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Did any NFL pundits predict the Dallas Cowboys sitting pretty atop the NFC East at 8-3 by this time of the year? After losing Sean Lee and DeVonte Holloman to injuries, Jason Hatcher to free agency, releasing DeMarcus Ware, and Tony Romo‘s second major back surgery, many believed that the Cowboys would finish this season with a 13-3 record. Instead, the Cowboys have used their superb ground game led by their offensive line to beat up on teams and that philosophy has worked in 2014.

For the past few years, the Cowboys have been known as a finesse team. That means that the Cowboys would score their points in the air and the main talent on their team were their weapons. However, in 2014, the Cowboys have become a physical football team, one that can and will run all over you until you stop them. Not many teams have been able to limit DeMarco Murray in 2014. With an offensive line consisting of three first-round picks in the past four years, Murray has flourished in the last year of his rookie deal. Murray is on pace to run for over 1,800 yards. But it’s not only the running game that is efficient, Romo, despite having to deal with back concerns, has flown under the radar in the MVP race in 2014. Romo is completing his passes at the highest clip of his career and the main reason why has been their running game and how defenses need to load the box. Because of that, Romo has had one-on-one coverage on the outside all year to throw the ball to Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams. He also has gotten great play from the guys inside like Jason Witten and Cole Beasley. Romo isn’t putting up the eyeballing stats, but he’s getting the job done and getting the most important stat, and that’s winning games.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys haven’t been great, but they have been years better than last season. Rod Marinelli has done an unbelievable job getting the most of his players. The most notable player has been Rolando McClain, who has manned the Mike linebacker position. Since the offensive is always on the field, the Cowboys have stayed fresh on the defensive side of the ball and that has been the difference-maker.

Although the Cowboys have plenty of work to do to get into the postseason, this has been a great year for Dallas. The Philadelphia Eagles will come to town on Thanksgiving and that will be a huge litmus test for the Cowboys. The battle for supremacy is real close in the NFC East. However, if the Cowboys stick to what has worked so far in the 2014 season, there is no reason why this team won’t make the playoffs.

Third-quarter season grade: A-

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.

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