Dallas Cowboys: 5 Players Who Must Step Up in 2012

There is just no way of getting around the feeling of disappointment in Dallas Cowboys Nation as we head to Super Bowl weekend.  What makes things even worse is that the New York Giants are on the verge of their second title in four years when we had the chance to end their season twice. 

I think Jerry Jones can stand to learn a few things from both organizations playing this weekend, but I'm afraid I'd wind up requiring electric shock treatments if I talk about it. 

With all the buzz surrounding the Super Bowl, the odds of Kelly Clarkson botching the national anthem and whether Madonna will have a wardrobe malfunction, Cowboys fans can only look forward to next season. 

So as we press on and take a gander at the returning starters and key reserves it's hard not to feel that a handful of these players underperformed in different capacities.  When you're coming off back-to-back seasons in which you spend more time taking down Christmas lights as opposed to taking down notes in preparation for your playoff opponent, I would say it's self-evaluation time throughout the whole organization. 

Since the rules don't apply to our GM and excuse-making mode is in full effect, that only leaves the product on the field.  Let's take a look at these five players who underperformed in 2011 and simply need to step up in 2012.

1. Felix Jones

Since being drafted in 2008, staying on the field has been an uphill battle as he's missed 15 games and only completed a full season once.  In four full seasons he has 458 rushing attempts, 2,326 yards and eight touchdowns.  Considering Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte and Ray Rice were drafted after him, his production is sorely lacking in comparison. 

At times his explosiveness and potential are jaw-dropping, but in the end he has everyone wondering why can't he do it all the time.  His potential is untapped in this offense and it would be nice to use him in the screen game more, but the reality is that 2012 has to be a make-or-break year for him.  This team simply needs him to produce more, stay healthy and combine with DeMarco Murray to be a formidable tandem.

2. Miles Austin

Since his meteoric rise from undrafted free agent to his 10-catch, 250-yard performance against the Chiefs, Miles Austin has moved into the Cowboys starting lineup while appearing in two Pro Bowls and recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2009 and 2010. 

However, 2011 was a different story.  After signing a monster six-year contract extension in 2010, this past season was marked with multiple hamstring injuries and several missed games.  In his absence Laurent Robinson emerged as a reliable target for Tony Romo, but Austin's explosiveness when healthy gives the Cowboys an added dimension that poses trouble to NFL defenses. 

His 2011 stat line consisted of 43 receptions for  579 yards and seven touchdowns.  Clearly this offense needs him as Robinson is a question mark to return and Dez Bryant continues to mature both on and off the field.  I feel he is a huge key to the 2012 offense.

3. Orlando Scandrick

After selecting him in the 2008 draft he has proven to be a valuable slot corner, special teams contributor and starter at cornerback in place of both Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins at times. His productivity has increased since his rookie campaign and he's shown good ability as a blitzer as well. 

Prior to the start of the 2011 season, Jerry Jones rewarded him with a five-year, $27 million deal with the hopes for a breakout season.  He battled injury this past season, and although at times he performed up to his capability he was also the victim of giving up numerous big plays.  Down the stretch this was evident as he struggled in both Giants games and was manhandled by Victor Cruz. 

With Newman, Alan Ball and Frank Walker not expected back, the Cowboys will be counting on him to rebound in 2012, and so will the expectations that come with his contract.  He simply must do a better job and be relied upon to make plays. 

4. Gerald Sensabaugh

After arriving from Jacksonville in 2009 and playing out a string of one-year contracts Sensabaugh was awarded with a five-year, $22 million deal during the 2011 season.  He brings versatility and solid cover skills to the secondary and has been durable since his arrival. 

However, his 2011 stats didn't compare to his career year of 2010, he played with a foot injury that apparently limited him, but overall he could not provide timely interceptions or force turnovers and lacked in the play making department. 

Quite simply, this team has to reverse the trend of not having any playmakers in the back end.  It's like watching four hours of Dora the Explorer. 

Like Scandrick, he needs to earn his money, and that starts right now.

5. Victor Butler

The Cowboys selected him in the fourth round of the illustrious 2009 draft class.  He posted three sacks in 2009 and two in 2010 in a part-time role at linebacker and also a special teams contributor.  In 2011 he posted another three sacks but was expected to expand his role and be more involved in Rob Ryan's scheme. 

He's shown flashes at times and I, for one, love his upside, but this team needs certain players to arrive.  In 2012 he may have the opportunity to be a starter with the possible departure of Anthony Spencer.  DeMarcus Ware needs some help on the other side, and the constant facing of double-teams appeared to slow him down this season. 

The Cowboys need more pass rush from the front seven, and whether he starts or not Butler is entering a critical fourth year.  The time has come for Butler to make a reputation in this league or move on. 

When things don't go well and seasons end in disappointment, it's often easy to point fingers.  The 2011 season was full of frustration and unfulfilled expectations that was felt by the organization and every fan. 

The improvement does start at the top but there needs to be more accountability on the field.  The Cowboys simply can't get by anymore or be enamored with a player's talent, upside, potential, 40 time or long jump.  It needs to be about playmaking, productivity and smart football.  These are the key ingredients in creating a winning environment, something that's lacking these days in Dallas.