The 9 Biggest Positives of the Dallas Cowboys 2011 Season

The 2011 Dallas Cowboys had more than a few positives that fans can take solace in. Besides their inability to make the playoffs and win their division, the Cowboys found a new running back, a slot receiver and Tony Romo got his groove back.

So while Giants fans celebrate their tournament win after facing a Falcons team who fails to make it past the first round each year, a defensively deficient Packers team and a 49ers team without a quarterback, Cowboys fans will celebrate their small victories from this past season.

Did I just take away from the Giants Super Bowl victory? Yes. But before we go down that road, let's take a peek at some positives from this past season.

Tyron Smith, OL

Smith was great for the Cowboys. He started slow, but really showed that he is ready for prime time as the season continued. His footwork improved, and now there is talk of switching him to the left side and bringing Doug Free to right tackle. 

He will eventually turn into an anchor for the Cowboys line, but before he reaches that point, he was a great draft pick for the Cowboys. 

Laurent Robinson, WR

Robinson was just awesome for Dallas. I cannot say enough about this guy who caught 11 touchdown passes and developed a strong rapport with quarterback Tony Romo.

He was clutch when needed and always seemed to know where to be when Romo started to scramble.

My only fear is that the Cowboys will not spend to keep him. Team owner Jerry Jones said that he thinks the receiver position is a strength for Dallas without Robinson. “We think the receiver position is a strength for us, said Jones." "We've got a couple of young guys that we're proud of, too."

Bring Robinson back into the fold, and I can guarantee the Cowboys receiver position will continue to improve. 

DeMarco Murray, RB

I thought the Cowboys missed by taking Murray during last year's draft. The team had issues on the offensive line and the defensive backfield, and I thought that is where their focus should have been.

This is why I am a writer and not a general manager or a scout. At any rate, Dallas made a great pick by picking the running back from Oklahoma. Before his season-ending ankle injury, Murray rushed for 897 yards, with 253 coming in one game.

The Cowboys will have a position of strength in 2012 at the running back position with Murray returning and Felix Jones playing backup.

Tony Romo’s Season

After a shaky start against the Jets in the first game of the season and tossing three costly interceptions versus the Lions, Romo straightened himself out and finished the year with just 10 picks.

He tossed 31 touchdowns and threw for over 4,000 passing yards. He had a career-high passer rating at 102.5 and seemed to mature as the season grew. He was clutch and showed fans that he can be trusted in late game situations.

Romo was great in 2011 and should be even better in 2012.

Sean Lee, LB

I will scream it from the mountaintops because I got one thing right: I said that Sean Lee would be good for Dallas, and I was right.

He totaled 105 tackles with four interceptions. He seemed to be all over the field at times and has a nose for the ball. He still has some growing to do, but this young man will be roaming the middle of the field for the Cowboys for the foreseeable future.

14th Pick in 2012 NFL Draft

Because the Cowboys missed the playoffs and finished 9-7, they will pick 14th in the draft. Well, that is part of the reason.

The team will have a real shot at snagging a key offensive or defensive cog. Former North Alabama corner Janoris Jenkins should be available, as well a few great offensive linemen.

Dallas will have the chance to get better immediately, and that is because of their sub-par play in 2011.

Dan Bailey, K

Bailey made 26 consecutive field goals at one point this past season to solidify his position as starter. He had a couple of blocked kicks and a freeze, but overall he had a great season.

The Cowboys kicking situation seems to be solved, but a less-than-average 2012 from Bailey will have fans worrying about special teams once again.

Tony Fiammetta, FB

Jerry Jones said that Fiammetta is the best fullback the team has had since “Moose” Johnston. That is saying a lot, while not saying much at the same time.

Moose was a great running back, but Dallas hasn’t had a great one since him. He did lead block for one of the NFL’s greatest runners in Emmitt Smith.

At any rate, the Cowboys did rush the ball better with Fiammetta leading the way. He has great vision and leverage for a fullback and aided the Cowboys to a fierce running attack last season.

Sweeping the Redskins

No matter how bad the Redskins are, and they were terrible in 2011, it still feels good for fans to say that the Cowboys were able to sweep the team's nastiest rival. 

Both games were close as the Cowboys were able to best the 'Skins by two in the first contest and three in the next. Tony Romo was clutch, and the Cowboys squeaked out close victories. 

On to next season, but before we hit that point, it is nice that the Cowboys were able to beat up on the Redskins.