Dallas Cowboys: Last Year's Studs Are This Year's Duds
Last year, the Cowboys had a few stand out players that made big plays in big games on their way to the playoffs. This year those same players could be blamed for some of the biggest mistakes and errors this season, even with Garrett as coach they're still not performing well.
Here's a list of the offenders how they got on this list.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins
1 of 5
Mike Jenkins was a Pro Bowler last season who commanded respect. This season, he's been roasted, toasted and flat out burnt. He's given up at least one big play in almost every game this season, and while the Cowboys secondary as a whole has been terrible this season, Jenkins was supposed to be the bright star and the emerging leader, instead he's a target for every QB the Cowboys play and the referees, as he's been flagged a lot this season.
Last season, Jenkins had 45 tackles, five interceptions and 19 passes defended. This season, Jenkins has 52 tackles (mostly because he's giving up more catches), one interception and just nine passes defended.
Wide Receiver Miles Austin
2 of 5
While Austin is has good numbers (67 catches, 979 yards and seven TDs) he was way ahead last season of where he's at this season in receptions and catches. Also until this season, Austin was reliable catching the ball, yet this season, he leads the league in on target drops.
Jon Kitna doesn't throw the ball deep as often as Romo does, so that's one reason Austin's stats aren't on par with last season, but he still has to find a way to get open. Also, one of the biggest reasons for Austin's success if his ability to run after the catch, which hasn't happened much this season.
Austin is the Cowboys No. 1 receiver, but if he doesn't establish himself again next season, the story will once again be Dez Bryant, because he did and doesn't look to stop doing so.
Linebacker Anthony Spencer
3 of 5
At the end of last season, it looked like Anthony Spencer was finally starting to get it, but this season, it looks like he lost it again. Spencer has just three sacks this season; last season he had six in the final five weeks of the season.
Spencer also has just one tackle this season, and his inability to get to the quarterback has put added pressure on DeMarcus Ware (although you wouldn't know it as he has 12.5 sacks). This is the fourth season that Spencer has been in Dallas, and he hasn't established himself yet. And with Sean Lee, Leon Williams and Victor Butler making contributions and getting more time, he is running out of time.
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Linebacker Keith Brooking
4 of 5
Last year, Brooking looked a lot younger than his age, however that's not the case this year. Brooking is a step slower blitzing and two steps slower in pass protection. Last year, Brooking had over 100 tackles; this season, he'll barely break 90 and has just one sack. He was also replaced by Sean Lee in the nickel-and-dime packages.
You can't blame Brooking as much because of his age, and it takes most guys who've been in the league as long as him to have a down season before they realize it's time to call it a day. However, Brooking has already said he plans to play next season, so it'll be a long shot for him to play in Dallas again.
The End
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That's it for this article, but if you think there's someone else who's underachieved, feel free to comment and let us know.
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