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Cowboys position breakdown: Specialists
January, 26, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
Cowboys reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2014, what they can do in the future, and what the team can do to improve the position in 2015.
Under contract: Dan Bailey, L.P. Ladouceur, Chris Jones-*
(* - restricted free agent)
A look back: In a year in which the offense was outstanding and the defense was surprising, the special teams were only OK.
Bailey missed four field goal attempts (two were blocked). Jones’ gross (45.4) and net (39.8) averages were middle of the pack, and he missed chances to pin offenses deeper.
The return game was something of a disappointment. Dwayne Harris’ punt return average fell by 3.6 yards. His kickoff return average fell by nearly 6 yards. He was not as dynamic as he was in 2013. Some of that was the blocking. Some of that had to do with teams kicking it away from him.
The coverage teams were solid enough and C.J. Spillman came on late.
A look ahead: The Cowboys signed Bailey to a seven-year extension last offseason because of what he did and what he will be. They feel better about Bailey than just about any kicker they have had in the Jerry Jones’ era.
He is clutch. He doesn’t make excuses. He works hard. He keeps his head down. Jones has a big leg, but consistency is an issue. He is also a decent holder, which is a must with a kicker like Bailey.
Harris and Spillman were arguably the Cowboys best coverage guys and both are free agents. A special teams unit changes from year to year because of how the bottom of the roster fluctuates each year. It’s tough to build cohesion, but the Cowboys should look to keep their core guys and hope to see a rebound in 2015.
A look out: The Cowboys can sign Jones to a cheaper deal than the $1.5 million restricted free agent tender, but the amount is a guaranteed and it doesn’t stop them from signing a cheaper punter to bring in some competition.
Ladouceur turns 34 in March and does not appear to be slowing down, but the Cowboys always bring in an unknown during the offseason just to ease the work on the veteran. The Cowboys usually bring in a leg to do the same for Bailey, but there is no doubt he is the kicker for the present and the long-term future.
January, 26, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
Cowboys reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2014, what they can do in the future, and what the team can do to improve the position in 2015.
Under contract: Dan Bailey, L.P. Ladouceur, Chris Jones-*
(* - restricted free agent)
A look back: In a year in which the offense was outstanding and the defense was surprising, the special teams were only OK.
Bailey missed four field goal attempts (two were blocked). Jones’ gross (45.4) and net (39.8) averages were middle of the pack, and he missed chances to pin offenses deeper.
The return game was something of a disappointment. Dwayne Harris’ punt return average fell by 3.6 yards. His kickoff return average fell by nearly 6 yards. He was not as dynamic as he was in 2013. Some of that was the blocking. Some of that had to do with teams kicking it away from him.
The coverage teams were solid enough and C.J. Spillman came on late.
A look ahead: The Cowboys signed Bailey to a seven-year extension last offseason because of what he did and what he will be. They feel better about Bailey than just about any kicker they have had in the Jerry Jones’ era.
He is clutch. He doesn’t make excuses. He works hard. He keeps his head down. Jones has a big leg, but consistency is an issue. He is also a decent holder, which is a must with a kicker like Bailey.
Harris and Spillman were arguably the Cowboys best coverage guys and both are free agents. A special teams unit changes from year to year because of how the bottom of the roster fluctuates each year. It’s tough to build cohesion, but the Cowboys should look to keep their core guys and hope to see a rebound in 2015.
A look out: The Cowboys can sign Jones to a cheaper deal than the $1.5 million restricted free agent tender, but the amount is a guaranteed and it doesn’t stop them from signing a cheaper punter to bring in some competition.
Ladouceur turns 34 in March and does not appear to be slowing down, but the Cowboys always bring in an unknown during the offseason just to ease the work on the veteran. The Cowboys usually bring in a leg to do the same for Bailey, but there is no doubt he is the kicker for the present and the long-term future.
