JJT: Offensive/Defensive snaps from the Cowboys' 31-28 win

Offensive snaps from the Cowboys' 31-28 win
November, 24, 2014

By Jean-Jacques Taylor | ESPNDallas.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Here is a look at the snap counts for each of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive players on Sunday:

The Cowboys’ offensive role players didn’t play much against the Giants, but they made a substantial impact on the game.

That is exactly what coach Jason Garrett means when he talks about players taking advantage of their opportunities.

Cole Beasley played 22 snaps, a low total for him, and he caught two passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. He scored on a 45-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter, and his 21-yard catch on the Cowboys’ final drive was huge.

Lance Dunbar played only two snaps, tying for his lowest total of the season, but he scampered 26 yards with a screen pass that set up a Dallas touchdown. James Hanna played 12 snaps, his lowest total of the season, but he contributed a 27-yard reception that set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown.

The Cowboys spend most of the game trying to get the ball to Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, DeMarco Murray and Terrance Williams, but there have been several games this season when role players have made significant contributions to a Cowboys’ win.

They did it again Sunday to keep the Cowboys tied with Philadelphia for first place in the NFC East.

Offensive snaps:

Jason Witten: 54
Doug Free: 54
Zack Martin: 54
Travis Frederick: 54
Ron Leary: 54
Tyron Smith: 54
Tony Romo: 54
Dez Bryant: 51
Demarco Murray: 51
Terrance Williams: 48
Cole Beasley: 22
James Hanna: 12
Gavin Escobar: 11
Tyler Clutts: 10
Devin Street: 5
Dwayne Harris: 3
Lance Dunbar: 2
Jermey Parnell: 1

Defensive snaps from Cowboys' 31-28 win
November, 24, 2014

By Jean-Jacques Taylor | ESPNDallas.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Jeremy Mincey tied his season high with 50 snaps against the New York Giants. He was still going strong at the end of the game.

Mincey finished with five tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack. He also hit quarterback Eli Manning twice, forcing a key intentional grounding penalty at the end of the first half. Mincey has been around long enough to know the future is second-round draft pick DeMarcus Lawrence.

The veteran knows he must perform or the youngster will start cutting into his playing time.

Normally, safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox don’t come off the field much. But Church left the game in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Jeff Heath, who injured his right thumb. Heath, who played 10 snaps, took over Tyler Patmon’s responsibilities in the Cowboys’ dime defense.

At the end of the game, the Cowboys were using C.J. Spillman at free safety and Wilcox at strong safety.

Here's a look at the snap counts played for each of the Cowboys' defensive players Sunday night:

J.J. Wilcox 75
Brandon Carr 73
Orlando Scandrick 70
Anthony Hitchens 69
Barry Church 60
Rolando McClain 59
Sterling Moore 57
Nick Hayden 51
Jeremy Mincey 50
Tyrone Crawford 48
George Selvie 41
Bruce Carter 36
Anthony Spencer 31
Henry Melton 31
DeMarcus Lawrence 26
Terrell McClain 25
Jack Crawford 23
Tyler Patmon 14
Jeff Heath 10
C.J. Spillman 9
Kyle Wilber 6

Marinelli showing more and more confidence in Wilcox. But that's too many snaps overall.

My worry is being unable to find a base defense we can be comfortable with while the Eagles go no-huddle. Against this formula you need to rotate between series and not plays.