JJT: Role players giving Cowboys' offense a boost

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Role players giving Cowboys' offense a boost
December, 11, 2014

By Jean-Jacques Taylor | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' offense revolves around DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

But without a group of big-play role players -- Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Gavin Escobar, Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle -- it’s unlikely the Cowboys would be 9-4 and tied for first place in the NFC East.

Those players have combined for 15 touchdowns this season; last season they had 11.

Against Chicago last week, it was Beasley who caught three passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys' 41-28 victory.

“One of the best things we’ve done on offense,” said Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, “is use our complementary players. Sometimes, those guys don’t get an opportunity in a game or, maybe, it’s a couple of games, but when they get their opportunity they cash in on it.”

Each of them has made game-winning plays at various times this season. Escobar scored two touchdowns in a win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium, and four of his nine receptions on the season have resulted in touchdowns.

Dunbar is averaging 13.4 yards on 15 receptions, which is more per catch than Witten, and he has four catches of 20 yards or more.

Randle made one of the season’s biggest plays in the Cowboys' win over Seattle. The Seahawks led 10-0 when Randle burst 38 yards for a first down and a momentum-changing run. The Cowboys scored on the drive and made it a game again.

Beasley has nine catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns in the past three games after having four catches for 45 yards in the previous five games.

In the first seven games, Williams scored six touchdowns and had five receptions of 20 yards or more. He has five catches for 75 yards in the last five games, including two games where he’s failed to catch a pass.

The very definition of being a role player means they don’t have a defined role in the offense. Their job is to be ready when called upon and to make a play -- whether it’s been a series, a quarter or a few weeks since they were needed.

“Sometimes it’s matchup. Sometimes it’s coverage,” Garrett said. “Sometimes it’s what they’re trying to do or take away on defense that gives guys opportunities.”

Being a role player is a job that’s hard on any player’s ego, but the priority for playcaller Scott Linehan is to get the ball to Murray, Bryant and Witten.

That’s not changing any time soon. It’s up to the Cowboys’ role players to make plays whenever they can.
 
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