Biggest difference maker this year as opposed to last?

Tony7188 · Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Posts: 2506 Location: Baltimore, MD

The Cowboys are now in the thick of the playoff race and control their own destiny. The biggest difference in this team as opposed to last year is their play in December. Last year, the Cowboys were 7-4 and proceeded to go 1-4 in their final 5 games in December. This year, the Cowboys were 5-6 heading into December and are now 3-0. It begs the question, what has changed so drastically with this team as opposed to last? Which player has been the biggest difference maker this year for the Cowboys?

For me it's Dez Bryant. His play has been incredible and his desire to play (even through his broken finger) the game has provided a spark to this team. His understanding of the offense has led to a breakout year for him and it now makes things easier for Romo with defenses now having to double team him. It seems like Dez has also matured in front of our eyes and the team can start to trust him again.
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BloodOps · Joined: 31 Jul 2011 Posts: 633 Location: Long Island

It's hard not to go with Dez on this one and I really don't have to explain why, just look at what we've done the past month and some when he's been putting up monster numbers.
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Tony7188 · Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Posts: 2506 Location: Baltimore, MD

Cicero · Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 1196 Location: Seattle, WA

The coaching staff, in my opinion. Save for some bonehead calls by the coaches in crunchtime decisions, the overall coaching has improved dramatically. Players seemed to have bought into the system, made the right off season moves with free agency and the draft, and all of which has transitioned onto the field.

Individually, I'd say it'd have t be Dez Bryant. As a unit, I'd say the defense. But overall, my vote goes to the coaching staff.
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As of: 10/3/2012
I'm done with Tony Romo

The_Slamman · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 11669 Location: Las Vegas, NV

I fear this thread may be premature as any loss likely keeps us out of the playoffs.

That being said, honestly, Brandon Carr deserves a lot of love here. If TNew makes a crucial INT against the giants instead of getting hurdled over left and right... We win the division last year.

Dez's contribution has been huge but last year we had Laurent Robinson who played great for us. Brandon Carr actually making plays in the secondary, IMO, has been the biggest difference.
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Quote from May 7, 2013...

TVScout · Joined: 05 May 2009 Posts: 1285

I go with Carr here based upon what happened this month. His ints essentially won the games against the Bengals and Steelers. He has stabilized the secondary and without Brandon we would be 6-8 and out of it.

SHSTE92 · Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Posts: 2824

Call me crazy but Dwayne Harris is just doing all the little things. Big returns, helping out in the passing game etc I know he isn't the best or the MVP but having a WR who can be relied on in the passing and return games has been a big difference. No fumbles, better field position. Just wanted to give him a nod is all.
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matt79511 · Joined: 10 Jul 2011 Posts: 2198

Tony7188 · Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Posts: 2506 Location: Baltimore, MD

MaddHatter · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 41475 Location: Dallas, TX

Dez Bryant's first half was atrocious - his second half has been amazing; but I think the bigger difference has been Carr vs Newman

Also - Romo had a tough first half but in the last 7 games where we've gone 5-2, Romo is:

193 of 275 (70%) for 2196yds (8.0ypa) 13 TDs, 3 INTs, 1 FL and a 105.1 QBR

I would say that transformation behind a still abysmal OL has been the biggest key to our turnaround.
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Ware Stat Tracker: 27 Pressures, 9 Hits, 10 sacks, 4 FF, 7 TFL (thru 8 games)

TheStarStillShines · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 8260

The additions of Carr and Claiborne have been the biggest reasons for the team's success IMO. Although the defence still has holes, having two CBs that can cover one-on-one has allowed Ryan and the team to compensate for losses up the middle, such as having Jenkins play some FS or only keeping one safety high. Carr and Claiborne have also been playmakers; Carr, in particular, has been great the past couple of weeks.
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Matts4313 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject:

MaddHatter · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 41475 Location: Dallas, TX

Matts4313 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject:

MaddHatter · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 41475 Location: Dallas, TX