While the Dallas Cowboys had a number of big time performers in 2011, they still missed the NFL playoffs and had to watch as the team that beat them out of the NFC East title went on to win the Super Bowl. There were many reasons for the Cowboys' collapse, from poor play calling to last minute collapses. With that in mind, here are the most disappointing Cowboys' players from the 2011 NFL season.
Terence Neman was, at one time, one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He was a track star for the Kansas State Wildcats and there were few people who could outrun him. He was great in coverage and has 32 interceptions over his career. He is also 33 years old and it looks like age has finally caught up with him. The final image of Newman in the 2011 season was two Giants' players hurdling him for more yards. Newman's days as a top performer are done.
Miles Austin opened the season on fire with 14 receptions for 233 yards and four touchdowns in the first two games. However, he injured his hamstring and was never the same for the rest of the season. Tony Romo lost his number one target and it was lucky the Cowboys found Laurent Robinson to come in and become the new touchdown king. Austin finished with three touchdowns in the final four games but never broke 100 yards again.
Much like Newman, Bradie James' age has caught up with him. In 2010, the linebacker finished with 116 tackles, his fifth year in a row with over 100. In 2011, he finished with 44 tackles in 13 starts. Injuries hurt him but James went from a dominating linebacker to an afterthought in 2011.
Doug Free has been solid in the past on the offensive line but he was atrocious in 2011. Free allowed 10 sacks, 33 quarterback pressures and committed 10 penalties though the season. There are rumors that the Cowboys will switch Free and rookie Tyron Smith in 2012, which might be what Free needs to get his mojo back. At least, Romo has to hope moving him will help protect him better.
Author Shawn S. Lealos has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma (2000) and has been a Dallas Cowboys' fan since he was a child. His favorite players range from Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett to the Triplets of the 90s and he enjoys talking about all Cowboys' related news, good or bad
