2. DB Kavon Frazier
No other phase highlighted the Cowboys’ 2019 struggles as much as special teams. New coordinator John Fassel will have his work cut out for him, taking over a unit ranked 30th in special teams DVOA in 2019. And it wasn’t just Maher’s misses that dragged them down. Dallas ranked 29th in punt return yardage and 31st in kick return yardage, failing to return either type of kick for a touchdown. Also disturbingly, they ranked 28th in average defensive starting field position, typically beginning most defensive series on the opponent’s 30 yard line.
A big reason the kick coverage was so poor was the fact they were missing fourth-year reserve DB Kavon Frazier for most of the year. A torn pec ended his season just four games in, and created a void on their special teams unit. Over his first three seasons, Frazier averaged 195 special teams snaps, typically on the field for over 60% of the Cowboys’ special teams plays. In 2019, he only managed 53 special teams snaps, leaving plenty for the rest of the team to absorb.
Over the course of the season, losing a depth player like Frazier hardly draws much attention. But in the game’s margins, the effect is absolutely felt.
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