Stock Up: Robert Quinn
The veteran DE was the best addition to the Cowboys in 2019. Quinn led the team with 11.5 sacks and tied for the team lead in forced fumbles. His quick first step and speed around the edge allowed Quinn to have a sack in 12 of his 14 games played. He was double-teamed at an alarming rate and still ended up victorious in many of his battles.
Stock Down: K Brett Maher
The Cowboys refused to bring in anyone during training camp to compete with the incumbent kicker and it blew up in their face. Maher missed too many kicks, going just 20-30 on the season. The inability to make must-have field goals crushed the Cowboys on more than one occasion, keeping games out of striking distance once Dallas was finally able to start moving the ball. His misses decimated team confidence.
Stock Up: Best game
The Cowboys put their best game of the season together in their dominating, 44-21 shellacking of the Rams. It came at the perfect time, the team was reeling and needed a boost to stay in the race for the NFC East title. Dallas had two running backs go over the 100-yard mark, Sean Lee turned back the clock with a vintage performance that included a sack and an interception, and new kicker Kai Forbath made all three of his kicks, which were all from 42 yards out or longer.
Stock Down: Worst Game
It was a terrible showing in the loss to the Jets, and the Eagles game came close to being the worst loss, but being embarrassed by the Bills on a national stage during their annual Thanksgiving game was downright embarrassing. The Cowboys looked lethargic and pathetic in getting manhandled by the Bills.
Stock Down: The coaching staff
Not making the playoffs was a huge gut-punch considering the perceived talent the Cowboys have and after starting 3-0. Jason Garrett led the way for a staff that couldn’t get it together when they needed to.
Kellen Moore’s offense was tops in the league, but struggled against good teams, while Rod Marinelli and Kris Richard’s defense was a sieve for much of the year. The special teams under Keith O’Quinn were atrocious.
You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi.
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