Dallas Cowboys 2016 Roster: A Season in Review

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2016 season with high hopes, coming off a 12-4 record and an NFC East title. However, the team's season was derailed by injuries, and they finished with a disappointing 4-12 record.

Key Additions and Departures

The Cowboys made several key additions and departures during the offseason. Notable additions included:

• Greg Hardy: The Cowboys signed Hardy, a former Pro Bowl defensive end, to a one-year contract.
• Alfred Morris: The Cowboys signed Morris, a former 1,000-yard rusher, to a one-year contract.
• Nolan Carroll: The Cowboys signed Carroll, a former Pro Bowl cornerback, to a one-year contract.

Notable departures included:

• DeMarco Murray: The Cowboys traded Murray, their leading rusher in 2014, to the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Randle Cobb: The Cowboys traded Cobb, their leading receiver in 2015, to the Green Bay Packers.
• Morris Claiborne: The Cowboys released Claiborne, their first-round pick in 2012, after five seasons with the team.

Regular Season

The Cowboys started the season 3-1, but they then lost four straight games. The team's offense struggled to score points, and the defense was unable to stop opposing offenses. The Cowboys eventually finished the season with a 4-12 record, their worst record since 2010.

Offensive Struggles

The Cowboys' offense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2016. The team averaged just 17.1 points per game, which ranked 31st in the league. Quarterback Tony Romo was injured in the preseason and missed most of the season. Backup quarterback Dak Prescott started 16 games, but he struggled to find consistency. The Cowboys also had a poor running game, as Morris and Ezekiel Elliott combined to rush for just 1,379 yards.

Defensive Disappointments

The Cowboys' defense was also disappointing in 2016. The team allowed an average of 26.4 points per game, which ranked 27th in the league. The Cowboys struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they also had difficulty stopping the run. The team's secondary was particularly vulnerable, as they allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 67.2% of their passes.

Injuries

The Cowboys were plagued by injuries throughout the 2016 season. Romo, Elliott, and Hardy all missed significant time with injuries. The team also had several other players who were injured at various points during the season. The Cowboys' inability to stay healthy was a major factor in their disappointing season.

Conclusion

The Dallas Cowboys' 2016 season was a disappointment. The team's offense and defense both struggled, and the team was plagued by injuries. The Cowboys will need to make significant improvements in the offseason if they want to contend for a Super Bowl in 2017.

Player Stats

Team Stats

Key Injuries

Offseason Outlook

The Cowboys have a lot of work to do in the offseason if they want to improve on their 4-12 record in 2016. The team needs to find a way to upgrade its offense and defense, and it also needs to stay healthy. The Cowboys have a number of key players who are entering the final year of their contracts, including Romo, Witten, and Hardy. The team will need to make some tough decisions about whether to re-sign these players or let them walk. The Cowboys also have a number of holes to fill on their roster, including at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line. The team will need to be active in free agency and the draft in order to fill these holes.