2016 Dallas Cowboys season

57th season in franchise history; last season for Tony Romo June 2025 March 2026 Dallas Cowboys 2016 13–3 1st NFC East Jason Garrett Jerry Jones Jerry Jones AT&T Stadium Lost Divisional Playoffs(vs. Packers) 31–34 7 QB Dak Prescott RB Ezekiel Elliott WR Dez Bryant T Tyron Smith G Zack Martin C Travis Frederick ILB Sean Lee 5 RB Ezekiel Elliott (1st team) LT Tyron Smith (1st team) C Travis Frederick (1st team) RG Zack Martin (1st team) LB Sean Lee (1st team) File:Dallas Cowboys Uniforms 2015-2021.png Cowboys seasons thumb|Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott during the Cowboys at Redskins game in September. The 2016 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 57th in the National Football League (NFL), their 28th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their eighth playing their home games at AT&T Stadium, and their sixth full season under head coach Jason Garrett. After losing their first game to the New York Giants, the Cowboys won 11 straight games. The streak ended with them losing again to the same team in week 14, making this the first time since 2011 that the Cowboys were swept by the Giants. With division rivals Washington Redskins losing to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, the Cowboys clinched a playoff berth after missing the playoffs the previous year.http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/12/04/cowboys-officially-clinch-playoff-spot-can-claim-nfc-east-title-next-week Cowboys Officially Clinch Playoff Spot; Can Claim NFC East Title Next Week December 4, 2016 Dallas Cowboys 2016-12-09 Following the Giants' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, the Cowboys became NFC East champions for the second time in three years and clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs for the first time since 2007. The 13–3 record, which was 9 wins more than their injury-plagued season they had the year before, is tied for the best record in team history, equaling its 1992 and 2007 records. Despite this achievement, the Cowboys were upset by the 4th seeded Green Bay Packers by a score of 34–31 in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending their season and extending their NFC Championship game drought to 22 seasons. This was also quarterback Tony Romo's last season in the NFL, as he announced his retirement on April 4, 2017. The Cowboys became the first team since the AFL-NFL merger to rise from the bottom of the NFC to the top seed in one season. 3 Offseason + Cowboys 2016 free agentsPosition Player Restriction Date signed 2016 teamGMackenzy BernadeauUFAMarch 11Drummond K.D. March 11, 2016 Cowboys lose OL Mackenzy Bernadeau, release Cedric Thornton contract details http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2016/03/11/cowboys-lose-ol-mackenzy-bernadeau-release-cedric-thornton-contract-details/ May 18, 2017 Cowboys Wire USA TodayJacksonville JaguarsTCharles Brown offensive linemanBrown was resigned, but later retired and did not play in the 2016 season. UFA March 10dallasz -QBMatt CasselUFAMarch 9Gantt Darin March 9, 2016 Titans sign Matt Cassel to back up Marcus Mariota http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/09/titans-sign-matt-cassel-to-back-up-marcus-mariota/ May 18, 2017 NBC SportsTennessee TitansCBMorris Claiborne UFA March 11Smith Michael David Cowboys retain Morris Claiborne on one-year deal http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/11/cowboys-retain-morris-claiborne-on-one-year-deal/ 'NBC Sports May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysFBTyler CluttsUFAz -e -DEJack Crawford American footballUFAApril 4Archer Todd Jack Crawford, Cowboys agree to one-year deal http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15133755/jack-crawford-re-sign-dallas-cowboys ESPN May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysRBLance DunbarUFAMarch 17Helman David Cowboys Sign Versatile RB Lance Dunbar To One-Year Contract http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/03/17/cowboys-agree-one-year-deal-rb-lance-dunbar Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysTEJames Hanna American footballUFAMarch 11Alper Josh James Hanna back to Cowboys on three-year deal http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/11/james-hanna-back-to-cowboys-on-three-year-deal/ NBC Sports May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysDEGreg Hardy UFA z -e -DTNick Hayden UFA z -e -SJeff Heath American footballRFAApril 13Machota Jon Safety Jeff Heath gets new four-year contract from Cowboys https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/04/13/report-safety-jeff-heath-signs-four-year-contract-cowboys Dallas News May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysGRonald LearyRFAApril 28Alper Josh Ronald Leary signs RFA tender with Cowboys http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/28/ronald-leary-signs-rfa-tender-with-cowboys/ NBC Sports May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysLBRolando McClainMcClain was resigned, but later was suspended and did not play in the 2016 season.UFAMarch 9Orr Conor Cowboys re-sign Rolando McClain to one-year deal https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-re-sign-rolando-mcclain-to-one-year-deal-0ap3000000642632 NFL May 18, 2017dallasz -SDanny McCrayUFAz -e -DEJeremy MinceyUFAz -e -CBJosh Thomas cornerbackUFAMarch 10Helman David Cowboys Re-Sign CB Josh Thomas, Re-Work Tyrone Crawford's Contract http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/03/10/cowboys-re-sign-cb-josh-thomas-re-work-tyrone-crawfords-contract Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysRBRobert TurbinUFAMarch 15Holder Stephen Colts sign veteran RB Robert Turbin http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2016/03/15/colts-sign-veteran-rb-robert-turbin/81831424/ The Indianapolis Star May 18, 2017Indianapolis ColtsLBKyle WilberUFAMarch 11George Brandon Source: Dallas Cowboys re-sign LB Kyle Wilber to a two-year deal https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/11/wilberrrrrr-cowboys-re-sign-linebacker Dallas News May 18, 2017Dallas CowboysRFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent Background Coming into the offseason the Cowboys had a few positions that concerned them as a result of injuries, suspensions, and players potentially leaving the team. The positions that were of most concern were quarterback,Davison Drew Five off-season concerns for Dallas Cowboys http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article53943825.html Fort Worth Star-Telegram May 18, 2017 defensive back,Machota Jon 10 defensive backs the Dallas Cowboys could target in the NFL draft https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/30/10-defensive-backs-dallas-cowboys-target-2016-nfl-draft Dallas News May 18, 2017 and pass rusher.David Helman Improving The Cowboys' Pass Rush Remains As A Familiar Concern http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/01/27/improving-cowboys-pass-rush-remains-familiar-concern Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017 The Cowboys had a total of eighteen players entering the free agency, which meant the players were free to negotiate with and sign a contract to play with any team in the league.NFL Communications Free Agency Signing Period Begins; 496 Players Become Free Agents https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Free-Agency-Signing-Period-Begins;-496-Players-Became-Free-Agents.aspx NFL May 18, 2017 Of the eighteen players, two of them were restricted free agents, which meant they could get offers from other teams, and the Cowboys would have opportunity to match the offer and keep the player on their roster.Brown Maury Everything You Need To Know About NFL Free Agency 2016 https://www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2016/03/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nfl-free-agency-2016/#36e115063713 Forbes May 18, 2017 The free agency process officially started on March 9 for all thirty-two teams. Offense After losing ten out of the eleven games without Romo in 2015,Kerr-Dineen Luke One stat that shows how badly the Dallas Cowboys need Tony Romo back http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/09/dallas-cowboys-dak-prescott-jerry-jones-tony-romo-return-date-injury-stat-fantasy USA Today May 18, 2017 the Dallas Cowboys wanted to find a reliable back up quarterback, either through the draft, or by signing a veteran free agent.George Brandon Source: QB Dak Prescott flying into Dallas for pre-draft visit with Cowboys https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/04/19/source-qb-dak-prescott-flying-dallas-today-pre-draft-visit-dallas-cowboys Dallas News May 18, 2017 The Cowboys met with the top three quarterbacks entering the draft: Jared Goff, Carson Wentz,Helman David Carson Wentz Excited For Opportunity To Re-Connect With Cowboys' Coaches http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/04/06/carson-wentz-excited-opportunity-re-connect-cowboys%E2%80%99-coaches Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017 August 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170811224001/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/04/06/carson-wentz-excited-opportunity-re-connect-cowboys%E2%80%99-coaches dead and Paxton Lynch, all of whom were projected to be drafted in the first round.Klein Gary California's Jared Goff considered the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by Rams at Thursday's NFL draft http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-draft-rams-20160428-story.html Los Angeles Times May 18, 2017Reyes Lorenzo NFL combine: Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch solidify status as two of the top quarterbacks https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2016/02/27/carson-wentz-paxton-lynch-nfl-combine/81036248/# USA Today May 18, 2017 Another prospect for the Cowboys was Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, who met with the team on four separate occasions leading some to believe he would be their target in the middle rounds of the draft.Dubin Jared The Cowboys may have tipped their hand on which QB they'll draft http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/the-cowboys-may-have-tipped-their-hand-on-which-qb-theyll-draft/ CBS Sports May 18, 2017 Including Prescott, Goff, Wentz and Lynch, the Cowboys had pre-draft meetings with a total of seven quarterbacks entering the draft.Archer Todd Dak Prescott is Cowboys' first QB draft pick since 2009 http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4750813/dak-prescott-is-cowboys-first-qb-draft-pick-since-2009 ESPN May 18, 2017 Cowboys also looked at veteran quarterback Matt Moore, having him visit with the organization in MarchHill Jr. Clarence E. Free agent quarterback Matt Moore will visit the Dallas Cowboys http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article65091237.html Fort Worth Star-Telegram May 18, 2017 before he re-signed with the Miami Dolphins later in the month.Kelly Omar Miami Dolphins re-sign backup QB Matt Moore http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-matt-moore-could-still-resign-with-miami-dolphins-20160315-story.html Sun-Sentinel May 18, 2017 After a mediocre performance the previous year, quarterback Matt Cassel entered free agency. Tight end James Hanna re-signed with the Cowboys with a three-year contract worth $8.2 million on March 11. Running back Lance Dunbar re-signed to a one-year contract worth $1.7 million on March 17. After the window to receive offers from other teams while being a restricted free agent closed, guard Ronald Leary re-signed with the Cowboys for a one-year deal worth $2.5 million on April 28. Defense On the defensive side of the team the Cowboys were coming off a year where they only had 8 interceptions, and needed to make improvements with their defensive backs. Orlando Scandrick who was a starting cornerback for the team in 2013 and 2014, was still recovering from the ACL and MCL injury that happened during practice in 2015 causing him to miss the entire season.Polacek Scott Orlando Scandrick Injury: Updates on Cowboys CB's Recovery from Torn ACL https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2555283-orlando-scandrick-injury-updates-on-cowboys-cbs-knee-and-return Bleacher Report May 18, 2017 Cornerbacks Josh Thomas and Morris Claiborne both were unrestricted free agents and could potentially be signed by another team. Within the first two days after free agency started, they both were re-signed to the Cowboys, Claiborne for a one-year deal worth $3 million, and Thomas for a one-year contract. Defensive backs Nolan Carroll, Leon Hall and Patrick Robinson were brought in to meet with the Cowboys during free agency.Moore David Source: Cowboys closer to a deal with free-agent CB Patrick Robinson than they are RB Alfred Morris https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/21/source-cowboys-closer-deal-free-agent-cb-patrick-robinson-rb-alfred-morris Dallas News May 19, 2017 Safety Jeff Heath re-signed for a four-year contract worth $7.6 million on April 13.Archer Todd Cowboys value special teams in Jeff Heath's contract figures http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4750499/cowboys-value-special-teams-in-jeff-heaths-contract-figures ESPN May 22, 2017 In regards to their needs with the pass rush Sports Illustrated writer Chris Burke said that defensive end was the position that most needed to be improve for the Cowboys.Burke Chris Off-season Outlook: Dallas Cowboys https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/07/cowboys-offseason-free-agency-nfl-draft-needs Sports Illustrated May 18, 2017 Defensive end Randy Gregory had a suspension for the first four games of the season as a result of abusing the leagues substance abuse policy,Pelissero Tom Cowboys' LB Gregory suspended four games for violating substance abuse policy https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/02/19/dallas-cowboys-randy-gregory-suspended/80626992/ USA Today May 18, 2017 which would later be increased by ten games.Knoblauch Austin Randy Gregory suspended additional 10 games by NFL https://www.nfl.com/news/randy-gregory-suspended-additional-10-games-by-nfl-0ap3000000706032 NFL May 18, 2017 One of the Cowboys other defensive ends, DeMarcus Lawrence was recovering from back surgery spreading their defensive line even more thin. Defensive tackle Nick Hayden, defensive ends Greg Hardy, Jeremy Mincey and Jack Crawford, all were entering the free agency. Crawford was the only one to be re-signed and was given a one-year deal worth $1.1 million on March 9. Defensive end Jason Jones was brought in to visit the Cowboys on March 28.Williams Charean Cowboys hosting free agents Joe Looney and Jason Jones http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article68646027.html Fort Worth Star-Telegram May 19, 2017 Linebacker Kyle Wilber re-signed for a two-year contract worth $3.2 million on March 11. Departures Of the eighteen Cowboys players who were in the free agency, the Cowboys were able to re-sign ten of them for the 2016 season. From those ten, linebacker Rolando McClain was re-signed on March 9, but due to a suspension he received from the league for violating the NFL's drug policy he missed the entire season.Schefter Adam Cowboys LB Rolando McClain suspended another year http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18093318/dallas-cowboys-lb-rolando-mcclain-suspended-another-year ESPN May 20, 2017Machota Jon Rolando McClain suspended 10 games for violating NFL drug policy; DeMarcus Lawrence's 4-game penalty upheld https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/06/30/rolando-mcclain-reportedly-suspended-10-games-violating-nfl-substance-abuse-policy Dallas News May 20, 2017 Offensive tackle Charles Brown was re-signed on March 10,Phillips Rob Cowboys Re-sign Backup Tackle Brown; G/C Bernadeau Leaves For Jaguars http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/03/11/cowboys-add-offensive-tackle-depth-re-signing-backup-charles-brown Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017 but in July decided to retire and was placed on the reserved/retired list.Phillips Rob Veteran OT Charles Brown Announces Retirement; Cowboys Sign 2 Tackles http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/07/26/veteran-ot-charles-brown-announces-retirement-cowboys-sign-2-tackles Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017 From the eight that weren't re-signed, four of them signed with other teams. The first of these three was quarterback Matt Cassel, who left for the free agency after being benched in the previous season when he lost six of his seven games as a starter. He went on to be signed by the Tennessee Titans on March 9. The next player to sign with another team was guard Mackenzy Bernadeau who signed a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 11. Next up was running back Robert Turbin who signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts on March 15. The last player to sign with another team was defensive tackle Nick Hayden who signed with the Cleveland Browns in March,Ulrich Nate Journeyman Nick Hayden hopes to rock and roll with Browns as they search for answers on depleted defensive line http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/journeyman-nick-hayden-hopes-to-rock-and-roll-with-browns-as-they-search-for-answers-on-depleted-defensive-line-1.703840 Akron Beacon Journal May 20, 2017 but ended up being released in August and not playing during the season.Loreno Darcie Cleveland Browns cut Austin Davis, Nick Hayden, Paul Kruger http://fox8.com/2016/08/29/cleveland-browns-cut-austin-davis-nick-hayden-paul-kruger/ Fox 8 Cleveland May 20, 2017 Players that did not sign with the Cowboys or any other teams included defensive end Greg Hardy who was a free agent that had a lot of off the field issues. It was reported that Hardy not being re-signed was likely more due to fitting in with the Cowboys locker room rather than due to the off the field issues.Barnwell Bill Bill Barnwell Bill Barnwell's offseason report cards: NFC East http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15557871/bill-barnwell-offseason-report-cards-dallas-cowboys-new-york-giants-philadelphia-eagles-washington-redskins ESPN May 18, 2017 Defensive end Jeremy Mincey decided to retired in August.Sessler Marc Former Jaguars, Cowboys DL Jeremy Mincey retires https://www.nfl.com/news/former-jaguars-cowboys-dl-jeremy-mincey-retires-0ap3000000689473 NFL May 20, 2017 The last two free agents, 31-year-old fullback Tyler Clutts and 28-year-old safety Danny McCray both were not re-signed, speculated to be due to their age.Kairschner Shawn 2016 Cowboys Roster: Benefits of going young http://www.wfaa.com/sports/2016-cowboys-roster-benefits-of-going-young/99852854 WFAA 8 ABC May 22, 2017 August 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170811224602/http://www.wfaa.com/sports/2016-cowboys-roster-benefits-of-going-young/99852854 dead Acquisitions While most of the activity made by the Cowboys during free agency was re-signing their own players, they also made a few acquisitions of players from other teams to add to their roster.Monson Sam Cowboys earn C+ grade for relatively quiet offseason https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-offseason-grades-dallas-cowboys/ Pro Football Focus May 19, 2017 Defensive end Cedric Thornton was the first to be acquired, signing a four-year contract worth $18 million on March 10. Thorton comes from one of the Cowboys divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, and moved from defensive end to defensive tackle.George Brandon Dallas Cowboys sign former Eagles DL Cedric Thornton to 4-year, $18 million deal https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/10/reports-cowboys-sign-former-eagles-de-cedric-thornton-4-year-deal Dallas News May 19, 2017 At the time of his signing, he was believed to be the likely replacement for Hayden who was still in the free agency.Associated Press Cowboys sign former Eagles d-lineman Thornton to 4-year deal http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/14946181 ESPN May 19, 2017 Continuing to work on the improvement of their defensive line, the next acquisition for the Cowboys was defensive end Benson Mayowa from the Oakland Raiders, who signed a three-year contract on March 18 worth $8.5 million.Dixon Schuyler AP sources: Cowboys sign Raiders DE Mayowa to offer sheet http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-ap-sources-cowboys-sign-raiders-de-mayowa-to-2016mar18-story.html The San Diego Union-Tribune May 19, 2017 Mayowa was a restricted free agent, and the Raiders had five days to match the offer to retain him, but they declined to do so,Bair Scott Mayowa joins Cowboys as Raiders decline to match offer sheet http://www.csnbayarea.com/raiders/mayowa-joins-cowboys-raiders-decline-match-offer-sheet NBC Sports Bay Area May 19, 2017 allowing the Cowboys to improve their pass rush some more. The next free agent acquisition was from another divisional rival, when the Cowboys signed Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris.Jones Mike Alfred Morris staying in the NFC East, signs with rival Cowboys https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/03/22/alfred-morris-staying-in-the-nfc-east-signs-with-rival-cowboys/ The Washington Post May 19, 2017 Morris signed a contract on March 22 for 2 years and worth $3.5 million.Thomas Jeanna Alfred Morris signs with Cowboys https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/3/22/11141962/alfred-morris-signs-with-cowboys SB Nation May 19, 2017 Morris will be added into the running back rotation with starter Darren McFadden, who replaced Joseph Randle last year as the starter after Randle was injured and later cut for off the field issues.Greene Dan What Ever Happened to Joseph Randle https://www.si.com/longform/true-crime/joseph-randle-dallas-cowboys/ Sports Illustrated May 19, 2017 The final free agent acquisition the Cowboys made was offensive lineman Joe Looney from the Tennessee Titans, who was signed on March 29. He is a flexible player who can play both center and guard, similar to the role Bernadeau had.Helman David Cowboys Add Offensive Line Depth By Signing Veteran OG/C Joe Looney http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/03/29/cowboys-add-offensive-line-depth-signing-veteran-ogc-joe-looney Dallas Cowboys May 18, 2017 Looney's contract was for two years and worth $1.6 million.Williams Charean Cowboys' Joe Looney ready to do "whatever, whenever, wherever" as a backup center and swing guard http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article75070757.html Fort Worth Star-Telegram May 20, 2017 2016 NFL draft 2016 NFL draft thumb|Ezekiel Elliott interviewed in 2015|alt=Ezekiel Elliott picture while being questioned by reporters in 2015 when he played for Ohio State The Dallas Cowboys had nine draft picks for the 2016 NFL draft which was scheduled to take place from April 28 to 30 in Chicago, Illinois.Goodbread Chase NFL draft to return to Chicago in 2016 https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-draft-to-return-to-chicago-in-2016-0ap3000000508562 NFL May 26, 2017 The Cowboys originally had only five picks as a results of trades with the Raiders, 49ers and Seahawks, but were awarded four compensatory picks on March 11 as a result of the net loss of players in free agency before the 2015 season. One of the compensatory picks received was a fourth round draft pick, and the other three picks were all in the sixth round.Eatman Nick NFL Awards Four Compensatory Picks, Including Fourth-Rounder in 2016 http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/03/11/nfl-awards-four-compensatory-picks-including-fourth-rounder-2016 Dallas Cowboys May 26, 2017 October 27, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161027082426/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/03/11/nfl-awards-four-compensatory-picks-including-fourth-rounder-2016 dead After all the trades and the compensatory picks given, the Cowboys had one pick in each of the first three rounds, two picks in the fourth, zero in the fifth, four picks in the sixth round, and zero in the seventh. In January Neil Hornsby, the founder of Pro Football Focus, ranked the offseason needs for the Dallas Cowboys, and said the top needs for the draft were quarterback, cornerback, guard, and running back.Hornsby Neil Offseason To-Do List for the Dallas Cowboys https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-offseason-to-do-list-for-the-dallas-cowboys/ Pro Football Focus May 26, 2017 Leading up to the draft two of these needs, running back and guard, were addressed with the addition of Morris and Looney to the team during free agency. As the draft got closer on April 26, Bleacher Report also listed running back, quarterback and cornerback in their top five needs for the Cowboys in the draft, along with defensive end and safety.Owning John Dallas Cowboys: Full 2016 Draft Guide and Preview https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2635647-dallas-cowboys-full-2016-draft-guide-and-preview Bleacher Report May 26, 2017 The Dallas Cowboys (are my pick). I want to go play behind that great offensive line they have down in Dallas. —Ezekiel Elliott left 1 40% rightWith the fourth overall pick in the draft, the Cowboys used their first round selection to draft Ezekiel Elliott from Ohio State. Prior to the draft the Cowboys had met with Elliott on two separate occasions, once in Ohio, and a second time in Dallas.Rapp Timothy Ezekiel Elliott: Latest News, Rumors and Buzz Surrounding RB's Draft Stock https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2620959-ezekiel-elliott-latest-news-rumors-and-buzz-surrounding-rbs-draft-stock Bleacher Report May 26, 2017 Elliott averaged seven yards per carry during his three-year college career, and had over 1,800 yards in both of his final two years.Davis Nate NFL draft: First round pick-by-pick analysis https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2016/04/28/nfl-draft-first-round-tracker-pick-analysis/83638146/ USA Today May 26, 2017 In the 2015 season, Elliott was named unanimously to the first team of the All-Big Ten Conference,Yarina Brent View 2015 All-Big Ten Offensive Team & individual award winners http://btn.com/2015/12/01/view-2015-all-big-ten-offensive-team-individual-award-winners/ Big Ten Network May 26, 2017 and second on the 2015 College Football All-America Team.Associated Press https://archive.today/20170527013936/http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/ap-all-america-team-list-0 May 27, 2017 AP All-America Team, List http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/ap-all-america-team-list-0 Associated Press May 27, 2017 dead Along with being first team Big Ten, Elliott was also named the offensive player of the year and the MVP for the conference.Greenstein Teddy Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott wins Chicago Tribune Silver Football http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-ezekiel-elliott-tribune-silver-football-spt-1211-20151211-story.html Chicago Tribune May 26, 2017 In the 2014 season he and the Ohio State Buckeyes won the Big Ten Championship along with the College Football National Championship in which Elliott was named MVP.Brugler Dane Ohio State's Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott headline Big Ten's top NFL prospects http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/ohio-states-joey-bosa-ezekiel-elliott-headline-big-tens-top-nfl-prospects/ CBS Sports May 26, 2017 In early February during an interview on NFL Network when asked about which team he wanted to be picked by, Elliott responded with: "The Dallas Cowboys. I want to go play behind that great offensive line they have down in Dallas."Goodbread Chase Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott wants to be drafted by Cowboys https://www.nfl.com/news/ohio-state-rb-ezekiel-elliott-wants-to-be-drafted-by-cowboys-0ap3000000633026 NFL May 26, 2017 Elliott was expected to help the Cowboys in the running game as he would be behind what was considered by some to be the best offensive line in the NFL.Wilson Ryan Ezekiel Elliott: 'It would be an honor' to run behind Cowboys' O-line http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/ezekiel-elliott-it-would-be-an-honor-to-run-behind-cowboys-o-line/ CBS Sports May 26, 2017 Elliott's presence would also help with the passing game due to his blocking abilities and the fact that defenses would have to respect the backfield with him there, which would increase the effectiveness of play-action passes.Yousuf Saad Why selecting Ezekiel Elliott makes sense for Dallas Cowboys http://www.wfaa.com/sports/why-selecting-ezekiel-elliott-makes-sense-for-dallas-cowboys/160053942 WFAA 8 May 26, 2017 August 12, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170812064146/http://www.wfaa.com/sports/why-selecting-ezekiel-elliott-makes-sense-for-dallas-cowboys/160053942 dead Elliott became the third running back to be drafted by the Cowboys with a top-20 pick. The previous two picks, Tony Dorsett in 1977 and Emmitt Smith in 1990 ended up being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the latter also is the NFL's all-time leading rusher.Archer Todd 2016 Dallas Cowboys draft picks: Analysis for every selection http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4750733/2016-dallas-cowboys-draft-picks-analysis-for-every-selection ESPN May 26, 2017 In the second round of the draft, the Cowboys selected Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith with the 34th overall pick. Smith was named first team All-American in 2015, and led his team in tackles. Smith also won the Butkus Award, which is awarded to the best linebacker in the country at the high school, college, and professional levels. This was the second time Smith had won the award, the previous time in 2013 as a senior in high school.Skrbina Paul Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith named Butkus Award winner http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-jaylon-smith-wins-butkus-award-spt-1209-20151208-story.html Chicago Tribune May 26, 2017 In the Fiesta Bowl game versus Ohio State, Smith suffered a knee injury that later was determined to be a torn ACL and torn MCL.Cooper Sam Reports: Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith has torn ACL, MCL https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/reports--notre-dame-lb-jaylon-smith-has-torn-acl--mcl-181623104.html Yahoo Sports May 26, 2017 With the injury to his knee, it was expected for him to miss a significant amount of time, potentially the entire season. The Cowboys team doctor was the ones to perform the surgery to repair his knee before the draft, so it was believed they might have a bit more knowledge of the situation than other teams. With their third round and fourth-round picks, the Cowboys shifted their focus to the defensive line. In the third, with the 67th overall pick, the Cowboys selected Nebraska defensive tackle Maliek Collins.Eatman Nick Cowboys Bolster D-Line Interior; Draft Nebraska DT Maliek Collins in Third http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/04/29/cowboys-bolster-d-line-interior-draft-nebraska-dt-maliek-collins-third Dallas Cowboys May 26, 2017 In the fourth round with the 101st overall pick, the Cowboys selected Charles Tapper, a defensive end out of Oklahoma. In 2015 Collins was named to the second team All-Big Ten Conference, and Tapper was first team All-Big 12 Conference.Yarina Brent View 2015 All-Big Ten Defensive Team & individual award winners http://btn.com/2015/11/30/view-2015-all-big-ten-defensive-team-individual-award-winners/ Big Ten Network May 26, 2017Associated Press 2015 Associated Press All-Big 12 team https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2015/12/16/2015-associated-press-all-big-12-team/77428608/# USA Today May 26, 2017 thumb|left|Dak Prescott in 2015|alt=Dak Prescott in Mississippi State uniform during game in 2015After selecting Elliott early in the first, the Cowboys attempted to trade with multiple teams for another first round selection to draft quarterback Paxton Lynch.Brinson Will Here's how the Cowboys lost out on Paxton Lynch as their future QB http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/heres-how-the-cowboys-lost-out-on-paxton-lynch-as-their-future-qb/ CBS Sports May 18, 2017 They were unsuccessful in finding a trade and it wasn't until their second fourth-round pick that they decided on a quarterback with Mississippi State's Dak Prescott being selected 135th overall. Prescott was selected with one of the compensatory picks the Cowboys received for the draft.Schefter Adam Adam Schefter How Dallas almost missed on Dak ... over and over http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17905537/how-dallas-cowboys-almost-missed-qb-dak-prescott-2016-nfl ESPN May 26, 2017 This marks the first time since 2009 the Cowboys have drafted a quarterback. While Prescott was the starter for Mississippi State, he broke 38 school records and lead them to a #1 ranking in 2014 for the first time in the school's history.Aschoff Edward Life without Dak Prescott for Mississippi State and 10 more irreplaceable players https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/life-dak-prescott-mississippi-state-10-irreplaceable-players/story?id=37690121 ABC News via ESPN May 26, 2016 Prescott was named to first team of both the 2014 and 2015 All-SEC football teams. Prescott was quickly compared to Tony Romo, being similar in size and being able to make plays with their feet. Prescott's athletic talents contributed greatly to the Cowboys picking him, but team official also noted his locker room presence and leadership abilities as influencing the decision as well.Helman David Determining Roles & Potential Roster Spots For The Late-Round Draft Picks http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/05/03/determing-roles-potential-roster-spots-late-round-draft-picks Dallas Cowboys May 27, 2017 Prescott will enter training camp and try to compete with Kellen Moore for the backup quarterback role for the season, and then work towards become a starter, a task he accomplished both in high school and college.Lang III Roy Dak Prescott no stranger to emerging from backup role http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2016/05/09/dak-prescott-stranger-emerging-backup-role/84128698/ The Shreveport Times May 27, 2017 The Cowboys looked forward to developing Prescott over the years and were confident he was a worthwhile talent. When asked about not being the Cowboys first choice to draft, in regards to the attempt to trade up for Lynch, Dak responded with: “I'm sure at Mississippi State I wasn't the first one on the recruit board when I committed there. Everything works out and happens for a reason." With no picks in the fifth or seventh round, the Cowboys finished their draft in the sixth round where they had four picks. Their first two picks were two defensive backs, Anthony Brown a cornerback from Purdue, selected 189th overall, and Kavon Frazier a safety from Central Michigan, selected 212th overall. Brown showed off his impressive speed at the NFL combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, the second fastest time of all cornerbacks attending. Brown was an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Conference team, while Frazier was named second team All-MAC Conference.MAC-Sports MAC Announces 2015 All-MAC Football Teams and Post Season Awards http://mac-sports.com/news/2015/12/1/FB_1201152551.aspx Mid-American Conference May 27, 2017 The Cowboys switched their focus back to the offense with their next two picks and selected back to back with the 216th and 217th overall picks. First was Darius Jackson a running back from Eastern Michigan, then followed up with Rico Gathers a basketball player out of Baylor with intentions to play tight end. Jackson was third team All-Mac Conference, and was expected to use his ability to catch the ball from the backfield to fill the void that would be left at start of season while Lance Dunbar was out after a knee surgery. Gathers hadn't played football since he was 13 years old,Triplett Mike Baylor hoops standout Rico Gathers is serious about becoming an NFL tight end http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2016/story/_/id/15282267/2016-nfl-draft-baylor-basketball-rico-gathers-serious-becoming-nfl-tight-end ESPN May 27, 2017 but was an honorable mention AP All-American college basketball athlete.Associated Press Frank Kaminsky, Jahlil Okafor lead AP All-America team; Perry Ellis, Ron Baker, Fred VanVleet earn honorable mention http://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=ncb&id=12587016 ESPN May 27, 2017 2016 Dallas Cowboys 1 4 Ezekiel Elliott RB Ohio State yes yes 2 34 Jaylon Smith OLB Notre Dame yes yes 3 67 Maliek Collins DT Nebraska yes 4 101 Charles Tapper DE Oklahoma yes 4 135 Dak Prescott QB Mississippi State Compensatory yes yes 6 189 Anthony Brown CB Purdue From Oakland yes 6 212 Kavon Frazier S Central Michigan Compensatory yes 6 216 Darius Jackson RB Eastern Michigan Compensatory yes 6 217 Rico Gathers TE Baylor Compensatory Notes The Cowboys conditionally traded their fifth-round selection to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Brice Butler and the Raiders' 2016 sixth-round selection. The pick swap occurred after Butler spent six games on the Cowboys' 53-man roster in 2015.Machota Jon Cowboys trade for Raiders' Brice Butler to add WR depth https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboysheadlines/2015/09/15/cowboys-trade-raiders-wr-brice-butler Dallas News May 18, 2017 The Cowboys traded a sixth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 49ers' 2015 seventh-round selection.Gantt Darin Cowboys deal for Matt Cassel similar to one Bills made in March http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/23/cowboys-deal-for-matt-cassel-similar-to-one-bills-made-in-march/ NBC Sports May 18, 2017 The Cowboys traded their seventh-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for running back Christine Michael.Condotta Bob Seahawks trade running back Christine Michael to Dallas http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/report-seahawks-trade-christine-michael-to-dallas/ Seattle Times May 18, 2017 Undrafted free agents Name Position College Jake Brendel Center UCLA Arjen Colquhoun Defensive back Michigan State Rodney Coe Defensive tackle Akron Shaneil Jenkins Defensive end Shepherd (WV) Andy Jones Wide receiver Jacksonville Deon King Linebacker Norfolk State Jeremiah McKinnon Cornerback FIU Mike McQueen Tackle Ohio Rolan Milligan Safety Toledo Austin Traylor Tight end Wisconsin Zach Wood Defensive line SMU Staff 2016 Dallas Cowboys Owner/president/general manager – Jerry Jones COO/executive vice president/director of player personnel – Stephen Jones Senior director of football operations/football administration – Todd Williams Senior director college/pro personnel – Will McClay Senior personnel executive – Tom Ciskowski Director of college scouting – Lionel Vital Director of pro scouting – Judd Garrett Assistant director of college scouting – Chris Hall Director of football research – Tom Robinson Head coach – Jason Garrett Offensive coordinator – Scott Linehan Quarterbacks – Wade Wilson Running backs – Gary Brown Wide receivers – Derek Dooley Assistant wide receivers – Kyle Valero Tight ends – Mike Pope Offensive line – Frank Pollack Assistant offensive line – Marc Colombo Senior offensive assistant – Steve Loney Defensive coordinator – Rod Marinelli Defensive tackle – Leon Lett Defensive ends – Ben Bloom Linebackers/pass game coordinator – Matt Eberflus Secondary – Joe Baker Safeties – Greg Jackson Defensive assistant – Turner West Special teams coordinator – Rich Bisaccia Assistant special teams – Keith O'Quinn Strength and conditioning – Mike Woicik Assistant strength and conditioning – Brett Bech Assistant strength and conditioning – Kendall Smith Rosters Opening preseason roster Dallas Cowboys 2016 opening preseason roster Quarterbacks 17 Kellen Moore  4 Dak Prescott  9 Tony Romo  7 Jameill Showers Running backs 21 Ezekiel Elliott 34 Darius Jackson 46 Alfred Morris 41 Keith Smith FB/OLB 45 Rod Smith FB/RB Wide receivers 11 Cole Beasley 10 Chris Brown 88 Dez Bryant 19 Brice Butler 81 Andy Jones 16 Vince Mayle 14 Rodney Smith 15 Devin Street 13 Lucky Whitehead 83 Terrance Williams Tight ends 89 Gavin Escobar 80 Rico Gathers 87 Geoff Swaim 86 Austin Traylor 82 Jason Witten Offensive linemen 78 Cameron Bradfield T 60 Jake Brendel G/C 71 La'el Collins G 72 Travis Frederick C 68 Doug Free T 79 Chaz Green T 65 Ronald Leary G 73 Joe Looney C/G 61 Ryan Mack T 70 Zack Martin G 74 Mike McQueen G/T 62 Jared Smith G 77 Tyron Smith T 63 Boston Stiverson G 76 Bryan Witzmann T Defensive linemen 67 Rodney Coe DT 58 Jack Crawford DT/DE 98 Tyrone Crawford DT 75 Gerald Dixon DT 95 David Irving DE/DT 69 Shaneil Jenkins DT/DE 90 DeMarcus Lawrence DE 66 Mike McAdoo DE 97 Terrell McClain DT 74 Lawrence Okoye DE/DT 99 Ryan Russell DE 79 Charles Tapper DE 92 Cedric Thornton DT 64 Zach Wood DT/DELinebackers 44 Derek Akunne OLB 56 Justin Durant OLB/MLB 52 Andrew Gachkar OLB/MLB 48 Brandon Hepburn MLB 59 Anthony Hitchens MLB/OLB 47 Deon King OLB 50 Sean Lee OLB 40 James Morris MLB 49 Henoc Muamba OLB 53 Mark Nzeocha MLB/OLB 51 Kyle Wilber OLB Defensive backs 30 Anthony Brown CB 39 Brandon Carr CB 42 Barry Church SS 24 Morris Claiborne CB 36 Arjen Colquhoun CB 35 Kavon Frazier SS/FS 23 Isaiah Frey FS/CB 38 Jeff Heath FS/SS 31 Byron Jones FS 37 Jeremiah McKinnon CB 29 Deji Olatoye CB 32 Orlando Scandrick CB 28 Dax Swanson CB 26 Josh Thomas CB 27 J. J. Wilcox SS/FS Special teams  5 Dan Bailey K  6 Chris Jones P 91 L. P. Ladouceur LS  2 Matt Wile P Reserve lists -- Darryl Baldwin T (IR) 10px 96 Maliek Collins DT (Active/PUP) 10px 25 Lance Dunbar RB (Active/PUP) 10px 94 Randy Gregory DE (Did Not Report) 84 James Hanna TE (Active/PUP) 10px 93 Benson Mayowa DE (Active/PUP) 10px 55 Rolando McClain MLB (Did Not Report) 20 Darren McFadden RB (Active/NF-Inj.) 10px 43 Rolan Milligan FS (IR) 10px 54 Jaylon Smith MLB (Active/NF-Inj.) 10px 57 Damien Wilson OLB/MLB (Active/NF-Inj.) 10px 90 active, 4 inactive Week one roster Dallas Cowboys 2016 week one roster Quarterbacks  4 Dak Prescott  9 Tony Romo  3 Mark Sanchez Running backs 25 Lance Dunbar 21 Ezekiel Elliott 34 Darius Jackson 46 Alfred Morris 41 Keith Smith FB/OLB 45 Rod Smith FB/RB Wide receivers 11 Cole Beasley 88 Dez Bryant 19 Brice Butler 13 Lucky Whitehead 83 Terrance Williams Tight ends 89 Gavin Escobar 87 Geoff Swaim 82 Jason Witten Offensive linemen 71 La'el Collins G 72 Travis Frederick C 68 Doug Free T 79 Chaz Green T 65 Ronald Leary G 73 Joe Looney C/G 70 Zack Martin G 77 Tyron Smith T Defensive linemen 96 Maliek Collins DT 58 Jack Crawford DT/DE 98 Tyrone Crawford DT 95 David Irving DE/DT 93 Benson Mayowa DE 97 Terrell McClain DT 99 Charles Tapper DE 92 Cedric Thornton DTLinebackers 56 Justin Durant OLB/MLB 52 Andrew Gachkar OLB/MLB 59 Anthony Hitchens MLB/OLB 50 Sean Lee OLB 53 Mark Nzeocha MLB/OLB 51 Kyle Wilber OLB/DE 57 Damien Wilson OLB Defensive backs 30 Anthony Brown CB 39 Brandon Carr CB 42 Barry Church SS 24 Morris Claiborne CB 35 Kavon Frazier SS/FS 38 Jeff Heath FS/SS 31 Byron Jones FS 32 Orlando Scandrick CB 23 Dax Swanson CB 27 J. J. Wilcox SS/FS Special teams  5 Dan Bailey K  6 Chris Jones P 91 L. P. Ladouceur LS Reserve lists -- Darryl Baldwin T (IR) 10px 10 Chris Brown WR (IR) 10px 94 Randy Gregory DE (Did Not Report) 84 James Hanna TE (PUP) 10px 90 DeMarcus Lawrence DE (Susp.) 66 Mike McAdoo DE (IR) 10px 55 Rolando McClain MLB (Did Not Report) 20 Darren McFadden RB (NF-Inj.) 10px 17 Kellen Moore QB (IR) 10px -- James Morris MLB (IR) 10px 54 Jaylon Smith MLB (NF-Inj.) 10px 26 Josh Thomas CB (IR) 10px Practice squad 60 Jake Brendel C/G 80 Rico Gathers TE 48 Jeremiah George OLB 81 Andy Jones WR 16 Vince Mayle WR 40 Chris McCain DE/OLB 78 Keavon Milton T 76 Zach Moore DE  7 Jameill Showers QB 86 Austin Traylor TE 53 active, 12 inactive, 10 practice squad Final roster Dallas Cowboys 2016 final roster Quarterbacks  4 Dak Prescott  9 Tony Romo  3 Mark Sanchez Running backs 25 Lance Dunbar 21 Ezekiel Elliott 20 Darren McFadden 46 Alfred Morris 41 Keith Smith FB Wide receivers 11 Cole Beasley 88 Dez Bryant 19 Brice Butler 13 Lucky Whitehead 83 Terrance Williams Tight ends 89 Gavin Escobar 82 Jason Witten Offensive linemen 63 Emmett Cleary T 72 Travis Frederick C 68 Doug Free T 65 Ronald Leary G 73 Joe Looney G 70 Zack Martin G 62 Ryan Seymour G 77 Tyron Smith T Defensive linemen 76 Richard Ash DT 96 Maliek Collins DT 58 Jack Crawford DE 98 Tyrone Crawford DE/DT 94 Randy Gregory DE 95 David Irving DT/DE 90 DeMarcus Lawrence DE 93 Benson Mayowa DE 97 Terrell McClain DT 92 Cedric Thornton DTLinebackers 56 Justin Durant OLB 52 Andrew Gachkar OLB 59 Anthony Hitchens MLB 50 Sean Lee OLB 53 Mark Nzeocha MLB 51 Kyle Wilber OLB 57 Damien Wilson OLB Defensive backs 30 Anthony Brown CB 39 Brandon Carr CB 42 Barry Church SS 24 Morris Claiborne CB 35 Kavon Frazier SS 38 Jeff Heath FS 31 Byron Jones FS 23 Leon McFadden CB 32 Orlando Scandrick CB 27 J. J. Wilcox SS Special teams  5 Dan Bailey K  6 Chris Jones P 91 L. P. Ladouceur LS Reserve lists 72 Darryl Baldwin T (IR) 10px 10 Chris Brown WR (IR) 10px 71 La'el Collins G (IR) 10px 75 Ryan Davis DE (IR) 10px 79 Chaz Green T (IR) 10px 84 James Hanna TE (PUP) 10px 17 Kellen Moore QB (IR) 10px 40 James Morris MLB (IR) 10px 54 Jaylon Smith MLB (IR) 10px 87 Geoff Swaim TE (IR) 10px 99 Charles Tapper DE (IR) 10px 26 Josh Thomas CB (NF-Inj.) 10px Practice squad 67 Clay DeBord T 78 Kadeem Edwards G 80 Rico Gathers TE 48 Jeremiah George OLB 66 Shelby Harris DT 81 Andy Jones WR 29 Sammy Seamster CB 28 Jameill Showers SS 45 Rod Smith FB 53 active, 12 inactive, 9 practice squad Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap 1 August 13 at Los Angeles Rams L 24–28 0–1 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Recap 2 August 19 Miami Dolphins W 41–14 1–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 3 August 25 at Seattle Seahawks L 17–27 1–2 CenturyLink Field Recap 4 September 1 Houston Texans L 17–28 1–3 AT&T Stadium Recap Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap 1 September 11 New York Giants L 19–20 0–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 2 September 18 at Washington Redskins W 27–23 1–1 FedExField Recap 3 September 25 Chicago Bears W 31–17 2–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 4 October 2 at San Francisco 49ers W 24–17 3–1 Levi's Stadium Recap 5 October 9 Cincinnati Bengals W 28–14 4–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 6 October 16 at Green Bay Packers W 30–16 5–1 Lambeau Field Recap 7 Bye 8 October 30 Philadelphia Eagles W 29–23 (OT) 6–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 9 November 6 at Cleveland Browns W 35–10 7–1 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap 10 November 13 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 35–30 8–1 Heinz Field Recap 11 November 20 Baltimore Ravens W 27–17 9–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 12 November 24 Washington Redskins W 31–26 10–1 AT&T Stadium Recap 13 December 1 Thursday at Minnesota Vikings W 17–15 11–1 U.S. Bank Stadium Recap 14 December 11 at New York Giants L 7–10 11–2 MetLife Stadium Recap 15 December 18 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 26–20 12–2 AT&T Stadium Recap 16 December 26 Monday Detroit Lions W 42–21 13–2 AT&T Stadium Recap 17 January 1 at Philadelphia Eagles L 13–27 13–3 Lincoln Financial Field Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: vs. New York Giants Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary September 11 3:25 p.m. CDT Giants 0 13 0 7 Cowboys 3 6 7 3 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 92,867 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Ronald Torbert Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 23-yard field goal, 6:35. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 8:25. Second quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 56-yard field goal, 11:09. Cowboys 6–0. Drive: 15 plays, 52 yards, 7:58. NYG – Larry Donnell 15-yard pass from Eli Manning (Randy Bullock kick), 9:36. Giants 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:33. DAL – Dan Bailey 25-yard field goal, 4:02. Cowboys 9–7. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:34. NYG – Sterling Shepard 9-yard pass from Eli Manning (kick failed, wide left), 0:07. Giants 13–9. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 3:55. Third quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 8-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:47. Cowboys 16–13. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:27. Fourth quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 54-yard field goal, 13:59. Cowboys 19–13. Drive: 11 plays, 39 yards, 5:01. NYG – Victor Cruz 3-yard pass from Eli Manning (Randy Bullock kick), 6:13. Giants 20–19. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:59. Top passers NYG – Eli Manning – 19/28, 207 yards, 3 TD, INT DAL – Dak Prescott – 25/45, 227 yards Top rushers NYG – Rashad Jennings – 18 carries, 75 yards DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 20 carries, 51 yards, TD Top receivers NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. – 4 receptions, 73 yards DAL – Jason Witten – 9 receptions, 66 yards The Cowboys fell short trying to win their home opener against the Giants in a hard-fought game. They dropped to 0–1 and lost to the Giants at AT&T Stadium for the first time since 2012. Ezekiel Elliott struggled to find holes all game, but managed to record his first NFL touchdown. The Dallas defense failed to contain the Giants' rushing attack. The game also saw the return of Victor Cruz, who caught the game-clinching touchdown pass from Eli Manning. Dallas' final play, a 14-yard catch-and-run by Terrance Williams, put them in field goal range, but he stayed inbounds and time expired. Week 2: at Washington Redskins Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – Game summary September 18 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 pm. CDT Cowboys 10 3 7 7 Redskins 0 10 13 0 FedExField, Landover, Maryland 80,612 81 F C, sunny Bill Vinovich Fox Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 22-yard field goal, 9:25. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:35. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 1:39. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 5:13. Second quarter WAS – Matt Jones 14-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 13:08. Cowboys 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:31. DAL – Dan Bailey 31-yard field goal, 4:34. Cowboys 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:31. WAS – Dustin Hopkins 36-yard field goal, 0:26. Cowboys 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 4:08. Third quarter WAS – Jamison Crowder 11-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 11:16. Redskins 17–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:44. DAL – Dak Prescott 6-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 5:41. Cowboys 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:35. WAS – Dustin Hopkins 29-yard field goal, 2:06. Tied 20–20. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 3:35. WAS – Dustin Hopkins 22-yard field goal, 0:04. Redskins 23–20. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 1:35. Fourth quarter DAL – Alfred Morris 4-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 4:45. Cowboys 27–23. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:50. Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 22/30, 292 yards WAS – Kirk Cousins – 28/46, 364 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 21 rushes, 83 yards, TD WAS – Matt Jones – 13 rushes, 61 yards, TD Top receivers DAL – Dez Bryant – 7 receptions, 102 yards WAS – Jordan Reed – 5 receptions, 70 yards Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott was impressive in his second NFL start, rushing for a touchdown and playing mistake-free football as Dallas evened its record at 1–1 with a win over its long-time rival. Barry Church's interception of Kirk Cousins in the end zone late in the fourth quarter sealed the game. Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary September 25 7:30 pm. CDT Bears 0 3 7 7 Cowboys 10 14 0 7 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 90,554 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Craig Wrolstad NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Dak Prescott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 9:30. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:30. DAL – Dan Bailey 49-yard field goal, 1:54. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:59. Second quarter DAL – Lance Dunbar 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 11:11. Cowboys 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:09. CHI – Connor Barth 34-yard field goal, 7:47. Cowboys 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:24. DAL – Alfred Morris 3-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 0:38. Cowboys 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yard, 7:09. Third quarter CHI – Zach Miller 2-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Connor Barth kick), 7:08. Cowboys 24–10. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 4:54. Fourth quarter DAL – Dez Bryant 17-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 9:02. Cowboys 31–10. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 6:35. CHI – Zach Miller 6-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Connor Barth kick), 6:28. Cowboys 31–17. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:34. Top passers CHI – Brian Hoyer – 30/49, 317 yards, 2 TD DAL – Dak Prescott – 19/24, 248 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Jordan Howard – 9 rushes, 45 yards DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 30 rushes, 140 yards Top receivers CHI – Zach Miller – 8 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TD DAL – Cole Beasley – 7 receptions, 73 yards Dallas won its first home game in over a year as it dispatched of the Bears, who were without normal starting quarterback Jay Cutler and instead started Brian Hoyer. Ezekiel Elliott ran for 140 yards on 30 carries in just his third NFL game and Dak Prescott threw his first NFL touchdown pass to Dez Bryant. Week 4: at San Francisco 49ers Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary October 2 3:25 pm. CDT/1:25 p.m. PDT Cowboys 0 14 7 3 49ers 7 7 3 0 Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California 70,178 68 F C, cloudy Terry McAulay Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Gamebook First quarter SF – Jeremy Kerley 33-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert (Phil Dawson kick), 6:41. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 3:39. Second quarter SF – Carlos Hyde 3-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 13:55. 49ers 14–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:03. DAL – Terrance Williams 20-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 2:58. 49ers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:54. DAL – Brice Butler 4-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 0:12. Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 1:38. Third quarter SF – Phil Dawson 36-yard field goal, 12:18. 49ers 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:42. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 1:08. Cowboys 21–17. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:49. Fourth quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 22-yard field goal, 4:11. Cowboys 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 6:27. Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 23/32, 245 yards, 2 TD SF – Blaine Gabbert – 16/23, 196 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 23 rushes, 138 yards, TD SF – Carlos Hyde – 15 rushes, 74 yards, TD Top receivers DAL – Cole Beasley – 3 receptions, 66 yards SF – Jeremy Kerley – 6 receptions, 88 yards, TD The Cowboys rallied from an early 14-point hole to win over the 49ers on the road, winning their third straight game in the process. Ezekiel Elliott went over the century mark again, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown. Week 5: vs. Cincinnati Bengals Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary October 9 3:25 pm. CDT Bengals 0 0 0 14 Cowboys 7 14 7 0 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 91,653 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Tony Corrente CBS Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 13-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 11:09. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:51. Second quarter DAL – Dak Prescott 5-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 14:43. Cowboys 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 89 yards, 6:33. DAL – Cole Beasley 14-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 4:09. Cowboys 21–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:38. Third quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 60-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 11:38. Cowboys 28–0. Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:09. Fourth quarter CIN – Brandon LaFell 7-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 10:10. Cowboys 28–7. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:13. CIN – Brandon LaFell 5-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 2:39. Cowboys 28–14. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 5:03. Top passers CIN – Andy Dalton – 29/41, 269 yards, 2 TD DAL – Dak Prescott – 18/24, 227 yards, TD Top rushers CIN – Giovani Bernard – 9 rushes, 50 yards DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 15 rushes, 134 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CIN – Brandon LaFell – 8 receptions, 68 yards, 2 TD DAL – Terrance Williams – 5 receptions, 70 yards Dak Prescott extended his consecutive passes to begin a career without an interception streak to 155, trailing only Tom Brady all-time. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 134 yards on only 15 carries, including a 60-yard touchdown run. The win put Dallas a half-game ahead of the Eagles for first place in the NFC East. Week 6: at Green Bay Packers Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – Game summary October 16 3:25 pm. CDT Cowboys 7 10 3 10 Packers 3 3 0 10 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 78,481 69 F C, clear Brad Allen Fox Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Cole Beasley 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 10:08. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:57. GB – Mason Crosby 37-yard field goal, 5:14. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:52. Second quarter GB – Mason Crosby 43-yard field goal, 12:19. Cowboys 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:08. DAL – Dan Bailey 44-yard field goal, 6:05. Cowboys 10–6. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 6:15. DAL – Brice Butler 20-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 0:31. Cowboys 17–6. Drive: 5 plays, 97 yards, 0:33. Third quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 22-yard field goal, 7:02. Cowboys 20–6. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:05. Fourth quarter GB – Mason Crosby 34-yard field goal, 14:51. Cowboys 20–9. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:32. DAL – Cole Beasley 4-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 10:31. Cowboys 27–9. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:22. GB – Randall Cobb 4-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 6:57. Cowboys 27–16. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:33. DAL – Dan Bailey 32-yard field goal, 3:45. Cowboys 30–16. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:12. Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 18/27, 247 yards, 3 TD, INT GB – Aaron Rodgers – 31/42, 294 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 28 rushes, 157 yards GB – Eddie Lacy – 17 rushes, 65 yards Top receivers DAL – Terrance Williams – 4 rec, 75 yards GB – Ty Montgomery – 10 rec, 98 yards It was the third straight year that the Cowboys traveled to Lambeau Field to face the Packers. Despite Dak Prescott being picked off for the first time this season, he still managed 247 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also passed Tom Brady's all-time record of consecutive pass attempts to start a career without an interception. Ezekiel Elliott pounded the Green Bay Packers number one ranked run defense with 157 yards on 28 carries. The Dallas defense dominated the Packers, forcing four Green Bay turnovers. It was the first time since 2008, and second time in franchise history that the Cowboys had won at Lambeau Field. With the 30–16 victory, the Cowboys went 5–1 heading into the bye week. Week 8: vs. Philadelphia Eagles Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary October 30 8:30 pm. CDT/7:30 pm. CDT Eagles 3 10 7 3 0 Cowboys 7 3 3 10 6 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 93,103 84 F C, clear skies – retractable roof open Jerome Boger NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Recap, Gamebook First quarter PHI – Caleb Sturgis 30-yard field goal, 6:39. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 5:11. DAL – Dak Prescott 7-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 4:41. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:58. Second quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 38-yard field goal, 14:50. Cowboys 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:20. PHI – Ryan Mathews 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 3:45. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 5:05. PHI – Caleb Sturgis 55-yard field goal, 0:00. Eagles 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 1:26. Third quarter PHI – Jordan Matthews 5-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:20. Eagles 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 4:10. DAL – Dan Bailey 23-yard field goal, 0:56. Eagles 20–13. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:24. Fourth quarter PHI – Caleb Sturgis 34-yard field goal, 14:09. Eagles 23–13. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 1:47. DAL – Dan Bailey 49-yard field goal, 11:34. Eagles 23–16. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:24. DAL – Dez Bryant 22-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 3:04. Tied 23–23. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 3:22. Overtime DAL – Jason Witten 5-yard pass from Dak Prescott, 7:48. Cowboys 29–23. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:12. Top passers PHI – Carson Wentz – 32/43, 202 yards, TD DAL – Dak Prescott – 19/39, 287 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers PHI – Darren Sproles – 15 rushes, 86 yards DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 22 rushes, 96 yards Top receivers PHI – Jordan Matthews – 11 receptions, 65 yards, TD DAL – Dez Bryant – 4 receptions, 113 yards, TD Hoping to continue their winning streak, the Cowboys hosted the Philadelphia Eagles in a primetime matchup duel between Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz. Jason Witten's touchdown in overtime sealed the victory for the Cowboys, who went 6–1; this was the Cowboys' first victory against the Eagles at AT&T Stadium since 2012. Week 9: at Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns – Game summary November 6 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 pm. CST Cowboys 7 14 14 0 Browns 3 7 0 0 FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 67,431 58 F C, clear Jeff Triplette Fox Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman and Peter Schrager Recap, Gamebook First quarter CLE – Cody Parkey 31-yard field goal, 12:40. Browns 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:20. DAL – Jason Witten 26-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 6:47. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:53. Second quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 10-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:02. Cowboys 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:48. DAL – Cole Beasley 6-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 1:50. Cowboys 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:39. CLE – Terrelle Pryor 12-yard pass from Cody Kessler (Cody Parkey kick), 0:23. Cowboys 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 1:27. Third quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 8-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 11:30. Cowboys 28–10. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:30. DAL – Gavin Escobar 2-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 1:41. Cowboys 35–10. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 5:30. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 21/27, 247 yards, 3 TD CLE – Cody Kessler – 19/27, 203 yards, TD Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 18 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TD CLE – Duke Johnson – 5 rushes, 30 yards Top receivers DAL – Jason Witten – 8 receptions, 134 yards, TD CLE – Isaiah Crowell – 4 receptions, 63 yards The winless Browns had no answer for Dak Prescott who threw three touchdown passes in a 35–10 win and improving the Cowboys to 7–1 for the first time since 2007. Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary November 13 4:25 pm. EST/3:25 pm. CST Cowboys 10 3 10 12 Steelers 12 3 3 12 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 67,737 56 F C, clear Clete Blakeman Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Gamebook First quarter PIT – Le'Veon Bell 2-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (pass failed), 9:54. Steelers 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:51. DAL – Dan Bailey 37-yard field goal, 5:17. Steelers 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:37. PIT – Eli Rogers 3-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (pass failed), 1:13. Steelers 12–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:04. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 83-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 0:12. Steelers 12–10. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 1:01. Second quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 53-yard field goal, 11:04. Cowboys 13–12. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 3:24. PIT – Chris Boswell 39-yard field goal, 4:43. Steelers 15–13. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 6:21. Third quarter PIT – Chris Boswell 25-yard field goal, 13:10. Steelers 18–13. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 1:50. DAL – Dan Bailey 46-yard field goal, 5:35. Steelers 18–16. Drive: 14 plays, 46 yards, 7:35. DAL – Dez Bryant 50-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 1:35. Cowboys 23–18. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 1:48. Fourth quarter PIT – Le'Veon Bell 1-yard run (pass failed), 7:51. Steelers 24–23. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:05. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 14-yard run (pass failed), 1:55. Cowboys 29–24. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:56. PIT – Antonio Brown 15-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (pass failed), 0:42. Steelers 30–29. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:13. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 32-yard run (pass failed), 0:09. Cowboys 35–30. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 0:33. Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 22/32, 319 yards, 2 TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 37/46, 408 yards, 3 TD Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 21 rushes, 114 yards, 2 TD PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 17 rushes, 57 yards, TD Top receivers DAL – Dez Bryant – 6 receptions, 116 yards, TD PIT – Antonio Brown – 14 receptions, 154 yards, TD A classic rivalry since the 1970s, the Cowboys traveled to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, who were coming off a three-game losing streak (including a loss to the Baltimore Ravens the previous week). With the win, the Cowboys extended their winning streak to eight games for the first time since 1977. Ezekiel Elliott reached 1,000 yards in this game and rushed for the game-winning touchdown in the space of 30 seconds. The Cowboys also clinched a non-losing season as they had the best win–loss record in the NFL. Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary November 20 12:00 pm. CST Ravens 7 3 0 7 Cowboys 0 10 7 10 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 93,056 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) John Parry CBS Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn Recap, Gamebook First quarter BAL – Terrance West 18-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 5:28. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 90 yards, 3:09. Second quarter DAL – Cole Beasley 3-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 5:55. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 3:36. BAL – Justin Tucker 46-yard field goal, 1:37. Ravens 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:18. DAL – Dan Bailey 30-yard field goal, 0:04. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 1:33. Third quarter DAL – Dez Bryant 4-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 7:31. Cowboys 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 5:49. Fourth quarter DAL – Dez Bryant 13-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 11:30. Cowboys 24–10. Drive: 13 plays, 88 yards, 7:54. BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 5-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 8:16. Cowboys 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:14. DAL – Dan Bailey 21-yard field goal, 1:50. Cowboys 27–17. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:26. Top passers BAL – Joe Flacco – 23/35, 269 yards, TD DAL – Dak Prescott – 27/36, 301 yards, 3 TD Top rushers BAL – Terrance West – 8 rushes, 42 yards, TD DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 25 rushes, 97 yards Top receivers BAL – Steve Smith Sr. – 8 receptions, 99 yards, TD DAL – Dez Bryant – 6 receptions, 80 yards, 2 TD The Cowboys returned home to take on the Baltimore Ravens. Ezekiel Elliott surpassed Tony Dorsett's record of 1,007 rushing yards as a rookie. With the win, the Cowboys extended their winning streak to nine games for the first time in the team's franchise history. The win also saw the Cowboys beat the Ravens for the very first time. Week 12: vs. Washington Redskins Thanksgiving Day game Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary November 24 Thursday 3:30 pm. CST Redskins 0 6 0 20 Cowboys 7 10 0 14 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 93,099 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Craig Wrolstad Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Chris Myers and Erin Andrews Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 4-yard run(Dan Bailey kick), 11:09. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:51. Second quarter WAS – Dustin Hopkins 24-yard field goal, 14:04. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:10. DAL – Dan Bailey 46-yard field goal, 7:57. Cowboys 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:07. DAL – Terrance Williams 10-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 1:45. Cowboys 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:06. WAS – Dustin Hopkins 20-yard field goal, 0:03. Cowboys 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 1:43. Third quarter None Fourth quarter WAS – Jordan Reed 5-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (pass failed), 14:54. Cowboys 17–12. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 7:55. DAL – Dak Prescott 6-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 10:49. Cowboys 24–12. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:05. WAS – DeSean Jackson 67-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 9:22. Cowboys 24–19. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:27. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 6:29. Cowboys 31–19. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 2:53. WAS – Jordan Reed 8-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 1:53. Cowboys 31–26. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 4:36. Top passers WAS – Kirk Cousins – 41/53, 449 yards, 3 TD DAL – Dak Prescott – 17/24, 195 yards, TD Top rushers WAS – Robert Kelley – 14 rushes, 37 yards DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 20 rushes, 97 yards, 2 TD Top receivers WAS – DeSean Jackson – 4 receptions, 118 yards, TD DAL – Dez Bryant – 5 receptions, 72 yards In the traditional Thanksgiving game, the Cowboys hosted the Washington Redskins, who had just came off a victory against the Green Bay Packers. In a game of catch-up, the Redskins never led; however, they made a valiant effort in the fourth quarter to take the lead. The Cowboys held them off and won the game, thus extending their winning streak to ten games for the first time in franchise history. This was also the first time since 2013 that the Cowboys would sweep the Redskins. Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 1 Thursday 7:25 pm. CST Cowboys 0 7 0 10 Vikings 3 0 3 9 U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 66,860 Played indoors (fixed-roof stadium) Tony Corrente NBC/NFLN/Twitter Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Heather Cox Recap, Gamebook First quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 48-yard field goal, 2:28. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:17. Second quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 5:29. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 5:12. Third quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 36-yard field goal, 2:10. Cowboys 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:52. Fourth quarter MIN – Kai Forbath 33-yard field goal, 14:11. Vikings 9–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:56. DAL – Dez Bryant 8-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 10:22. Cowboys 14–9. Drive: 1 play, 8 yards, 0:06. DAL – Dan Bailey 39-yard field goal, 4:15. Cowboys 17–9. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:22. MIN – Jerick McKinnon 3-yard pass from Sam Bradford (pass failed), 0:25. Cowboys 17–15. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:44. Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 12/18, 139 yards, TD MIN – Sam Bradford – 32/45, 247 yards, TD Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 20 rushes, 86 yards, TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 9 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers DAL – Dez Bryant – 4 receptions, 84 yards, TD MIN – Adam Thielen – 7 receptions, 86 yards The Cowboys traveled to Minnesota to take on the struggling Vikings following their loss against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. In a rather tightly contested game that saw penalties on Dallas and strong Vikings defense, the Cowboys nevertheless managed to win and thus extended their historical win streak to eleven games. This was also the first time since 1995 in which Dallas had won at Minnesota. With the win, plus a loss from the Washington Redskins against the Cardinals the following Sunday, Dallas became the first team in the NFL to clinch a playoff berth this season. Week 14: at New York Giants Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – Game summary December 11 8:30 pm. EST/7:30 pm. CST Cowboys 7 0 0 0 Giants 0 0 10 0 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey 80,874 32 F C, cloudy Carl Cheffers NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Rrcap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Terrance Williams 31-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 4:44. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:06. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter NYG – Robbie Gould 39-yard field goal, 5:50. Cowboys 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 35 yards, 4:49. NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. 61-yard pass from Eli Manning (Robbie Gould kick), 1:07. Giants 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 0:43. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers DAL – Dak Prescott – 17/37, 165 yards, TD, 2 INT NYG – Eli Manning – 17/28, 193 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 24 rushes, 107 yards NYG – Rashad Jennings – 15 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers DAL – Terrance Williams – 5 receptions, 76 yards, TD NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. – 4 receptions, 94 yards, TD Trying to win their 12th straight and avenge their Week 1 loss, the Cowboys took on the second place New York Giants in a Sunday night showdown. After taking a 7–0 lead on their second possession of the game, the Cowboys failed to score any more points for the rest of the game and lost 10–7, thus ending their 11-game winning streak. Dak Prescott had his first multiple-interception game and the Cowboys committed three turnovers. It was the first time that they were swept in the regular season by the Giants since the 2011 season. Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary December 18 7:30 pm. CST Buccaneers 3 3 14 0 Cowboys 0 17 0 9 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 93,101 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Terry McAulay NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Recap, Gamebook First quarter TB – Roberto Aguayo 25-yard field goal, 5:54. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 3:52. Second quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 27-yard field goal, 14:56. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:58. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 2-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 12:34. Cowboys 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:11. DAL – Dak Prescott 2-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 6:24. Cowboys 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:13. TB – Roberto Aguayo 34-yard field goal, 1:52. Cowboys 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 4:32. Third quarter TB – Adam Humphries 42-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 11:44. Cowboys 17–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:16. TB – Cameron Brate 10-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 4:12. Buccaneers 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:49. Fourth quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 40-yard field goal,13:31. Tied 20–20. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:41. DAL – Dan Bailey 38-yard field goal, 9:35. Cowboys 23–20. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 2:14. DAL – Dan Bailey 33-yard field goal, 2:58. Cowboys 26–20. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:57. Top passers TB – Jameis Winston – 17/35, 247 yards, 2 TD DAL – Dak Prescott – 32/36, 279 yards Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 16 rushes, 42 yards DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 23 rushes, 159 yards, TD Top receivers TB – Cameron Brate – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD DAL – Dez Bryant – 8 receptions, 82 yards Following their second loss to the Giants, the Cowboys returned to Arlington in a match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who were coming off a five-game winning streak). Despite both teams sharing the lead from time and time again, the Cowboys were able to hold off the Buccaneers. With less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, Orlando Scandrick intercepted a pass from Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (who fumbled earlier in the first half) and ended the game as a Cowboys victory. Dallas' only other highlight came early in the second quarter when Ezekiel Elliott leapt onto the Salvation Army kettle after scoring a touchdown to lead Dallas 10–3. This celebration resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; however, the following day, the NFL decided to not fine Elliott for the celebration. The Cowboys improved to 12–2, and with the Giants' loss to the Eagles the following Thursday night, they clinched the NFC East title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary December 26 Monday 7:30 pm. CST Lions 7 14 0 0 Cowboys 14 7 14 7 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 92,885 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) John Hussey ESPN Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Brice Butler 21-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey Kick), 9:57. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:03. DET – Zach Zenner 7-yard run (Matt Prater Kick), 5:23. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:34. DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 55-yard run (Dan Bailey Kick), 2:49. Cowboys 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:34. Second quarter DET – Matthew Stafford 1-yard run (Matt Prater Kick), 13:32. Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:17. DET – Zach Zenner 5-yard run (Matt Prater Kick), 7:40. Lions 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:01. DAL – Dez Bryant 25-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey Kick), 1:04. Tied 21–21. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:10. Third quarter DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Dan Bailey Kick), 10:19. Cowboys 28–21. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 1:46. DAL – Jason Witten 10-yard pass from Dez Bryant (Dan Bailey Kick), 4:03. Cowboys 35–21. Drive: 7 plays, 95 yards, 4:05. Fourth quarter DAL – Dez Bryant 19-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey Kick), 12:12. Cowboys 42–21. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:35. Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 26/46, 260 yards, INT DAL – Dak Prescott – 15/20, 212 yards, 3 TD Top rushers DET – Zach Zenner – 12 rushes, 67 yards, 2 TD DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 12 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DET – Eric Ebron – 8 receptions, 93 yards DAL – Dez Bryant – 4 receptions, 70 yards, 2 TD The Cowboys improved to 13–2 and swept the NFC North. They became the first team since the 2008 Tennessee Titans to sweep both the AFC and NFC North in the same regular season. They also won their 13th game in the regular season for the third time in franchise history, and first time since 2007. Dez Bryant threw his first touchdown pass of his career. Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seventeen: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary January 1, 2017 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 pm. CST Cowboys 0 10 3 0 Eagles 3 7 7 10 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 69,596 50 F C, sunny Walt Coleman Fox Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver Recap, Gamebook First quarter PHI – Caleb Sturgis 22-yard field goal, 3:57. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 8:18. Second quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 49-yard field goal, 14:51. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:06. DAL – Terrance Williams 3-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 10:11. Cowboys 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:49. PHI – Zach Ertz 6-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:07. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 1:50. Third quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 23-yard field goal, 9:18. Cowboys 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:21. PHI – Zach Ertz 20-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:56. Eagles 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 4:22. Fourth quarter PHI – Caleb Sturgis 33-yard field goal, 2:18. Eagles 20–13. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:51. PHI – Terrell Watson 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:23. Eagles 27–13. Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 0:16. Top passers DAL – Mark Sanchez – 9/17, 85 yards, 2 INT PHI – Carson Wentz – 27/43, 245 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DAL – Darren McFadden – 7 rushes, 28 yards PHI – Byron Marshall – 10 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers DAL – Cole Beasley – 3 receptions, 49 yards PHI – Zach Ertz – 13 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD The Cowboys headed into their final game of the season, knowing they had an opportunity to have the most wins in a regular season as a franchise with a win against the Eagles. Instead, with everything already clinched and a game having no impact on the playoff picture, the Cowboys rested numerous key starters, including Elliott and Sean Lee, and only played Dak Prescott for two series. Tony Romo played for the first time since November 2015 and in his one series, threw a touchdown pass to Terrance Williams. With the 27–13 loss, their first in Philadelphia since Week 8 of the 2011 season, the Cowboys finished the regular season 13–3, with a 3–3 record against NFC East competition, and a 10–0 record outside of the division. Standings Division DAL Conference DAL Postseason 2016–17 NFL playoffs Schedule Playoff round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap Wild Card First-round bye Divisional January 15, 2017 Green Bay Packers (4) L 31–34 0–1 AT&T Stadium Recap Game summaries NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (4) Green Bay Packers Dallas Cowboys 2;text-align:center; autocollapse NFC Divisional Playoffs: (4) Green Bay Packers at (1) Dallas Cowboys – Game summary January 15, 2017 3:40 p.m. CST Packers 7 14 7 6 Cowboys 3 10 0 18 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas 93,396 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Tony Corrente Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers Recap, Gamebook First quarter DAL – Dan Bailey 50-yard field goal, 11:23. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:37. GB – Richard Rodgers 34-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 8:58. Packers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:25. Second quarter GB – Ty Montgomery 3-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 14:05. Packers 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 5:47. GB – Ty Montgomery 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 7:37. Packers 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:24. DAL – Dez Bryant 34-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 6:03. Packers 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:34. DAL – Dan Bailey 33-yard field goal, 1:00. Packers 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 3:55. Third quarter GB – Jared Cook 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:25. Packers 28–13. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:35. Fourth quarter DAL – Jason Witten 6-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dan Bailey kick), 11:39. Packers 28–20. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:40. DAL – Dez Bryant 7-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Dak Prescott run), 4:08. Tied 28–28. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:06. GB – Mason Crosby 56-yard field goal, 1:33. Packers 31–28. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:35. DAL – Dan Bailey 52-yard field goal, 0:35. Tied 31–31. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 0:58. GB – Mason Crosby 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 34–31. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 0:35. Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 28/43, 356 yards, 2 TD, INT DAL – Dak Prescott – 24/38, 302 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers GB – Ty Montgomery – 11 rushes, 47 yards, 2 TD DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 22 rushes, 125 yards Top receivers GB – Randall Cobb – 7 receptions, 62 yards DAL – Dez Bryant – 9 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD Despite having the No. 1 seed in the NFC and home-field advantage, the Cowboys' season came to an end in Dallas when they were defeated by the No. 4 seed Green Bay Packers 34–31, who avenged their Week 6 loss with a Mason Crosby field goal with just 3 seconds left in the game. For the first time since Week 14, Dak Prescott threw an interception as Packers safety Micah Hyde intercepted Prescott with 7:17 remaining in the third quarter. With the loss, the Cowboys closed out their season with a 13–4 record. References External links https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2016.htm 2016 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players Pro-Football-Reference.com http://www.dallascowboys.com Dallas Category:Dallas Cowboys seasons Dallas Cowboys Category:NFC East championship seasons Category:2010s in Dallas Category:2016 in Texas