Tulsa World: Dallas: rise of the role player

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Dallas: rise of the role player
Lesser-known players have helped team during its winning streak.

By BILL NICHOLS The Dallas Morning News
Published: 11/15/2009 2:33 AM
Last Modified: 11/15/2009 7:47 AM

The Cowboys needed a first down against Philadelphia in last Sunday's fight for first in the NFC East. On third-and-9, and a hostile crowd wailing, the Cowboys sent in the perfect player for the pressure situation.

Never mind that undrafted rookie Kevin Ogletree could count his career catches on one finger when he broke the huddle. He has carved a niche with the Cowboys as "bubble screen" specialist. He gained 19 yards to set up Dallas' first score and later converted another third down on the same drive.

"Just maximizing opportunities," Ogletree said.

What's most unique about Ogletree is that he isn't unique. He's one of many role players contributing to Dallas piling up a four-game winning streak like a colony of ants.

The Cowboys (6-2) have discovered strength in numbers as they gather momentum by connecting the dots. The utilitarian approach has narrowed the scope of responsibility for many players and increased accountability.

In the rise of the role player, competition for jobs has led to better practices, which has improved game performance. The Cowboys probably have more depth than any other team in the NFL. And their musical chair lineup keeps players fresh and opponents guessing.

Perhaps most important in this all-for-one formula is the bonding that's developed, a sense of togetherness from working toward the same goal.

"We're not the Dallas Cowboys individuals," fullback Deion Anderson said with a shrug.

Last year's Cowboys surfed on waves that ebbed and flowed according to how many balls went to one star. This season, there's only one ball. Hungry rookies and polished veterans are vying for spots on special teams. High-profile players are thriving in reduced or specialized roles.

"Guys are tired of coming so close to the playoffs, or getting to the first round and losing," said receiver Roy Williams, who's had some frustration over his role and chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo.

"I think guys have finally got it in their mind, 'let's put our foot down and try to come together as a football team.' That's what's been winning these last couple of years — Patriots, Giants, Steelers — good football teams."

Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice could be featured running backs on most teams. As a combo platter, the three distinct dishes are tough for opponents to swallow, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. That depth also serves as a security blanket in case of injury.

On any given drive, the Cowboys can trot out a multitude of personnel and sets — one or two tight ends, zero to three backs and any combination of five wide receivers. Twelve players have caught passes. Five have at least 14 receptions.

Who, exactly, does an opponent key on?

"The system is in place to have those options. I think you're seeing that we have different people do different things well, and we're getting them the ball in those situations," Romo said.

Enter Miles Austin. The Cowboys signed him as a free agent in 2006. His transformation came in his first start, when he moved up the depth chart because of Williams' injury. When the game against Kansas City ended, Bob Hayes' long-standing record was no longer standing. Austin's 250 yards surpassed the franchise mark for one game by four yards.

Having ignited the offense with his breakaway speed, Austin is attracting attention. He drew double coverage from the Eagles last week. That opened the field for Williams, who had a season-high five catches, and others. Austin finished with only one reception — a 49-yard touchdown. By BILL NICHOLS The Dallas Morning News

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