FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys announced their final 53-man roster and here is an analysis of the major changes to begin the 2018 season:
Defensive tackle Antwaun Woods and defensive end Dorance Armstrong will have key roles in the Cowboys’ defensive line this season. The Cowboys cut DT Jihad Ward, DE Kony Ealy, and DE Charles Tapper among others. Woods and Armstrong had big performances on the field throughout training camp and the preseason with QB pressures, penetration in the line, critical tackles on third downs, and strength/ incredible instincts in one-on-one pass protection drills. They showcased their skill enough for the coaching staff to get rid of Ward, Tapper, and Ealy. Woods and Armstrong went from being on the third team on defense, to an opportunity to start in the regular season for the Dallas Cowboys.
After kicker Brett Maher’s performance during camp and preseason, including a 57-yard field goal against the Houston Texans on Thursday, the Cowboys cut longtime kicker Dan Bailey. Yes, in case you are confused, you read the last sentence correctly. Bailey was the most accurate kicker in franchise history. He started in 108 games since his start in 2011 amassing 186 field goals made out of 211 attempts with an 88.2 percentage. In 2014, the Cowboys signed Bailey to a seven-year $22.5 million contract. He had three years left on the deal, but the cut will save the Cowboys $3.4 million on the salary cap. Maher has big shoes to fill. Bailey was one of the three veterans left on the Cowboys in their 30s, now there are only two. The Cowboys have faith in the 28-year-old kicker from Nebraska without a single regular season field goal to his resume, who has been a kicker in the CFL for four years.
The Cowboys cut running backs Bo Scarbrough and Darius Jackson, which means they plan to utilize Tavon Austin in the ground game as well as a receiver behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rod Smith to add versatility. This will capitalize on Austin’s skill set and has freed up two other spots at different positions on the roster to complete the 53-man total. Austin mostly practiced in the receiver core throughout camp, but the Cowboys have faith in his ability as a running back to take some of the pressure off Zeke and Rod. He has the speed and accurate footwork to find the necessary holes and gain force behind the ball to the backfield. He will keep defenses guessing when he lines up at the line of scrimmage!
