FRISCO, Texas – Wide receiver Cole Beasley is the guy that QB Dak Prescott targets on third down situations. Beasley has primarily lined up in the slot, the area betweenthe last offensive lineman on either side of the center and the wide receiver on that side, in the past. This season, Beasley has sauced up Dallas’ offense in a variety of ways, lining up in the middle as well as the outside, and as a punt returner. Now that Tavon Austin will miss several weeks with a groin injury, Beasley will be lined up more deep downfield to return punts for the Cowboys.
Beasley has been effective on third downs throughout his career recording a league high 38.5% of his catches since 2014, converting 87 receptions for 1,005 yards with an 11.6 average for third down receiving yards.
Beasley caught seven of nine passes on third down against Jacksonville, converting four for first downs, two for scores. Those seven receptions against the Jaguars are the most in a single-game by any player in 2018. He also tied a career best nine passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the matchup against the Jaguars. During the 2018 season, Beasley has amassed 26 receptions for 294 yards with an 11.3 average and two touchdowns.
“ Beasley is an exceptional athlete, “ Jason Garrett stated. “ He has great body control and can beat guys on man-to-man coverage. He is great at zone and he is hard to cover. “
He has helped the Cowboys’ struggling passing game on the road, by being a familiar and durable face for Prescott in the lineup. He is the oldest and most experienced receiver on the Cowboys’ roster and Dak is comfortable releasing the ball in his direction. He knows his speed and tendencies on routes, and in pressure situations, he looks for No.11.
Following the Jaguars game Prescott stated “ Cole played quarterback back in the day and knows a lot about coverages. “
Beasley has a thorough understanding of the receiver position as well as quarterback; giving him a better understanding of what Dak sees as he assesses the field after the snap and schemes that defenses create to combat offenses. His prior positional experience has helped create chemistry and success for the two on the gridiron.
