| In an otherwise disappointing first half of the season for the Cowboys, TE Jason Witten has been the model of consistently good play. (US Presswire) |
Even though we didn’t know what to fully expect from this Cowboys team before the season, a 3-5 record at the midway point is quite a surprise. This team has been competitive in just about every game but finds new ways each week to fall apart. After eight games, it’s time to take an overall look at awards, surprises and an outlook for the rest of the season.
Offensive MVP -- TE Jason Witten: This is really by default. When your tight end is winning MVP awards, it means you probably have sporadic play at the other skill spots. QB Tony Romo is the guy who makes this offense go -- up or down -- but Witten has been a model of consistency since he’s fully recovered from the spleen injury that slowed him down considerably earlier in the year. Witten’s 18-catch performance against the Giants set an NFL record by a tight end.
Defensive MVP -- OLB DeMarcus Ware: No surprise here. This team is full of inconsistencies but you can pretty much count on a sack a game from Ware, maybe more. He’s got nine sacks through eight games already and is quietly one of the team’s better run-stoppers.
Rookie MVP -- CB Morris Claiborne: He’s got the only interception by a cornerback this season and actually leads the team with two takeaways, including a fumble recovery. He’s starting on the outside opposite Brandon Carr, and has often been matched up against No. 1 receivers when Carr slides to safety in the nickel. Claiborne has gotten better each week and looks to be a star in the making.
Top assistant coach -- Matt Eberflus: While defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would be an easy choice, Eberflus is Ryan’s right-hand man as the linebackers coach. Eberflus has inherited Ware and Anthony Spencer, along with Sean Lee, but he’s done a good job of helping Bruce Carter’s development and has gotten Ernie Sims and Orie Lemon ready to fill in for Lee, who is out for the season.
Biggest disappointment -- Fourth-quarter play: Whether it’s the clock management issue in Baltimore or passing the ball three straight times after second-and-1 against the Giants, the Cowboys have simply failed to close out games. The Cowboys have been outscored 60-43 in the fourth quarter this year.
Biggest strength -- Pass defense: The Cowboys have been able to defend the pass rather well this year, especially in the last few games. They’ve held Matt Ryan and Eli Manning without a touchdown pass in the last two games. The Cowboys rank fifth overall in defense and fifth against the pass, allowing 205.5 yards per game.
Biggest weakness -- Offensive line: This was a position of need heading into the season, and while the Cowboys addressed the guard spot through free agency, the line has been an Achilles heel all year, forcing Romo to run for his life seemingly every play. And the running game hasn’t been effective, aside from one game in Baltimore.
Projected final record -- 8-8
Playoffs? To make the playoffs after a 3-5 first half, the Cowboys will likely need to win seven of their last eight games, or possibly six of eight, if they get some help. Either way, that would suggest a level of consistency this team hasn’t shown in about three years.
One fact you may not know but should know: The playoffs might be a long shot, but having a respectable season and getting back to .500 is obtainable. Of the last eight games, the Cowboys only face one team -- Pittsburgh (5-3) -- that currently has a winning record.
For more Cowboys information follow @CBSCowboys and @nickeatman.
Want to know who CBSSports.com says the MVP is? Check out our Midseason Awards.