Tavon Austin’s Time with the Cowboys
Tavon Austin’s arrival in Dallas in 2017 was met with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. After a promising start with the Rams, his career had been marred by inconsistency and injuries. The Cowboys, however, saw potential in Austin’s explosive playmaking ability and hoped he could provide a spark to their offense.
Austin’s Performance with the Cowboys
Austin’s time in Dallas was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of brilliance, demonstrating his speed and agility in the open field, but he struggled to find a consistent role in the offense. He primarily served as a gadget player, lining up in the slot, backfield, and even as a punt returner. His most memorable play with the Cowboys was a 64-yard touchdown reception against the Giants in 2017. However, he also had several drops and struggled to create separation against tight coverage.
- Strengths:
- Elite speed and agility
- Ability to make plays in space
- Experience as a punt returner
- Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent hands
- Struggled to create separation against tight coverage
- Lack of size and physicality for a traditional receiver
Austin’s Contributions Compared to Previous Teams
Austin’s production with the Cowboys was relatively modest compared to his earlier years with the Rams. In his first three seasons with St. Louis, he averaged 575 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns per season. In two seasons with Dallas, he averaged just 188 receiving yards and 1 touchdown per season. This decline in production can be attributed to several factors, including his diminished role in the offense and a growing list of injuries.
Factors Leading to Austin’s Departure, Tavon austin cowboys
After two seasons with the Cowboys, Austin was released in 2019. The team decided to move on from him due to his inconsistent play and the emergence of younger, more reliable receivers. His departure was also likely influenced by the Cowboys’ desire to create more opportunities for their young talent.
Tavon Austin’s Impact on the Cowboys Offense: Tavon Austin Cowboys
Tavon Austin’s time with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by his unique skillset and versatility. While his impact on the team’s offensive strategies was significant, it was also somewhat limited due to his inconsistent performance and injuries.
Tavon Austin’s Versatility
Tavon Austin’s ability to play multiple positions on offense made him a valuable asset for the Cowboys. He could line up as a wide receiver, running back, and returner, giving the Cowboys a dynamic offensive weapon. His versatility allowed the Cowboys to utilize him in a variety of ways, keeping defenses guessing and creating mismatches.
- As a receiver, Austin’s speed and agility allowed him to create separation from defenders and make big plays. He was particularly effective on short to intermediate routes, where he could use his quickness to get open quickly.
- As a running back, Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a threat to break big runs. He was often used on screen passes and designed runs out of the backfield, where he could use his speed to make defenders miss.
- As a returner, Austin was a threat to take the ball to the house. His speed and agility allowed him to make big returns on both punts and kickoffs, giving the Cowboys excellent field position.
The Impact of Tavon Austin’s Speed and Agility
Tavon Austin’s speed and agility were his most valuable assets. His ability to accelerate quickly and change direction with ease made him a nightmare for defenders to cover. This allowed him to create separation from defenders, make big plays, and add a new dimension to the Cowboys’ offense.
- His speed allowed him to outrun defenders on deep routes and break big runs.
- His agility allowed him to make sharp cuts and avoid tackles, making him a difficult player to bring down.
- He was able to make plays that other receivers couldn’t, such as running back screens and jet sweeps.
Tavon Austin’s Statistical Performance Compared to Other Cowboys Receivers
| Year | Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| 2017 | Tavon Austin | 13 | 162 | 0 |
| 2017 | Dez Bryant | 69 | 838 | 6 |
| 2017 | Cole Beasley | 82 | 833 | 5 |
| 2018 | Tavon Austin | 18 | 187 | 1 |
| 2018 | Amari Cooper | 53 | 725 | 6 |
| 2018 | Cole Beasley | 65 | 672 | 3 |
“Tavon’s speed and elusiveness made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.” – Jason Garrett, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys
