Tavon Austin’s Career Trajectory with the Dallas Cowboys: Tavon Austin Dallas Cowboys
Tavon Austin’s arrival in Dallas marked a significant chapter in his NFL journey. After a promising start with the St. Louis Rams, his career had taken a somewhat winding path, leading him to the Cowboys in 2017. This move was fueled by a combination of factors, including Austin’s potential, the Cowboys’ need for offensive firepower, and the team’s belief in his ability to contribute.
Austin’s Role and Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense
Austin’s versatility and explosive playmaking abilities were seen as valuable assets for the Cowboys. He was initially envisioned as a dynamic weapon in the slot receiver position, capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches for opposing defenses. His speed and agility also made him a threat in the return game, potentially adding another dimension to the Cowboys’ special teams unit.
During his tenure in Dallas, Austin’s role evolved. While he did see some action as a receiver, his primary contributions came as a running back and special teams player. His ability to take handoffs and create explosive plays in the open field made him a valuable asset in the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.
Austin’s Contributions and Memorable Moments
Austin’s time with the Cowboys was marked by several notable moments. He showcased his electrifying speed and agility on multiple occasions, creating big plays that ignited the Dallas offense. One such instance was his 64-yard touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, a play that exemplified his ability to break free from defenders and find the end zone.
Austin also made a significant impact on special teams. His speed and instincts made him a threat on kickoff returns, and he consistently provided a spark to the Cowboys’ special teams unit.
Comparing Austin’s Performance with the Cowboys to His Previous Performance, Tavon austin dallas cowboys
While Austin’s time in Dallas didn’t fully live up to the initial expectations, he still made valuable contributions to the team. Compared to his previous stints with the Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, his role in Dallas was more defined and focused on specific aspects of the game. His impact was noticeable, particularly in the return game and his ability to create explosive plays on offense.
Austin’s overall performance with the Cowboys can be viewed as a mixed bag. While he didn’t consistently achieve the high level of production he had shown in earlier seasons, he still provided a valuable spark and added a unique dimension to the team’s offense.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Player
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Tavon Austin was a dynamic and versatile player with a unique skillset, but his career was marked by both flashes of brilliance and inconsistency. Understanding his strengths and weaknesses helps shed light on his performance and the challenges he faced during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths
Austin’s primary strengths were his exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness, making him a threat both as a receiver and a return specialist. He could make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays with his explosiveness.
- Speed and Agility: Austin possessed remarkable speed and agility, allowing him to create separation from defenders and make quick cuts to evade tackles. His 4.28 40-yard dash time at the 2013 NFL Combine is a testament to his exceptional speed. This speed was evident in his ability to break away for long gains as a receiver and returner.
- Elusiveness: Austin’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field was a hallmark of his game. He possessed a low center of gravity and a knack for finding small spaces to elude tackles, making him a nightmare for defenders in the open field.
- Return Specialist: Austin’s speed and agility translated well to the return game. He was a dynamic punt and kick returner, capable of taking returns all the way for touchdowns.
- Versatility: Austin could play multiple positions on offense, including wide receiver, running back, and slot receiver. This versatility made him a valuable asset to the Cowboys, as he could be used in various offensive schemes.
Tavon Austin’s Weaknesses
Despite his strengths, Austin’s career was hindered by some weaknesses, particularly his lack of size and strength, which limited his ability to consistently make tough catches and break tackles.
- Size and Strength: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) made him susceptible to bigger defenders. He struggled to make contested catches and break tackles against stronger defenders.
- Durability: Austin was prone to injuries throughout his career, which limited his availability and consistency.
- Route Running: While Austin was a good athlete, his route running was inconsistent and lacked precision. This made it difficult for him to consistently get open against tight coverage.
- Hands: Austin had a history of dropping passes, particularly in crucial situations. This lack of reliable hands was a significant concern for coaches and fans alike.
Examples of Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses with the Cowboys
| Strength | Example |
|---|---|
| Speed and Agility | Austin’s 43-yard touchdown reception against the New York Giants in 2016, where he broke multiple tackles and outran defenders to the end zone. |
| Elusiveness | Austin’s 70-yard punt return touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, where he made several defenders miss in the open field. |
| Versatility | Austin’s ability to play both wide receiver and running back, allowing the Cowboys to utilize his skills in different offensive schemes. |
| Weakness | Example |
| Size and Strength | Austin struggled to make contested catches against bigger defenders, often being knocked off his route or having the ball tipped away. |
| Durability | Austin missed several games throughout his Cowboys career due to various injuries, including a hamstring injury in 2016 and a groin injury in 2017. |
| Route Running | Austin’s route running was often inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities and frustration for quarterbacks. |
| Hands | Austin dropped several passes during his time with the Cowboys, including a crucial drop in the 2016 NFC Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers. |
The Impact of Tavon Austin’s Time with the Dallas Cowboys
Tavon Austin’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys was a brief but intriguing chapter in his NFL career. Despite his limited time in Dallas, Austin’s presence brought a unique skillset and dynamic potential to the Cowboys’ offense and special teams. His impact, though not as impactful as many hoped, did contribute to some notable moments and strategies during his time with the team.
Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense
Austin’s arrival in Dallas brought a new dimension to the Cowboys’ offensive strategy. His speed and agility made him a valuable weapon as a receiver, capable of creating explosive plays in the open field. While Austin’s time with the Cowboys was marked by inconsistency, he showed flashes of his dynamic potential, often serving as a versatile threat capable of lining up in various positions.
“He’s a dynamic player, he can make plays, and we know that,” said Cowboys coach Jason Garrett.
Austin’s presence also opened up opportunities for other players on the Cowboys’ offense. His ability to stretch the field forced defenses to adjust their coverage schemes, creating space for other receivers like Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley to operate.
Impact on Special Teams
Austin’s impact extended beyond the offensive side of the ball. He was also a valuable asset on special teams, particularly as a punt returner. His speed and elusiveness made him a threat to take punts to the house, and he provided a spark to the Cowboys’ special teams unit.
“He’s a big-play guy, he can take it the distance,” said Cowboys special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
Austin’s presence on special teams also provided a sense of optimism and excitement for Cowboys fans. His ability to make electrifying plays, even on special teams, added a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the game.
Notable Changes and Personnel Decisions
Austin’s arrival did not lead to any significant changes in the Cowboys’ offensive strategy or personnel decisions. The Cowboys’ offense was already built around a strong running game and a powerful passing attack, and Austin’s presence was more of a complementary piece to the existing offensive system.
While Austin’s presence did not drastically alter the Cowboys’ offensive approach, it did provide a valuable tool for head coach Jason Garrett. Austin’s versatility allowed Garrett to use him in a variety of roles, depending on the situation and opponent.
Perspectives on Austin’s Contributions
The perspectives on Austin’s contributions to the Cowboys varied among coaches, teammates, and fans. Some saw him as a valuable asset who brought a unique skillset to the team. Others were disappointed by his inconsistency and felt that he did not live up to his potential.
“He’s a great guy, a great teammate,” said Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. “He’s always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Fans were also divided on Austin’s impact. Some were excited by his occasional flashes of brilliance, while others felt that he was too inconsistent to be a reliable contributor.
Timeline of Austin’s Time with the Cowboys
- August 2017: Austin is acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.
- September 2017: Austin makes his debut with the Cowboys in Week 1 against the New York Giants. He records 2 receptions for 14 yards.
- October 2017: Austin has a breakout game against the Kansas City Chiefs, catching 3 passes for 66 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown.
- November 2017: Austin suffers a hamstring injury that sidelines him for several weeks.
- March 2018: Austin is released by the Cowboys.
Tavon austin dallas cowboys – Tavon Austin, the speedy wide receiver, never quite lived up to the hype after being drafted by the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. He bounced around the league, even spending a brief, confusing stint with the Dallas Cowboys.
Let’s just say his time in Dallas wasn’t exactly a highlight reel – more like a “highlight reel of fumbles.”
Remember Tavon Austin, the speedy wide receiver who was supposed to be the next big thing? He was drafted by the Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft , a year that seems like a lifetime ago in football terms.
He never quite lived up to the hype, but hey, at least he wasn’t drafted by the Cowboys. Can you imagine the pressure of playing in Dallas with that kind of speed? They’d probably have him running the Wildcat offense, and we all know how well that usually goes.
