The 2015 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 56th season in the National Football League, the seventh playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fifth full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The team finished the regular season at 4-12. It was the team's worst record since 1989, in Jerry Jones' first year as owner when they went 1-15.
Despite starting the season 2-0 and leading the NFC East, the Cowboys lost their next seven games and finished the season by going 2-12 in their final 14 games.
2015 draft class
Main article:
2015 NFL draft
- Notes
Offseason
Staff transactions
- Head coach Jason Garrett remains head coach signing a five-year $30 million contract
- Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli resigned to a three-year contract
Players transactions
- Resigned wide receiver Dez Bryant to a five-year $70 million contract
- Resigned right tackle Doug Free to a three-year contract
- RB Demarco Murray departed signing a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles
[1]
Staff
2015 Dallas Cowboys staff |
|
|
Front office
- Owner/President/General Manager – Jerry Jones
- COO/Executive Vice President/Director of Player Personnel – Stephen Jones
- Assistant Director of Player Personnel – Will McClay
- Assistant Director of College Scouting – Tom Ciskowski
- Assistant Director of Pro Scouting – Judd Garrett
- Director of Football Administration – Todd Williams
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
|
|
Defensive coaches
- Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line – Rod Marinelli
- Linebackers – Matt Eberflus
- Secondary – Jerome Henderson
- Assistant Secondary – Joe Baker
- Defensive Assistant/Defensive Line – Leon Lett
- Defensive Quality Control/Linebackers – Ben Bloom
- Defensive Assistant – Turner West
Special teams coaches
- Special Teams Coordinator – Rich Bisaccia
- Assistant Special Teams/Kickers – Keith O'Quinn
Strength and conditioning
- Strength and Conditioning – Mike Woicik
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Brett Bech
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Kendall Smith
|
Rosters
Opening preseason roster
Dallas Cowboys 2015 opening preseason roster |
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
|
Offensive Linemen
Defensive Linemen
|
|
Linebackers
Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
|
Reserve Lists
89 Active, 8 Inactive |
Week one roster
Dallas Cowboys 2015 week one roster |
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
|
Offensive Linemen
Defensive Linemen
|
|
Linebackers
Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
|
Reserve Lists
Practice Squad
53 Active, 16 Inactive, 10 Practice Squad |
Final roster
Dallas Cowboys 2015 final roster |
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
|
Offensive Linemen
Defensive Linemen
|
|
Linebackers
Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
|
Reserve Lists
Practice Squad
53 Active, 10 Inactive, 10 Practice Squad |
Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. New York Giants
Week One: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Giants |
3 |
10 |
3 | 10 | 26 |
Cowboys |
3 |
3 |
7 | 14 | 27 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
The Cowboys opened the season at home against their rival, the New York Giants, led by the quarterback-receiver tandem of Eli Manning and young Odell Beckham.
Tony Romo came back late in the fourth quarter and nailed the game-winning drive to Jason Witten to give Dallas a narrow 27-26 victory.
The victory, however, was bittersweet as Dez Bryant broke his foot in the second half. The injury required surgery and he is expected to miss 10–12 weeks. Cameras caught Bryant congratulating his teammates in the locker room after a close victory. Romo on Bryant injury: "You can't replace Dez Bryant." Three days after, the NFL came forward and apologized to the New York Giants for 2 blown calls. The first call led to a Cowboy touchdown due to a wrong Pass Interference call which set up the Cowboys 1st and Goal on the 2 yard line and the second was a blown Defensive Holding call which would have set up the Giants first and Goal with the Cowboys having no Time Outs remaining and 1:36 left on the clock.[2]
Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Sitting atop the division, the Dallas Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles in what turned out to be a defensive juggernaut of a game. Neither team could really get anything going on offense; however, the Cowboys were able to pull away by dominating the time of possession. Already missing starting wide receiver Dez Bryant, the Cowboys experienced a devastating loss when Tony Romo was sacked. The result of the hit was a fractured collarbone and an expected eight-week absence. The fractured collarbone is the same one Romo broke in 2010. Brandon Weeden got his first taste of game time this season, completing all 7 passes for a total of 73 yards and one touchdown. Despite the injuries to the two key players, the Cowboys still managed to hold off the Eagles with a 20-10 victory, ultimately stunning Philadelphia's home crowd. Dallas' defense harassed Sam Bradford and ex-Cowboy DeMarco Murray all game, holding Murray to a measly 2 yards. Sean Lee, a defensive powerhouse, finished the game with 13 tackles and an interception for the Cowboys. For his performance, Lee was given the honor of being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Falcons |
7 |
10 |
8 | 14 | 39 |
Cowboys |
14 |
14 |
0 | 0 | 28 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: September 27
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 90,345
- Referee: Pete Morelli
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
So many questions surrounded the Dallas Cowboys as they entered Week 3. With no Dez Bryant or Tony Romo, how would the rest of the team respond? Coach Jason Garrett’s mantra of “next man up” played a big part in preparing for the game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Backup quarterback Brandon Weeden started for the first time since last season against the Arizona Cardinals, but this outing was much different. He completed 22 of 26 passes for 232 yards. Although he threw one interception and had zero touchdowns, the loss could not be blamed on him alone.
The Cowboys played very well in the first half, outscoring the Falcons 28-17; however, the Falcons made a few halftime adjustments that squashed any running game the Cowboys pursued. On the other hand, the Cowboys had no answer for Julio Jones, who ran 164 yards and had 2 touchdowns. Owner Jerry Jones said after the game that the Cowboys just looked tired in the second half. In typical fashion for this season, the Falcons came back late in the third quarter and won the game 39-28.
Week 4: at New Orleans Saints
Week Four: Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
Cowboys |
3 |
7 |
3 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Saints |
7 |
0 |
6 | 7 | 6 | 26 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: October 4
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,009
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
In another heartbreaking loss which ended the 9-0 streak of regular season away games, the injury bug struck again. Sean Lee exited the game early with a concussion, Lance Dunbar saw the last of his playing time this season with a torn ACL, and Brandon Butler injured his hamstring. Despite all the injuries, the Dallas Cowboys were able to stay neck and neck with the New Orleans Saints.
Enduring a few lead changes throughout the first four quarters, the Cowboys were able to come back and tie it up 20-20 with a last minute touchdown from Brandon Weeden (16/26; 246 yards; 1 TD) to Terrance Williams. However, the Cowboys defense was not able to hold off the Saints during overtime. An 80-yard touchdown was scored within the first 13 seconds of overtime, which handed the Cowboys their second loss of the season.
Week 5: vs. New England Patriots
Week Five: New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Patriots |
3 |
10 |
7 | 10 | 30 |
Cowboys |
3 |
0 |
3 | 0 | 6 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
After back-to-back losses, Dallas returned home to face the undefeated NFL Champion New England Patriots.
Stout early defensive efforts kept the game close including five sacks of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, but Dallas’ offense could never steadily produce results. Dallas QB Brandon Weeden (1 INT) and the offensive line were ineffectual, gaining only 264 yards total offense and making 18 1st downs. The offense could manage only two Dan Bailey field goals.
During the first quarter, the Cowboys held the Patriots to a field goal. Slowly but surely, the Patriots pulled away for the 30-6 victory, handing Dallas the loss and a 2-3 record entering the bye week - and handing Cowboys coach Jason Garrett his first career three-game losing streak.
Week 7: at New York Giants
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Dallas took its perfect record in games against NFC East opponents to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants, and despite limiting a highly efficient Giants offense and Cassel making some clutch throws, The Giants dominance of the turnover margin and special teams spelled doom for the Cowboys as the Giants left with the 27-20 win.
Matt Cassel made his starting quarterback debut for Dallas passing for 227 yards and 1 touchdown, but his 3 interceptions - including one returned for a touchdown - led to ten Giants points. On the ground Dallas had consistent success all day with Darren McFadden substituting for mysteriously injured starter Joseph Randle and the offense accumulated 460 total yards vs. the Giants' 289.
Despite sloppy, penalty-ridden play helping enable three lead changes Dallas was able to tie the game at 20 when Cassel threw a beauty on a 25 yard touchdown pass to Devin Street who had an even better catch, tapping his feet inches from the end line. However, the Giants returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, immediately regaining the lead. Later, a quick "three and out" by the Giants' offense preceded a Giants punt which was fumbled by Cole Beasley and recovered by the Giants, who then ran out the clock on subsequent "kneel downs" to finish the game.
The loss hands Dallas a four game losing skid heading back home to face the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks.
Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week Eight: Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Seahawks |
3 |
7 |
0 | 3 | 13 |
Cowboys |
3 |
3 |
3 | 3 | 12 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: November 1
- Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 91,486
- Referee: Carl Cheffers
- TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman and Peter Schrager
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- SEA –R Wilson : 1 Interception
- DAL –
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Nine: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
Eagles |
0 |
7 |
7 | 13 | 6 | 33 |
Cowboys |
7 |
0 |
7 | 13 | 0 | 27 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: November 8
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. CST
- Game weather: TBD (retractable roof stadium)
- Game attendance: 91,827
- Referee: Ed Hochuli
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 10: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
Week Eleven: Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Cowboys |
0 |
14 |
0 | 10 | 24 |
Dolphins |
0 |
7 |
7 | 0 | 14 |
at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Date: November 22
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), mostly cloudy
- Game attendance: 65,115
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Peter Schrager
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Thanksgiving Day game
Week Twelve: Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers |
10 |
13 |
7 | 3 | 33 |
Cowboys |
3 |
0 |
3 | 8 | 14 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 13: at Washington Redskins
Week Thirteen: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Cowboys |
0 |
3 |
3 | 13 | 19 |
Redskins |
0 |
3 |
3 | 10 | 16 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 14: at Green Bay Packers
Week Fourteen: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Cowboys |
0 |
0 |
7 | 0 | 7 |
Packers |
0 |
14 |
0 | 14 | 28 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Date: December 13
- Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), rain
- Game attendance: 78,369
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
The Cowboys travel to Lambeau to take on the Packers in a rematch of last year's Divisional Round, in which Green Bay narrowly won after Dez Bryant's controversial catch was overturned, allowing the Packers to advance to the NFC Championship. This time, Green Bay won handily, 28-7, which dropped the Cowboys' record to 4-9.
Week 15: vs. New York Jets
Week Fifteen: New York Jets at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Jets |
6 |
3 |
0 | 10 | 19 |
Cowboys |
3 |
7 |
3 | 3 | 16 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: December 19
- Game time: 7:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 90,345
- Referee: Craig Wrolstad
- TV announcers (NFLN): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 16: at Buffalo Bills
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 17: vs. Washington Redskins
Week Seventeen: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Redskins |
21 |
3 |
3 | 7 | 34 |
Cowboys |
0 |
14 |
0 | 9 | 23 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: January 3, 2016
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 90,127
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Holly Sonders
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Standings
Division
Conference
References
External links
|
---|
| | | Franchise | |
---|
| Stadiums | |
---|
| Culture | |
---|
| Lore | |
---|
| Rivalries | |
---|
| Super Bowl Appearances (8) | |
---|
| League Championships (5) | |
---|
| Ring of Honor | |
---|
| Media | |
---|
| Current League Affiliations | |
---|
| Seasons (56) | |
---|
|