Head coach Jason Garrett Owner Jerry Jones Record 8–8 | General manager Jerry Jones Home field Cowboys Stadium Division place 3rd NFC East | |
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The 2011 Dallas Cowboys season was the team's 52nd season in the National Football League, the third playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium and the first full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The team improved on their 6–10 record from 2010, but failed to make the playoffs after their loss to the New York Giants for the NFC East division title in the final game of their season, who later went on to win the Super Bowl.
Contents
2011 draft class
Notes ^[a] The Cowboys forfeited its original seventh-round selection after selecting defensive tackle Josh Brent in the 2010 Supplemental Draft.
Schedule
The Cowboys' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.
Week 1: at New York Jets
With the loss the Cowboys started the season at 0–1
Week 3: vs. Washington Redskins
with the win the Cowboys improved to 2–1
Week 4: vs. Detroit Lions
With the loss the Cowboys fell to 2–2
Week 6: at New England Patriots
The Cowboys' blue uniforms returned after a 1-year hiatus, and they blew a 3-point fourth quarter lead, and lost to the Patriots.
Week 12: vs. Miami Dolphins
Thanksgiving Day game
Coming off their thrilling overtime road win over the Redskins, the Cowboys went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 12 interconference duel with the Miami Dolphins in the annual Thanksgiving game. Dallas trailed early in the first quarter with Dolphins kicker Shayne Graham getting a 26-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys would answer in the second quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Dan Bailey, followed by quarterback Tony Romo finding wide receiver Laurent Robinson on a 5-yard touchdown pass. Miami would close out the half with Graham making a 28-yard field goal.
The Dolphins retook the lead in the third quarter with Graham booting a 27-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Matt Moore completing a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Afterwards, Dallas regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Romo connecting with Robinson again on an 18-yard touchdown pass. Miami struck back with Graham making a 23-yard field goal, but Bailey rescued the Cowboys by nailing the winning 28-yard field goal.
With the win, Dallas improved to 7–4.
Bailey (2/2 on field goal, including game-winning 28-yarder) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (1 assist & a fumble recovery) were named NFL on CBS' All-Iron Award winners.
Week 17: at New York Giants
With the loss, the Cowboys finished at 8–8 and got eliminated from the playoffs.