2000 Dallas Cowboys season

Last updated

2000 Dallas Cowboys season
OwnerJerry Jones
General manager Jerry Jones
Head coach Dave Campo
Home field Texas Stadium
Results
Record5–11
Division place4th NFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers G Larry Allen
AP All-Pros Larry Allen (1st team)

The 2000 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 41st in the National Football League (NFL). Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promoted the team's long-time defensive coordinator, Dave Campo, to be the fifth head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. This was also Troy Aikman's last season with the team.

Contents

Offseason

The loss of star wide receiver Michael Irvin to retirement led Jerry Jones to trade the team's first round pick in the 2000 draft and the 2001 draft to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Joey Galloway. Pro Bowl cornerback Deion Sanders was also released after five seasons with the team. He later signed with the Cowboys' NFC East division rival Washington Redskins. Fullback Daryl Johnston also retired after the 1999 season.

AdditionsSubtractions
LB Joe Bowden (Titans)WR Michael Irvin (retirement)
QB Randall Cunningham (Vikings)CB Deion Sanders (Redskins)
WR Joey Galloway (Seahawks)LB Randall Godfrey (Titans)
TE Jackie Harris (Titans)LB Lemanski Hall (Vikings)
CB Ryan McNeil (Browns)CB Kevin Mathis (Saints)
LB Barron Wortham (Titans)FB Daryl Johnston (retirement)
CB Phillippi Sparks (Giants)

2000 draft class

2000 Dallas Cowboys draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
249 Dwayne Goodrich   CB Tennessee
4109 Kareem Larrimore  CB West Texas A&M
5144 Michael Wiley   RB Ohio State
6180 Mario Edwards  CB Florida State
7219 Orantes Grant   LB Georgia
      Made roster        Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

Undrafted free agents

2000 Undrafted Free Agents of note
PlayerPositionCollege
Troy Hambrick Fullback Savannah State
Alcender Jackson Guard LSU
Micah Knorr Punter Utah State
Rian Lindell Kicker Washington State
Tim Seder Kicker Ashland
Clint Stoerner Quarterback Arkansas

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenue
1July 30 Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–380–1 Texas Stadium
2 August 5 vs. Atlanta Falcons L 9–200–2 Flag of Japan.svg Tokyo Dome (Tokyo)
3August 13 Oakland Raiders L 20–210–3 Texas Stadium
4August 19at Denver Broncos L 23–360–4 Mile High Stadium
5August 24 St. Louis Rams L 17–240–5 Texas Stadium

Regular season

After a lackluster draft which saw the team draft three cornerbacks to replace the departure of star cornerback Deion Sanders, the Dave Campo head coaching era had an inauspicious start with an embarrassing blow-out defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles at home (in which the Eagles recovered an onside kick on the opening kickoff). The loss proved to be even more costly as quarterback Troy Aikman suffered a serious concussion early in the game and newly acquired wide receiver Joey Galloway suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth quarter.

New faces like veteran quarterback Randall Cunningham and wide receiver James McKnight filled in on offense under new offensive coordinator Jack Reilly. On defense, the loss of both starting cornerbacks in the off-season required the addition of veterans Phillipi Sparks and Ryan McNeil. Combined with perennial Pro Bowl safety Darren Woodson, the Cowboys fielded one of the NFL's best secondaries. Unfortunately, a leaky run defense and an inconsistent, aging offense led to a 5–11 record.

In a blow-out loss to the San Francisco 49ers, then controversial 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens caused an uproar by celebrating a touchdown on the large Cowboys star at midfield in Texas Stadium, prompting anger and resentment off the field. This prompted a retaliation by running back Emmitt Smith with a famous "Defend the Star" kneel-down celebration of his own on the star. When Owens scored his second touchdown and promptly celebrated in midfield once more, then-safety George Teague knocked Owens off and a short brawl ensued on the field. Owens immediately returned to the star to celebrate while the brawl ensued. Teague was ejected from the game, and Terrell Owens was suspended for the next game. Ironically, Owens became a Cowboy later in his career.

Emmitt Smith's tenth consecutive 1,000-yard season (an NFL record), along with a season sweep of the rival Washington Redskins, proved to be the only highlights in an otherwise disappointing season.

The Cowboys finished 31st in the league in run defense that season, allowing 164.8 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry.

Notable additions to the team include future starting cornerback Mario Edwards, as well as Dwayne Goodrich. Goodrich gained notoriety after being involved in a hit and run accident which resulted in the deaths of two people. He was subsequently convicted of criminally negligent homicide. [2]

Backup running back Chris Warren was released after a 27–7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Warren tipped a pass which was intercepted by Brian Kelly and returned for a touchdown. After the play Warren was benched, he exchanged words with assistant coaches and spent the rest of the game on the sideline sulking. He was released a few days later and was replaced by rookie Michael Wiley, Warren would eventually sign with the Philadelphia Eagles for the remainder of the season.

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordAttendance
1September 3 Philadelphia Eagles L 14–410–162,872
2September 10at Arizona Cardinals L 31–320–266,008
3September 18at Washington Redskins W 27–211–284,431
4September 24 San Francisco 49ers L 24–411–364,127
5October 1at Carolina Panthers W 16–13 (OT)2–368,909
6 Bye
7October 15at New York Giants L 14–192–478,189
8October 22 Arizona Cardinals W 48–73–462,981
9October 29 Jacksonville Jaguars L 17–23 (OT)3–563,554
10November 5at Philadelphia Eagles L 13–16 (OT)3–665,636
11November 12 Cincinnati Bengals W 23–64–662,170
12November 19at Baltimore Ravens L 0–274–769,416
13 November 23 Minnesota Vikings L 15–274–863,878
14December 3at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 7–274–965,621
15December 10 Washington Redskins W 32–135–963,467
16December 17 New York Giants L 13–175–1061,311
17 December 25 at Tennessee Titans L 0–315–1168,498

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Standings

NFC East
WLTPCTPFPASTK
(1) New York Giants 1240.750328246W5
(4) Philadelphia Eagles 1150.688351245W2
Washington Redskins 880.500281269W1
Dallas Cowboys 5110.313294361L2
Arizona Cardinals 3130.188210443L7

Roster

Dallas Cowboys 2000 roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad

Rookies in italics
53 active, 12 inactive, 2 practice squad

Publications

The Football Encyclopedia ISBN   0-312-11435-4
Total Football ISBN   0-06-270170-3
Cowboys Have Always Been My Heroes ISBN   0-446-51950-2

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XXX</span> 1996 edition of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XXX was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1995 season. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers by the score of 27–17, winning their fifth Super Bowl in team history. The game was played on January 28, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, the first time the Super Bowl was played in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emmitt Smith</span> American football player (born 1969)

Emmitt James Smith III is an American former football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. Among other accolades, he is the league's all-time leading rusher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seneca Wallace</span> American football player (born 1980)

Seneca Sinclair Wallace is a former American football quarterback and current assistant coach for John Paul II High School. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa State. He was also a member of the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Galloway</span> American football player (born 1971)

Joseph Scott Galloway is an American former professional football player who is an analyst with ESPN. He was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Galloway was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the eighth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, and also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He is the NFL's career leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns among players never selected to the Pro Bowl.

James Edward McKnight is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. He played college football at Liberty University.

Dwayne Lewis Goodrich is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Tennessee.

This article contains an in-depth explanation of the history of the Dallas Cowboys, a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Dallas Cowboys season</span> NFL team season

The 2004 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 45th in the National Football League (NFL), their 16th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their 33rd playing their home games at Texas Stadium, and their second season under head coach Bill Parcells. The team failed to improve on their 10-6 record in 2003 and finished at 6–10, failing to make the playoffs for the fourth time since 1999.

The 2003 Dallas Cowboys season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). Coming off three consecutive 5–11 seasons, Dallas hired former New York Giants, New York Jets, and New England Patriots coach Bill Parcells. In a scheduling coincidence, the Cowboys faced all three said teams in the 2003 regular season.

The 2002 Dallas Cowboys season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). It was Emmitt Smith's 13th and final season with the team, officially marking the end of the famed "triplets" tenure in Dallas after wide receiver Michael Irvin was forced to retire prematurely after the 1999 season and quarterback Troy Aikman retired prior to the start of the 2001 season. All three players would eventually be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was also the last of three consecutive 5–11 finishes for the Cowboys, which began in 2000. Texas Stadium also saw new RealGrass Turf surface by week 5, replacing the AstroTurf.

The 1998 Dallas Cowboys season was the Cowboys' 39th season in the NFL. The Cowboys were looking to improve on their 6–10 mark from the year before and head to the Super Bowl for the final time in the 1990s.

The 1996 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 37th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the third year under head coach Barry Switzer. Following their victory in Super Bowl XXX, the Cowboys endured a rough year failing to improve their 12–4 record from 1995 but still reached the playoffs with a 10–6 record. Star receiver Michael Irvin was suspended by the league for the first five games and before the playoffs was accused along with lineman Erik Williams of sexual assault. Controversy also took place when writer Skip Bayless published a scathing account of the Cowboys' 1995 season. Longtime trainer Mike Woicik also left the team after the season following a sideline dispute with coach Barry Switzer although Woicik returned in 2011. Additionally, late in the season; defensive tackle Leon Lett would be suspended for the last 3 games of the season and the first 13 of the following season after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The 1995 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 36th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the second year under head coach Barry Switzer and final of the three Super Bowl titles they would win during 1992 to 1995. Dallas would be the first team to ever win three Super Bowls in a span of four seasons. Switzer guided the Cowboys to a fifth Super Bowl win by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX. As of 2023, this is the most recent time the Cowboys appeared in the NFC Championship Game, and in turn, their most recent Super Bowl appearance.

The 1992 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 33rd season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the fourth year of the franchise under head coach Jimmy Johnson. The Cowboys made the first of three Super Bowl appearances between 1992–95.

The 2001 Dallas Cowboys season was the team's 42nd in the National Football League (NFL). The Cowboys matched their record from the season before, going 5–11 and missing the playoffs, finishing last in the NFC East. For the first time since 1988, Troy Aikman was not on the Cowboys roster as quarterback, as the three-time Super Bowl champion retired, after playing for the team from 1989 to 2000. For the first time, Pat Summerall and John Madden did not call any Cowboys games for Fox all year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Dallas Cowboys season</span> NFL team season

The 2008 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL). The season ended when the Cowboys were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles 44–6 in week 17, their worst loss since the 1985 Chicago Bears came to Texas Stadium and beat the Cowboys 44–0. It was the last season the Cowboys played at Texas Stadium; they moved to Cowboys Stadium in 2009. Despite entering the last month of the season four games above .500, they failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005, losing three of their last four games and finishing with a 9–7 record.

Charlie U. Williams is a former American football defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Bowling Green State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 50th season in franchise history; first in AT&T Stadium

The 2009 Dallas Cowboys season was the 50th anniversary for the team in the National Football League (NFL). It was the team's first season playing at Cowboys Stadium. Their victory over the Oakland Raiders on November 26 extended their Thanksgiving winning streak to four in a row and also ended a three-game losing streak to the Raiders. They also ended the New Orleans Saints' bid for a perfect season after a 13–0 start with a 24–17 victory on December 19, 2009. The Cowboys earned a playoff spot on December 27 after beating the Washington Redskins 17–0. On January 3, 2010, the Cowboys clinched their division with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles, 24–0. In the wild-card round of the playoffs, the Cowboys once again defeated the Eagles, 34–14, to score their first playoff win since December 28, 1996 and finish the season sweep of all three games played against Philadelphia. They lost 34-3 to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending their season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 55th season in franchise history

The 2014 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), the sixth playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fourth full season under head coach Jason Garrett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaquill Griffin</span> American football player (born 1995)

Shaquill "Shaq" Griffin is an American football cornerback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He is the twin brother of former linebacker Shaquem Griffin, and both brothers played college football at UCF. Griffin was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

References

  1. "2000 NFL Draft Pick Transactions". ProSportsTransactions.com.
  2. Low, Chris (May 12, 2014). "Goodrich goes from inmate to graduate". ESPN. Retrieved March 25, 2022.