2009 Dallas Cowboys season

Last updated

2009 Dallas Cowboys season
OwnerJerry Jones
General manager Jerry Jones
Head coach Wade Phillips
Home field Cowboys Stadium
Results
Record11–5
Division place1st NFC East
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Eagles) 34–14
Lost Divisional Playoffs
(at Vikings) 3–34
Pro Bowlers Miles Austin WR
Leonard Davis G
Andre Gurode C
Mike Jenkins CB
Terence Newman CB
Jay Ratliff DT
Tony Romo QB
DeMarcus Ware LB
Jason Witten TE
AP All-Pros Jay Ratliff (1st team)
DeMarcus Ware (1st team)
Andre Gurode (2nd team)
Tony Romo (2nd team)
Jason Witten (2nd team)
Uniform
Cowboys uniforms12.png

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.

Contents

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.

Offseason

The 2009 NFL draft was one of the worst in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, with many experts comparing it unfavorably to the 1995 "backup draft", by calling it the "special teams draft". Entering the season, the team considered their special teams a glaring weakness, so they hired a new coach (Joe DeCamillis) and focused on drafting players who could contribute immediately on this unit. The Cowboys started the day without a first-round draft choice (part of the price to acquire Roy Williams) and then traded out of the second round after they couldn't draft center Max Unger, reaching a total of 12 picks, which was their most selections since the 1992 NFL draft. The eventual result was that the team couldn't find a starter in the group and most of the players drafted were waived by the 2010 season. [1]

On May 2, 2009 during the rookie mini-camp, the Cowboys air-supported roof practice field (a tent-like structure) collapsed during a storm that turned into a microburst. At the time of the incident, there were around 70 people inside (team personnel, coaches, rookie players and media), leaving 12 people injured. The most serious injuries were suffered by scouting assistant Rich Behm, who was left paralyzed from the waist down after his spine was severed, DeCamillis, the special teams coach, fractured one of his cervical vertebrae and Greg Gaither, the assistant athletic trainer, sustained a fracture to the tibia and fibula in his right leg. [2] The facility was completely destroyed and was never rebuilt. After the incident fallout, Summit Structures, its parent company Cover-All Building Systems and the consulting firm JCI (helped design reinforcements) all filed for bankruptcy after serious structural flaws were found with the construction and manufacturing of the facility.

2009 draft class

2009 Dallas Cowboys Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
369 Jason Williams LB Western Illinois
375 Robert Brewster OT Ball State
4101 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M
4110 Victor Butler LB Oregon State
4120 Brandon Williams DE Texas Tech
5153 DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati
5166 Michael Hamlin S Clemson
5172 David Buehler K USC
6197Stephen HodgeS TCU
6208 John Phillips TE Virginia
7227 Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati
7229 Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma
Compensatory selection

Notes

Schedule

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1August 13at Oakland Raiders L 10–310–1 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
2August 21 Tennessee Titans W 30–101–1 Cowboys Stadium Recap
3August 29 San Francisco 49ers L 13–201–2Cowboys Stadium Recap
4September 4at Minnesota Vikings W 35–312–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap

Regular season

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1September 13at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 34–211–0 Raymond James Stadium Recap
2September 20 New York Giants L 31–331–1 Cowboys Stadium Recap
3September 28 Carolina Panthers W 21–72–1 Cowboys Stadium Recap
4October 4at Denver Broncos L 10–172–2 Invesco Field at Mile High Recap
5October 11at Kansas City Chiefs *W 26–20 (OT)3–2 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
6 Bye
7October 25 Atlanta Falcons W 37–214–2 Cowboys Stadium Recap
8November 1 Seattle Seahawks W 38–175–2 Cowboys Stadium Recap
9November 8at Philadelphia Eagles W 20–166–2 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
10November 15at Green Bay Packers L 7–176–3 Lambeau Field Recap
11November 22 Washington Redskins W 7–67–3 Cowboys Stadium Recap
12 November 26 Oakland Raiders *W 24–78–3 Cowboys Stadium Recap
13December 6at New York Giants L 24–318–4 Giants Stadium Recap
14December 13 San Diego Chargers L 17–208–5 Cowboys Stadium Recap
15December 19at New Orleans Saints W 24–179–5 Louisiana Superdome Recap
16December 27at Washington Redskins W 17–010–5 FedExField Recap
17January 3 Philadelphia Eagles W 24–011–5 Cowboys Stadium Recap

Standings

NFC East
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(3) Dallas Cowboys 1150.6884–29–3361250W3
(6) Philadelphia Eagles 1150.6884–29–3429337L1
New York Giants 880.5004–26–6402427L2
Washington Redskins 4120.2500–62–10266336L3

Regular season results

Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Period1234Total
Cowboys6771434
Buccaneers0701421

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

The Cowboys began their season at Raymond James Stadium for a Week 1 duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, Dallas shot first as kicker Nick Folk got a 51-yard and a 22-yard field goal. The Buccaneers responded in the second quarter as running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys regained the lead as quarterback Tony Romo completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin.

Dallas increased their lead in the third quarter as Romo completed a 66-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy Williams. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay answered with running back Derrick Ward getting a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Cowboys struck right back with Romo completing an 80-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Patrick Crayton, along with running back Marion Barber getting a 6-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Tampa Bay's rally only produced a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Byron Leftwich to tight end Kellen Winslow.

With the win, Dallas began its season at 1–0.

Week 2: vs. New York Giants

Period1234Total
Giants101001333
Cowboys7107731

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Coming off their road win over the Buccaneers, the Cowboys would play their very first regular season home game at the new Cowboys Stadium. With an NFL-record regular season crowd on hand, Dallas would play a Sunday night game against their NFC East rival, the New York Giants.

In the first quarter, Dallas trailed early as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes got a 30-yard field goal. Dallas responded with running back Marion Barber getting a 2-yard touchdown run, but New York retook the lead as cornerback Bruce Johnson returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Giants added a Tynes 28-yard field goal to make the score 13–7. The Cowboys responded with a 1-yard Tony Romo touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten, yet New York went back on top as quarterback Eli Manning completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham, this pass however was juggled but still ruled as a touchdown. Dallas closed out the half as kicker Nick Folk made a 47-yard field goal.

The Cowboys would regain the lead in the third quarter as Romo ran for a 3-yard touchdown. However, in the fourth quarter, the Giants again got the lead as Manning completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith, followed by Tynes kicking a 36-yard field goal. Dallas responded with a 7-yard touchdown run from running back Felix Jones. The Giants would respond with a game-winning drive capped by a Lawrence Tynes field goal with no time left to seal a Giants victory and hand the Cowboys their first loss in their new stadium

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 1-1

Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers

Period1234Total
Panthers07007
Cowboys00101121

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Hoping to rebound from their tough divisional loss to the Giants, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 3 Monday night duel with the Carolina Panthers. After a scoreless first quarter, Dallas trailed in the second quarter as Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dante Rosario. The Cowboys took control in the third quarter as kicker Nick Folk nailed a 24-yard field goal, followed by running back Tashard Choice getting a 5-yard touchdown run. Dallas pulled away with Folk's 19-yard field goal and cornerback Terence Newman returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown (with Choice getting the 2-point conversion run).

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 2-1

Week 4: at Denver Broncos

Period1234Total
Cowboys1000010
Broncos0701017

at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Coming off their Monday night home win over the Panthers, the Cowboys flew to Invesco Field at Mile High for a Week 4 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos. Dallas would deliver the opening shots in the first quarter with kicker Nick Folk making a 49-yard field goal, followed by running back Marion Barber's 1-yard touchdown run. The Broncos would answer in the second quarter with quarterback Kyle Orton completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Knowshon Moreno. After a scoreless third quarter, Denver would take control in the fourth. The Broncos would tie the game with a 28-yard field goal from kicker Matt Prater, and then they would take the lead with Orton's 51-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The 'Boys would get a late game drive all the way down to Denver's 1-yard line, but the Broncos' defense would hold on for the win.

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 2-2

Week 5: at Kansas City Chiefs

Period1234OTTotal
Cowboys03710626
Chiefs01037020

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Broncos, the Cowboys flew to Arrowhead Stadium, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 5 interconference duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. After a scoreless first quarter, Dallas would trail in the second quarter as Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop booted a 47-yard field goal and quarterback Matt Cassel hooked up with linebacker Mike Vrabel on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys would close out the half with a 22-yard field goal by kicker Nick Folk.

Kansas City came out in the third quarter with Succop's 38-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys began to take control as running back Tashard Choice got a 36-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas took the lead as Folk nailed a 28-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo completing a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin. However, the Chiefs would tie the game with Cassel's 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. In overtime, the 'Boys came out on top as Romo hooked up with Austin again on a game-winning 60-yard touchdown pass.

Austin finished the game with 250 yards on 10 catches along with the two touchdowns, a Cowboy receiving record.

With the win, the Cowboys went into their bye week at 3-2

Week 6: BYE

Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Period1234Total
Falcons707721
Cowboys01771337

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Coming off their bye week, the Cowboys went home for a Week 7 duel with the Atlanta Falcons. Dallas would trail in the first quarter as Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan found wide receiver Roddy White on a 4-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, the Cowboys came out shooting as kicker Nick Folk made a 38-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo completing a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Patrick Crayton.

Atlanta tried to catch up in the third quarter with running back Michael Turner's 2-yard touchdown run, yet Dallas answered with Romo finding Austin again on a 22-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys would increase their lead in the fourth quarter with Folk nailing a 46-yard field goal and Crayton returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. The Falcons tried to come back with Ryan's 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Weems, yet Dallas closed out the game with Folk's 34-yard field goal.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 4-2

Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Period1234Total
Seahawks370717
Cowboys71414338

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Coming off their win over the Falcons, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 8 duel with the Seattle Seahawks. Dallas would trail early in the first quarter as Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare nailed a 43-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys answered with quarterback Tony Romo completing a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sam Hurd. In the second quarter, Dallas increased their lead as running back Marion Barber got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Seahawks would reply with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's 23-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deion Branch, yet the Cowboys came right back with Romo's 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy Williams.

Dallas would greatly increase their lead in the third quarter with Romo hooking up with wide receiver Miles Austin on a 3-yard touchdown pass, followed by wide receiver Patrick Crayton returning a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys solidified their win with kicker Nick Folk nailing a 40-yard field goal. Seattle would close out the game's scoring with Hasselbeck's 4-yard touchdown pass to fullback Justin Griffith.

With the win, Dallas improved to 5-2

Crayton would join "Bullet Bob" Hayes as the only Cowboys to have back-to-back games with a punt return for a touchdown.

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Period1234Total
Cowboys7301020
Eagles067316

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Coming off their home win over the Seahawks, the Cowboys flew to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 9 NFC East duel with the Philadelphia Eagles with both teams fighting for the division lead. Dallas would deliver the opening shot in the first quarter as running back Tashard Choice got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Eagles would answer in the second quarter as kicker David Akers made a 45-yard and a 48-yard field goal, yet the Cowboys came right back with a 22-yard field goal from kicker Nick Folk.

Philadelphia would take the lead in the third quarter as quarterback Donovan McNabb completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek. Afterwards, Dallas would regain the lead in the fourth quarter as Folk booted a 33-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Tony Romo hooking up with wide receiver Miles Austin on a 49-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles tried to rally as Akers nailed a 52-yard field goal, yet the 'Boys would run out the clock and grab the lead in the NFC East. This win was only the Cowboys third win in the last eleven games at Philadelphia and avenged a 44–6 blowout loss at Lincoln Financial Field in the 2008 season finale.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 6-2

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers

Period1234Total
Cowboys00077
Packers0301417

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Coming off a huge divisional win over the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to Lambeau Field for a Week 10 duel with the Green Bay Packers. After a scoreless first quarter, the Packers would acquire the only points of the opening half as kicker Mason Crosby booted a 48-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Green Bay would extend their lead in the fourth quarter as quarterback Aaron Rodgers got a 1-yard touchdown run and threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Spencer Havner. Dallas tried to rally as quarterback Tony Romo hooked up with wide receiver Roy Williams on a 9-yard touchdown pass, but the Packers' defense would shut down any further attempt. In this game, the Cowboys avoided a shutout in the final minutes. Their previous shutout was in 2003 against the New England Patriots in which they lost 12–0.

With the loss, the Cowboys fell to 6-3

Week 11: vs. Washington Redskins

Period1234Total
Redskins03306
Cowboys00077

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Hoping to rebound from their frustrating loss to the Packers, the Cowboys returned home for their Week 11 NFC East rivalry match against the Washington Redskins. After a scoreless first quarter, Dallas trailed early after Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham nailed a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Suisham booted a 31-yard field goal to keep the Redskins in front, yet in the fourth quarter, Dallas took the lead with quarterback Tony Romo completing a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Patrick Crayton.

With the close win, the Cowboys improved to 7-3

Week 12: vs. Oakland Raiders

Period1234Total
Raiders00707
Cowboys3140724

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Coming off their win over the Redskins, the Cowboys stayed at home for a Week 12 Thanksgiving duel with the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Dallas began their dominating day with kicker Nick Folk booting a 36-yard field goal. The Cowboys would add onto their lead in the second quarter as running back Felix Jones got a 46-yard touchdown, followed by quarterback Tony Romo finding wide receiver Miles Austin on a 9-yard touchdown pass.

The Raiders would try to rally in the third quarter as quarterback Bruce Gradkowski completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, yet Dallas would pull away in the fourth quarter as Romo hooked up with wide receiver Roy Williams.

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 8-3

Romo (18/29, 309 yards, 2 TDs), Austin (7 receptions, 145 yards, 1 TD), & tight end Jason Witten (5 receptions, 107 yards) were named CBS's All-Iron Award winners.

Week 13: at New York Giants

Period1234Total
Cowboys0107724
Giants01471031

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Coming off their Thanksgiving win over the Raiders, the Cowboys went to Giants Stadium for the final time to face off against their NFC East rival the New York Giants.

With a scoreless first quarter the Cowboys scored a field goal and touchdown by Tony Romo to Roy Williams. However, the Giants countered by scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter. Nick Folk missed a 57-yard field goal just before halftime. In the third quarter, both teams scored touchdowns and Nick Folk missed a 42-yard field goal which would have put the Cowboys in front. In the fourth quarter the Giants scored two touchdowns, one being a 79-yard punt return by Domenik Hixon. Dallas would score a late touchdown from Romo to Miles Austin but the game ended with the Giants sweeping the series.

Dallas fell to 8-4 with the loss.

Week 14: vs. San Diego Chargers

Period1234Total
Chargers7301020
Cowboys307717

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

With the loss, the Cowboys dropped to 8-5

Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

Period1234Total
Cowboys1437024
Saints0301417

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Hoping to end the two-game skid from their tough losses to the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers, the Cowboys went to the Superdome to take on the undefeated New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys took the lead in the first half by scoring two touchdowns with a 49-yard pass from Tony Romo to Miles Austin and a 3-yard touchdown run by Marion Barber. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware made a big play as he sacked Saints quarterback Drew Brees and caused the ball to be fumbled. Anthony Spencer recovered the ball to put it in Dallas' hands. The Saints only points of the half were from a 43-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley.

In the second half, the Cowboys scored their only touchdown in the third quarter with a two-yard touchdown run by Marion Barber. Finally in the fourth quarter New Orleans got a touchdown when running back Mike Bell scored from one yard out to make a 24–10 Dallas lead. Drew Brees also made a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lance Moore. After that, Nick Folk attempted a 24-yard field goal, but the kick was no good. With a big advantage to take the lead as the clock was expiring, the Saints were driving for the game-tying score, but DeMarcus Ware made his second sack on Drew Brees, which again caused the ball to be fumbled. This time the ball was recovered by nose guard Jay Ratliff. With the ball in possession, Dallas took a knee to conclude the game.

With a huge win over the once-undefeated Saints, the Cowboys extended their chances to make the playoffs and ended a two-game losing streak. They improved their record to 9–5.

Week 16: at Washington Redskins

Period1234Total
Cowboys770317
Redskins00000

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Coming off a win over the New Orleans Saints, the Cowboys went to FedExField to take on the Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, Tony Romo made a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roy Williams. In the second quarter, Marion Barber made a 3-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys ended the first half of the game holding Washington to no points.

The Cowboys got a 23-yard field goal in the second half by their new kicker Shaun Suisham who had played for the Redskins prior to the game. The Redskins continued to be scoreless and ended the game being shut out. This was the first shutout victory over the Redskins since the Cowboys beat them 27–0 on December 14, 2003, and the first time they swept the Redskins since the 2004 season.

With the victory, the Cowboys clinched a spot in the playoffs and improved from their final 9–7 record from the previous season. The win also closed the door on the 8–7 New York Giants, who had a 41–9 loss to the Carolina Panthers earlier that day. With the win, the Cowboys improved to 10–5.

Week 17: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Period1234Total
Eagles00000
Cowboys7107024

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Coming off their shutout victory against Washington, the Cowboys stayed home for their regular season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles in a regular season-sealing claim for the NFC East crown. The Cowboys scored their first touchdown of the game when Tony Romo completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten in the first quarter. In the second quarter, wide receiver Patrick Crayton completed a 14-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo. Shaun Suisham also nailed a 44-yard field goal. The Cowboys scored their final touchdown of the game when running back Felix Jones ran a 49-yard touchdown. The Eagles could not score the entire game with quarterback Donovan McNabb getting sacked four times.

With the victory, the Cowboys once again reclaimed first place in their division and improved to 11–5 to top off their regular season. This is the first time the Cowboys have swept the series since 2005, and also to snap Dallas's 9-regular season finale losing streak, as well as being the first time the Cowboys won a January game since 2000. The Cowboys would face off with the Eagles again in their first game of the playoffs the next week. This is also the first time Dallas posted back to back shutouts and Tony Romo broke his old team record for single season passing. They finished the regular season with an 11–5 record.

Post-season results

NFC Wild-Card Game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

January 9, 2010

Period1234Total
Eagles070714
Cowboys0277034

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Entering the playoffs as the NFC's No. 3 seed, the Cowboys began their postseason run at home in "Round 3" against their rival, the No. 6 Philadelphia Eagles, in a rematch of their week 17 victory.

After a scoreless first quarter, Dallas delivered the opening shot in the second quarter with quarterback Tony Romo completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end John Phillips. The Eagles responded with quarterback Michael Vick's 76-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin when cornerback Mike Jenkins fell on the route. Then the Cowboys exploded with points, starting with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Tashard Choice, a 25-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham, Romo's 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Austin and Suisham's second field goal of the quarter, from 48 yards.

Dallas went back to work in the third quarter with running back Felix Jones' 76-yard touchdown run. Philadelphia tried to rally in the fourth quarter as quarterback Donovan McNabb completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeSean Jackson, but the 'Boys would drain every last bit of hope needed for a comeback.

The Cowboys and Eagles combined to set an NFL record for the most penalty yards in a playoff game, ever. The two teams were penalized 23 times for 228 yards. [5]

With the win, not only did the Cowboys improve to 12–5 and sweep three games from the Philadelphia Eagles, they finally won their first postseason game since 1996, and head coach Wade Phillips finally got his first postseason win.

NFC Divisional: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Period1234Total
Cowboys03003
Vikings71001734

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Coming off their three-game sweep over the Eagles, the Cowboys flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for the NFC Divisional Round against the No. 2 Minnesota Vikings. Dallas would trail in the first quarter as Vikings quarterback Brett Favre completed a 47-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sidney Rice. The Cowboys would respond in the second quarter with kicker Shaun Suisham making a 33-yard field goal, but Minnesota struck again as Favre found Rice again on a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by kicker Ryan Longwell getting a 23-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Vikings pulled away in the fourth quarter with Longwell booting a 28-yard field goal, followed by Favre' 45-yard touchdown pass to Rice and an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

With the loss, the Cowboys' season ended with an overall record of 12–6 and their first playoff win since 1996.

Players

Movement

After news reports about a 2007 shooting allegation surfaced, the Cowboys released talented but controversial cornerback Adam Jones on February 9, 2009. [6] Their next move was to release backup quarterback Brad Johnson on February 26, 2009 and not to re-sign QB Brooks Bollinger. [7] The Cowboys had been 1–3 when Johnson started in 2008. Two days later, the Cowboys traded starting cornerback Anthony Henry, age 32, to the Detroit Lions in exchange for quarterback Jon Kitna to back up starting quarterback Tony Romo. [8] The same day the team signed five-time Pro Bowl, two-time second-team All-Pro linebacker Keith Brooking away from the Atlanta Falcons. [9] The 33-year-old Brooking had led the Falcons in tackles the previous eight seasons, and he signed a three-year deal worth $7.8 million and includes $2.5 million guaranteed. [10]

The team lost starting defensive end Chris Canty to the New York Giants on March 1, 2009. [11] To fill the need left by Canty's departure, the team signed former Chargers defensive end Igor Olshansky to a four-year, $18 million contract, with $8 million guaranteed on March 6, 2009. [12] Linebacker Matt Stewart, who played for Wade Phillips in Atlanta, and had 108 tackles in 2003, signed a one-year contract on March 3, 2009. [13] Stewart helped replace free-agent linebacker Kevin Burnett, who signed a two-year contract worth $5.5 million with a $2 million signing bonus to play for the San Diego Chargers. [14]

On March 4, 2009, the Cowboys cut Terrell Owens, a five-time All-Pro wide receiver who ranks second in NFL history in career touchdowns. [15] The next morning, the team also released five-time Pro Bowl strong safety Roy Williams. Williams had struggled to excel in the 3–4 defense Phillips installed when he became head coach. [16] The Cowboys bolstered its secondary in the wake of Williams' departure by signing strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who started 13 games in 2008 for the Jacksonville Jaguars, to a one-year, $1.75 million deal. [14]

In April, the Cowboys addressed their restricted free agents, whose signing period ran through April 17, 2009. [17] Offensive lineman Cory Procter signed a one-year tender offer on April 4, 2009. [18] Defensive end Stephen Bowen also signed a tender offer two days later. [19] Wide receiver Sam Hurd signed a one-year offer worth $1.545 million on April 20, 2009. [17] The team signed their final restricted free agent, wide receiver Miles Austin, and both exclusive-rights free agents, running back Alonzo Coleman and tight end Rodney Hannah, to one-year contracts worth $1.54 million, $385,000, and $310,000 respectively on April 23, 2009. [20]

The team released thirty-four-year-old, Pro-Bowl defensive end Greg Ellis on June 2, 2009. The move saved the Cowboys $4.15 million. [21]

Free agents in 2009

RFA: Restricted free-agent, UFA: Unrestricted free-agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent

PositionPlayerFree agency
tag
Date signed2009 team
OG/OL Joe Berger UFAFebruary 27, 2009Miami Dolphins [22]
WR Miles Austin RFAApril 23, 2009Dallas Cowboys [20]
QB Brooks Bollinger UFAFlorida Tuskers
DE Stephen Bowen RFAApril 6, 2009Dallas Cowboys [19]
LB Kevin Burnett UFAMarch 10, 2009San Diego Chargers [14]
DE Chris Canty UFAMarch 1, 2009New York Giants [11]
RB Alonzo Coleman ERFAApril 23, 2009Dallas Cowboys [20]
OT Marc Colombo UFADecember 25, 2008Dallas Cowboys [23]
TE Tony Curtis UFAApril 24, 2009Kansas City Chiefs [24]
SS Keith Davis UFAMay 21, 2009 Oakland Raiders [25]
TE Rodney Hannah ERFAApril 23, 2009Dallas Cowboys [20]
WR Sam Hurd RFAApril 20, 2009Dallas Cowboys [17]
QB Brad Johnson ReleasedFebruary 26, 2009Retired
DL Tank Johnson UFAApril 7, 2009Cincinnati Bengals [26]
CB Adam Jones ReleasedFebruary 9, 2009N/A (Suspended for 2009)
P Sam Paulescu UFAWashington Redskins/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB Carlos Polk UFARetired
OG Cory Procter RFAApril 4, 2009Dallas Cowboys [18]
LB Zach Thomas UFAApril 13, 2009Kansas City Chiefs [27]

2009 NFL Draft selections

2009 Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft selections
Draft orderPlayer namePositionHeightWeightCollege
RoundPick
369(from CLE) Jason Williams Outside linebacker6 ft 3 in235 lbWestern Illinois
375(from BUF) Robert Brewster Offensive tackle6 ft 4 in325 lbBall State
4101(from DET) Stephen McGee Quarterback6 ft 3 in222 lbTexas A&M
4110(from BUF) Victor Butler Outside linebacker6 ft 2 in248 lbOregon State
4117 Brandon Williams Defensive end6 ft 5 in246 lbTexas Tech
5156 DeAngelo Smith Cornerback5 ft 10 in191 lbCincinnati
5166(from TEN) Michael Hamlin Safety6 ft 2 in207 lbClemson
5172 David Buehler Kicker6 ft 2 in220 lbUSC
6197(from MIA)Stephen HodgeSafety6 ft 0 in234 lbTCU
6208 John Phillips Tight end6 ft 6 in250 lbVirginia
7227 Mike Mickens Cornerback5 ft 11 in176 lbCincinnati
7229(from CHI) Manuel Johnson Wide receiver5 ft 11 in189 lbOklahoma

Rosters

Opening training camp roster

Dallas Cowboys 2009 opening training camp roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 95 Tim Anderson NT (Active/PUP) Injury icon.svg
  • 55Stephen Hodge ILB (Active/PUP) Injury icon.svg

Unsigned Draft Picks

Rookies in italics
80 active, 0 inactive, 1 Unsigned

Week one roster

Dallas Cowboys 2009 week one 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, 4 inactive, 8 PS

Final roster

Dallas Cowboys 2009 final 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, 3 inactive, 7 pracctice squad,

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Dallas Cowboys season</span> NFL team season

The 2006 Dallas Cowboys season was the 47th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). The season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005. The base offense was changed to a 2-tight end formation. Several high-profile free agents were signed including controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens and kicker Mike Vanderjagt. Veteran defensive end Greg Ellis was also converted into a linebacker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Dallas Cowboys season</span> NFL team season

The 2007 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 48th in the National Football League (NFL), their 19th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their 36th playing their home games at Texas Stadium, their first season under offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and their first season under head coach Wade Phillips. The Cowboys finished the regular season tied for the best record in the NFC (13–3), and earned a first-round bye for the first time since 1995 and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 49th season in franchise history

The 2009 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 49th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Brad Childress. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008, their first successful defense of a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978. They beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, but lost the NFC Championship Game in overtime to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, missing out on what would have been their first Super Bowl since Super Bowl XI in 1976. This year's NFC Championship Game is also dubbed by many as the "Bountygate Game" that also resulted in several players and coaching staff receiving 12-month suspensions three years later. The Vikings had 10 Pro Bowlers and four All-Pros on their roster, both league-highs for the season.

The 2009 season was the San Diego Chargers' 40th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 50th since becoming founding members of the American Football League. The Chargers improved upon their regular season record of 8–8 in 2008 and won their division for the fourth straight year and fifth time in six seasons. They finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, the second best winning percentage in franchise history but were upset in the Divisional Playoffs by the New York Jets. It was also Norv Turner's best regular season record as head coach. Also, this was the end of an era as future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson joined the New York Jets following the season, ending his 9-year tenure as a Charger. As of 2023, this represents the most recent AFC West title for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers.

The 2009 season was the Washington Redskins' 78th in the National Football League (NFL) and their second and final under head coach Jim Zorn. During the season, long-time general manager Vinny Cerrato resigned on December 17, 2009, and the team hired Bruce Allen before their week 15 game at home on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants.

The 2009 New York Giants season was the 85th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). It was the team's final season in Giants Stadium; in 2010, the Giants moved into New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants hoped to improve upon their 12–4 record from 2008, avenge their divisional round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and make the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Despite starting 5–0 to begin the season, they went 3–8 in their next 11 games and finished 3rd in the NFC East. They were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2004 in Week 16, after the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys both won. They played teams from the NFC South and AFC West as per the schedule rotation, as well as their regular games with their NFC East rivals. For head coach Tom Coughlin, this was his 6th season as the coach of the Giants. This season also saw the Giants play on Thanksgiving Day for the first time since 1992. They lost to the Denver Broncos 26–6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Atlanta Falcons season</span> NFL team season

The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however, the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15 for the first time since 2007, after the Dallas Cowboys upset the New Orleans Saints. Despite not making the playoffs, the team, with a record of 9–7, posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The only Falcon this year to play in the Pro Bowl was Roddy White. He finished the game with 8 catches and 84 yards. In the first 5 games, the Falcons were 4-1. But, after that, they sagged, going 5-6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season</span> NFL team season

The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 12th playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium, and the first under head coach Raheem Morris. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd-place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Chicago Bears season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League (NFL). Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on their record in 2010, particularly their standing in the NFC North. All Bears home games were scheduled to be played at Soldier Field. With their final regular season record at 11–5, the Bears improved drastically on their 2009 record. Their regular season finished with their first playoff appearance since the Super Bowl season of 2006, winning the NFC North division and earning a bye as the NFC's second seed. The Bears won their first game in the Divisional round of the playoffs, defeating the Seattle Seahawks, to advance to the NFC Championship game. However, their season came to an end with a 21–14 loss to their longtime rivals and eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

The 2010 Tennessee Titans season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League (NFL), their 51st overall and their 14th season in Tennessee. The Titans hoped to improve on their 8–8 record from the 2009 season, but they failed to do so and ended up finishing 6-10. They started the season 5-2, but lost the next 8 of 9. This was the Titans’ final season under head coach Jeff Fisher, who resigned on January 27, 2011 after 17 seasons with the team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Washington Redskins season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 79th season in the National Football League (NFL), and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations. The Redskins obtained the 4th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft as a result of their 4–12 record from their previous season, which they used to draft Oklahoma tackle Trent Williams. Finishing the season 6–10, the Redskins improved on their 4–12 record from the 2009 season, but were officially eliminated from postseason contention in Week 14. Of the 16 games of the season, only four were decided by more than a single possession.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 51st season in franchise history

The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL), and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium. After falling to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Cowboys sought to defend their NFC East division title and contend for a Super Bowl Championship, particularly given that Super Bowl XLV would be played at Cowboys Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 52nd season in franchise history

The 2011 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL), 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 missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season due to their week 17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

The 2011 Miami Dolphins season was the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League (NFL), the 46th overall and the fourth and final under head coach Tony Sparano. The Dolphins made their first round selection with the 15th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft on Florida offensive lineman Mike Pouncey. The team got off to an 0–7 start but won six of their final nine games, however, this result failed to improve on their record from 2010 and Sparano was fired on December 12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 53rd season in franchise history

The 2012 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 53rd season National Football League (NFL), the fourth playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium and the second full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys matched their win total from 2011 but missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season after losing their final game for the second straight season, this time to the Washington Redskins. Their 8–8 record was remarkable because the Cowboys trailed at some point during every game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 54th season in franchise history

The 2013 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 54th in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth playing home games at AT&T Stadium and the third full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys finished 8–8 for a third consecutive season, but missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season after losing their final game for the third straight season, this time to the Philadelphia Eagles.

<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">2015 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 56th season in franchise history

The 2015 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 56th season in the National Football League (NFL), the seventh playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fifth full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys finished the regular season at 4–12. It was the team's worst record since 1989, when they went 1–15.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Dallas Cowboys season</span> 58th season in franchise history

The 2017 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 58th season in the National Football League (NFL), the ninth playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the seventh full season under head coach Jason Garrett. It was also the 29th season under owner Jerry Jones.

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