The 1996 Season

Record: 10-6
NFC Eastern Division Champions

Synopsis:

The 1996 season could only be described as the "Year of Distraction." The Cowboys made as many headlines off the field as on the field. On top of the distractions, Dallas was not as deep as years past and injuries hurt Dallas all season. Additonally, the Super Bowl title and salary cap left Dallas vulerable to other teams and they took advantage. Many players left for other teams and more money such as Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown. Additionally, the draft did not provide any star players for the 1996 season.

The once-powerful offense of the Cowboys was in big trouble. Jay Novacek was injured and lost for the season. Michael Irvin was suspended for the first five games by the league for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Even reliable Emmitt Smith began the season injured and never was 100%. Dallas began the season 1-3 and was down 10-0 at Philadelphia before Herschel Walker's kickoff return changed the game and the season. Dallas won and went 2-3 without Irvin. With Irvin, Dallas went on to win 5 of 6, but Dallas normally reliable offense was still not clicking. Dallas beat the eventual Super Bowl Champions Green Bay without scoring a touchdown, but settled for 7 field goals. Dallas was dealt another blow by the League's Substance Abuse Policy when Leon Lett was found in violation and supended for a year after Thanksgiving. Despite the distractions, Dallas finished the season 10-6 and the fifth straight division title. The offense had its problems and scored a mere 286 points, down 169 points from the 1995. The defense of the Cowboys was the strength, allowing only 250 despite being on the field for much longer. The loss of Leon Lett and health of Charles Haley going into the playoffs were the keys

The playoffs began on a different foot. Dallas did not gain a bye in the first round of playoffs and, while home, must play Minnesota to begin the post-season. The first round game was no match. Dallas easily beat Minnesota 40-15 and looked like the Dallas of old. Then the distractions came once again. Michael Irvin and Erik Williams were the target of a very public investigation of alleged sexual assault. Though these charges were later found to be false, the distraction was there--exactly what wasn't needed against a very good Carolina Panther team. The combination was too much and the Cowboys lost 26-17 ending the hopes of another repeat championship.

Notables:

• Dallas wins record 5th straight NFC Eastern Division Title
• Chris Boniol kicks NFL record 7 field goals against Green Bay on Oct. 23.

see 1996 NFL Standings