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NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys

Grade: D-

What went right: This was one of the roughest seasons in some time for the boys down in Big D. The Cowboys really can’t come away feeling very good about anything in this season, perhaps save inside linebacker Sean Lee. Dallas was in the race throughout the year because the NFC East was so bad, but that is little consolation for a team that is so underwhelming after a promising offseason.

What went wrong: Injuries were the main problem with the team. Dallas lost Tony Romo in Week 2 and then on Thanksgiving, both times to a broken clavicle. Without Romo, the Cowboys were trying to win games with the combination of Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel. Between the two of them, only one victory was secured. It was a season to forget for everybody that supports America’s Team.

Offseason expectations: It’s really about getting healthy and trying to fix the secondary. The Cowboys have struggled for years with a secondary that is long on expectations and short on talent. After putting premium investments into both Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, the Cowboys have to reconfigure the back end of the defense and find some players at a cheaper rate who can play.

Next: New York Giants

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