Tavon Austin’s Career with the Dallas Cowboys
Tavon Austin’s journey to the Dallas Cowboys was a testament to his undeniable talent and the constant search for a consistent role in the NFL. After a promising start with the Rams, he found himself seeking a fresh start with the Cowboys, hoping to reignite his career.
Tavon Austin’s Arrival in Dallas
Austin’s arrival in Dallas marked a turning point in his career. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft, he initially showcased his dynamic abilities as a dual-threat weapon. However, his role in the Rams’ offense evolved, and he was traded to the Cowboys in 2017 for a sixth-round draft pick. The Cowboys saw an opportunity to utilize his explosiveness and versatility in their offensive scheme, hoping to inject a spark into their attack.
Austin’s Impact on the Cowboys Offense
Austin’s impact on the Cowboys’ offense was a mixed bag. He contributed as a receiver, running back, and return specialist, showcasing his athleticism and playmaking ability. He brought a unique dimension to the Cowboys’ offense, adding a threat of explosive plays from multiple positions.
Key Statistics and Highlights
- In his two seasons with the Cowboys (2017-2018), Austin caught 44 passes for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- He also rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility as a running back.
- One of his most memorable moments with the Cowboys was a 64-yard touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, showcasing his speed and elusiveness.
Austin’s Departure from the Cowboys
Austin’s departure from the Cowboys in 2019 was a result of a combination of factors. While he provided a unique element to the offense, he struggled to consistently maintain a prominent role and didn’t live up to the expectations that surrounded him when he arrived in Dallas.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Departure
- His limited role in the offense and occasional inconsistency made him a luxury the Cowboys could not afford.
- The emergence of other offensive weapons, like Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, limited Austin’s opportunities.
- Injuries played a part in hindering his progress and consistency throughout his time in Dallas.
Tavon Austin’s Overall NFL Career: Tavon Austin Cowboys
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a journey marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. Despite being a highly touted draft pick, he never quite lived up to the expectations that surrounded him, but he did contribute to multiple teams in different ways.
Career Accomplishments and Challenges
Tavon Austin’s career was characterized by a mix of successes and struggles. He was a dynamic playmaker with explosive speed and agility, but injuries and inconsistent production often hampered his effectiveness.
- Early Success: Austin began his career with the St. Louis Rams, showcasing his talent with impressive returns and big plays. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013, his rookie season, and led the league in punt return touchdowns.
- Injury Concerns: Throughout his career, Austin battled injuries, including hamstring, knee, and foot issues. These injuries limited his playing time and affected his overall performance.
- Role Transition: As his career progressed, Austin transitioned from a primary offensive weapon to a more specialized role, often utilized as a return specialist or gadget player. This change in role was a reflection of his diminishing production and the emergence of other talented players.
- Team Changes: Austin played for several teams during his career, including the Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills. This constant change in teams could have contributed to his inconsistency.
Comparison of Performance Across Teams
While Austin’s best season came with the Rams, his performance with other teams was generally less impressive. His time with the Cowboys was marked by a lack of offensive production, while he found more success as a return specialist with the Chargers.
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2016): This was Austin’s most productive period, where he established himself as a dynamic playmaker with big-play potential. He averaged over 500 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns per season, showcasing his explosiveness and agility.
- Dallas Cowboys (2017): Austin’s time with the Cowboys was disappointing, as he failed to make a significant impact on the offense. He struggled to find his rhythm and only recorded 22 receptions for 229 yards.
- Los Angeles Chargers (2018): Austin had a more productive season with the Chargers, primarily as a return specialist. He averaged 10.8 yards per punt return and returned a punt for a touchdown.
- Buffalo Bills (2019): Austin’s final season in the NFL was with the Bills, where he played a limited role and primarily contributed on special teams.
Strengths and Weaknesses, Tavon austin cowboys
Austin’s playing style was characterized by a combination of strengths and weaknesses.
- Strengths:
- Explosive Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed and agility made him a threat to break big plays. He could make defenders miss in the open field and turn short gains into long touchdowns.
- Return Specialist: Austin was a dangerous return specialist, with the ability to take a punt or kickoff to the house. He possessed the vision and instincts to make big plays in the return game.
- Versatility: Austin was a versatile player who could be utilized in various offensive roles, including receiver, running back, and return specialist. This versatility made him a valuable asset for teams.
- Weaknesses:
- Durability: Injuries plagued Austin throughout his career, limiting his playing time and hindering his overall impact.
- Inconsistency: Austin’s production was inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance followed by periods of underwhelming performance.
- Route Running and Hands: While Austin was explosive in the open field, he struggled with route running and dropped passes, which limited his effectiveness as a receiver.
Contributions Beyond Statistics
Despite his inconsistent performance, Austin contributed to the NFL beyond statistics. He was a valuable locker room presence, known for his positive attitude and willingness to help teammates. He also used his platform to give back to the community, participating in charitable events and supporting various causes.
Tavon austin cowboys – Tavon Austin’s time with the Cowboys was marked by flashes of brilliance but ultimately ended in disappointment. His electrifying speed and agility were undeniable, but injuries and inconsistency plagued his tenure. Similar to the journey of Stedman Bailey , who faced his own setbacks, Austin’s story serves as a reminder that even the most talented athletes can encounter obstacles on their path to success.
Though Austin’s Dallas chapter may have closed, his impact on the game remains, leaving fans with a glimpse of what could have been.
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and explosive playmaker, was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He went on to have a solid career, showcasing his speed and agility as a receiver and return specialist.
While Austin never played for the Cowboys, his presence in the draft that year undoubtedly added to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the event.
