Cowboys Livin' Large on 3rd Downs

As fans, nothing matches the intensity of a 3rd down. That's when you stand up, that's when you make the most noise. That's where you implore your O or plead with your D to make a play! It's where offenses are measured for their staying power, it's where defenses are measured for their stopping power.

In golf they say "Drive for show, putt for dough." Well the Cowboys offense is definitely earning their dough on 3rd down. They're livin' large.

After 3 weeks, the Cowboys offense is converting 3rd downs at a jaw dropping 60%. Now keep in mind that 40% is considered very good. As a matter of fact, the next closest is Denver at 50% and the league average is 37%. That makes our 60% that much more impressive. (The defense, by the way, has held opponents to 34% on 3rd downs and that number, I think, will improve.)

We all know that Witten is our 3rd down machine but here's how our money down breaks out so far this season:

3rd Down Conversions By Air - 17
Witten - 8
Owens - 3
Crayton - 2
Austin - 2
Barber - 2

3rd Down Conversions By Ground - 6
Barber - 3
Choice - 2
Jones - 1

So next I figured a 60% conversion rate is easy when it's always 3rd and short, right? Well, guess what, the average down and distance for our 3rd down conversions is 3rd and 6. Wow. Does anyone remember a time when 3rd and long meant "McBriar go kick some into the net...keep that leg loose." I do.

A nice by product of our 60% conversions on 3rd down is McBriar can be more of a spectator. He's punted 8 times...only 3 other guys in the league have punted less. It's not helping his pro bowl chances much but hey, I can live with that.