Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Cowboys Non-Win Improves Draft Position

You win some, you lose some - but what matters most is that they tried. Everyone gave it their best shot and they should all feel good on the inside. After all, somebody had to lose. And for the eleventh time this season, that somebody was the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Falls To Buffalo 16-6 In A Sloppy Affair - Michael Sisemore, BTB
Tom Ryle cannot bear to watch so Mr. Sisemore steps in, hoping to provide a spark to the weekly game recap.

Instant Review: Staff Writers Give Quick Analysis Of Cowboys-Bills - Staff, The Mothership
The Cowboys staff writers give us their initial assessment of the game, including an all too familiar close battle for most of the game, only to finish it off with another fiasco.

Nick Eatman: Well, this one played out somewhat like I predicted, which is unfortunate for Cowboys fans – at least the ones that were hoping for a win. Moore played OK, but not good enough to get into the end zone, and of course, to win the game. I wanted to see him run the two-minute offense at the end because I think he would’ve made plays. Yet, he never got the chance because the defense couldn’t step up one more time. It’s just the theme of the season for this defense: great effort and execution for most of the day, but when it’s time to get off the field, it doesn’t happen. This defense did get a pair of turnovers as I predicted, but they didn’t take advantage of them. I wondered how the team would play effort-wise knowing they’re out of the playoffs, and it was really no different. They’ll fight. They’ll battle. But they don’t get the win yet again. Familiar?

First start not a dream win for Cowboys QB Kellen Moore - Charean Williams, The Star-Telegram
You remember that year way back in 2014 when the Cowboys were in the top five in scoring with 28.4 points a game? Man, they were scoring all kinds of touchdowns.

For the fourth game this season, the Cowboys failed to score a touchdown. They have averaged just 15.2 points per game without Tony Romo.

For the seventh time this season, the Cowboys failed to pass for 200 yards. They average 186.7 passing yards per game with their backup quarterbacks.

VIDEO: Jason Witten to Jim Kelly: 'You're an inspiration' - Jeffrey Kahn, 247sports
It's just things like this that can make you feel good after an unpleasant game.

Witten gets looks, but not many passes - Drew Davison, The Star-Telegram
Jason Witten was only targeted twice all game, but it was still enough to add another record to his resume.

With his lone catch, though, Witten did set another franchise-record for most consecutive games with a catch. Sunday marked No. 118, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.

Cowboys WR Brice Butler shows glimpses, 'can only go up from here' - Jon Machota, SportsDay
With no Dez Bryant on the field, this created opportunities for other guys. The Cowboys got their best look at third year WR, Brice Butler.

Although the Bills prevailed 16-6 on Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Butler recorded career highs with four receptions for 74 yards.

Moore’s Accuracy, Lee’s Play Among Thoughts - Bryan Broaddus, The Mothership
Bryan Broaddus gives us his 12 thoughts, including how another new corner stepped up and picked off a pass. If you're keeping score at home, that makes two now - both coming in each of the last two weeks.

Deji Olatoye made his first start at cornerback and I thought held up well. The Bills appeared to get him a couple of times in off or zone coverage, but when locked up on man, he was right where he needed to be. On his interception before halftime, he was in perfect position, reading the route and keeping his eyes on Taylor, who threw the ball short.

Five Cowboys players whose stock is on the rise - Steven Mullenax, The Landry Hat
The Cowboys second year defensive seems to be playing better with every new game. You should just call him butter, because he's on a roll.

Unquestionably the Dallas Cowboys best run defender this season, second-year defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence also leads the team in sacks with 8.0. Improving as the season progresses, Lawrence has recorded seven of those sacks in his last seven games. On Sunday, against the Bills, the player nicknamed Tank recorded his fourth straight game with one or more sacks and also had three total tackles.

Three more yards means an extra $300,000 for Cowboys RB Darren McFadden - Brandon George, SportsDay
Looks like somebody is about to get a holiday bonus.

If McFadden reaches 1,000 yards rushing this season, he'll receive a $300,000 bonus as part of his two-year contract.

They can just use the bonus money that Greg Hardy isn't going to be earning for reaching his sack total incentive.

Disturbing Cowboys descent means there's only one thing to cheer for next week - David Moore, SportsDay
The Redskins don't have anything to play for next week, so maybe they'll go easy on Dallas? Sorta like the Cowboys did with them in week 17 last year with that 44-17 nail biter.

There are two options at this stage. Fans can focus on next week's merciful, season-ending game against Washington or fast forward 122 days.

Fast forward, please.

Contemplating what the Cowboys will do in the draft is infinitely more entertaining than watching an offense that can't score points and a defense that eventually breaks under the strain.

Dallas Cowboys Move Up a Spot in the 2016 NFL Draft - Ryan Ratty, Inside The Star
There is still more jostling to do before the final draft spots are determined, but the Cowboys would benefit from sliding ahead of one team, in particular.

The Cowboys are now 4-11 and with the Ravens winning, Baltimore is now 5-10. Now slated to pick fourth in the draft, the Cowboys could go in a variety of directions. In my opinion, quarterback, wide receiver, defensive end, and cornerback are the biggest needs for this team. That said, guys like Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch, Laquon Treadwell, Jalen Ramsey, and Vernon Hargreaves could all be realistic options. One other important thing is that with the loss and the Ravens’ win, the Cowboys, as of now, will be able to pick in front of Baltimore in every draft. Given that Ravens’ general manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best talent evaluators in football, the Cowboys will be able to pick in front of him in each round.

Sean Lee jumped ahead of Barry Church for the team lead in tackles (113). It's been a two-man race as the next highest is 65. It looks like the race is over though as Church suffered a season ending injury.

Barry Church broke his right arm. Won't be able to do much for 6-8 weeks. Cast. No surgery.

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 27, 2015