What Is 2012 Dallas Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2012 Dallas Cowboys season marked the franchise's 53rd in the NFL and their third full season under head coach Jason Garrett. After a promising 2011 campaign that ended in a playoff loss, expectations were high for a deeper postseason run.

Despite strong offensive production led by quarterback Tony Romo, the team struggled with consistency, particularly on defense, ultimately finishing with a .500 record and missing the playoffs. Injuries and defensive lapses proved costly throughout the season.

• Regular-season record: The Cowboys finished 8-8, their first non-winning season since 2009, failing to improve on their 8-8 mark from 2011.
• NFC East standing: They placed second in the division behind the 10-6 Washington Redskins, missing the postseason despite a late-season push.
• Head coach: Jason Garrett remained at the helm, continuing his rebuilding effort after taking over mid-season in 2010.
• Quarterback performance: Tony Romo threw for 4,166 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, achieving a 93.7 passer rating.
• Defensive struggles: The Cowboys allowed 411 total points (25.7 per game), ranking 27th in the league in points allowed.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2012 season was defined by dramatic swings in momentum, with the Cowboys starting strong and fading down the stretch. A 3-0 start raised hopes, but inconsistent defense and late-game collapses derailed their playoff chances.

• Early success: Dallas began 3-0 with wins over the Buccaneers, Chiefs, and Panthers, outscoring opponents 76-41 in those games.
• Dez Bryant's breakout: Wide receiver Dez Bryant recorded 930 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, emerging as Romo’s top target.
• Running game: DeMarco Murray rushed for 945 yards and 5 touchdowns, though he missed time due to injury.
• Defensive issues: The team ranked 30th in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert 43.7% of third-down attempts.
• Key loss to Ravens: A 31-29 Week 10 loss to Baltimore included a failed onside kick recovery and exposed defensive weaknesses.
• Final game: A 28-23 loss to the Eagles in Week 17 eliminated Dallas from playoff contention, finishing 8-8.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2012 Cowboys compared to recent seasons and division rivals:

The Cowboys showed offensive improvement over 2011 but failed to capitalize on key opportunities. While their scoring output increased slightly, their turnover margin dropped significantly, and their defense remained a liability. Washington’s superior turnover ratio and division wins proved decisive.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was a turning point in the Jason Garrett era, highlighting the gap between playoff contention and mediocrity. Despite individual performances, systemic issues—especially on defense and special teams—undermined team success.

• Missed opportunity: At 8-8 for the second straight year, the team failed to advance despite having a winning record in close games.
• Defensive overhaul: The poor rankings led to coaching changes and personnel adjustments in the following off-season.
• Tony Romo's legacy: Romo's strong stats reinforced his status as a top passer but also intensified criticism of his playoff record.
• Division competitiveness: The NFC East became the first division since 1999 where all four teams finished with .500 or better records.
• Coaching scrutiny: Jason Garrett faced increased pressure to deliver playoff success, with 2013 seen as a make-or-break year.
• Foundation for future: Lessons from 2012 helped shape roster decisions, including drafting defensive talent in 2013.

The 2012 Dallas Cowboys season serves as a case study in NFL inconsistency—capable of beating elite teams but too often undone by self-inflicted errors. It underscored the importance of defensive reliability and depth in a competitive division.