1996 Dallas Cowboys season
| 1996 Dallas Cowboys season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Barry Switzer |
| Home field | Texas Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 10–6 |
| Division place | 1st NFC East |
| Playoff finish |
Won Wild Card Playoffs (Vikings) 40–15 Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Panthers) 26–17 |
The 1996 Dallas Cowboys season would mark their 37th consecutive season in the NFL. Following their victory in Super Bowl XXX, the Cowboys endured a tumultuous year. Star receiver Michael Irvin was suspended by the league for the first five games and before the playoffs was accused with lineman Erik Williams of sexual assault (a charge subsequently proven inaccurate). Controversy also took place when writer Skip Bayless published a scathing account of the Cowboys' 1995 season. Long time trainer Mike Woicik also left the team after the season following a sideline dispute with coach Barry Switzer.
This season would be the last season the Cowboys won a playoff game until 2009.
Against the Chicago Bears in week one, running back Emmitt Smith would leave the game late with an injury that left him temporarily paralyzed. Though not career-threatening, Smith's injury would hamper his effectiveness for the duration of the season. Adding to their difficulties, star wide receiver Michael Irvin would be suspended for the first five games due his highly publicized off-season incidents. Star cornerback Deion Sanders would be the first player in the modern era of the NFL to start several games on both offense and defense. Charles Haley, a major defensive force for the Cowboys during the prior four seasons, missed most of the 1996 season with injury. Tight End Jay Novacek, a key offensive threat in recent seasons, missed the entire season due to an injury.
After losing three of their first four games, the team would return to form, winning three straight before defeating former head coach Jimmy Johnson, then head coach of the Miami Dolphins on the way to their fifth consecutive NFC East title. Although Dallas still moved the ball well on offense, they had serious late-season trouble scoring touchdowns (ultimately finishing just 25th in the league in points scored). They won games with Green Bay (21-6) and New England (12-6) (the season's eventual Super Bowl participants) without scoring a touchdown (seven field goals against Green Bay and four against New England); Dallas' defense finished third in the league in fewest points allowed.
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