Dallas Cowboys: A win for Maurice Canady is a win for analytics

Maurice Canady is going to make the Dallas Cowboys roster this year. Just one month ago such a statement would seem somewhat surprising given the pedigree and shear number of cornerbacks competing for a roster spot this summer.

But after a stellar training camp where Canady showed proficiency both inside and outside, there’s no logical way he COULDN’T make the 2021 Dallas Cowboys.

Based on analytic recommendations the Dallas Cowboys signed Maurice Canady, and the rest is history

When Mike McCarthy was unceremoniously let go in Green Bay, he embarked on a harsh (but needed) self reflection period. During this time McCarthy challenged his priors and entertained thoughts and ideas he hadn’t previously paid much mind to.

In this rebirth period he took on the polarizing topic of analytics – not something many old school coaches from Pittsburgh would dare do. His studies brought him the offices of Pro Football Focus where he studied their thoughts, processes and overall methodology.

He said the educational process changed him, but fans like me were skeptical. People say a lot when they’re interviewing for a job. It’s when they’re on the clock that matters. That’s the real barometer of change.

Dallas still has a long ways to go until they can be considered analytically minded. But the first seed they planted seems to be growing, and with that, so hopefully has their trust.

One of those actions he took after getting the Dallas Cowboys gig was sign one of the highest value free agents on PFF’s free agent list. Maurice Canady was hardly a household name spring of 2020. The former Jets cornerback was a bit of rotational player and unless you were looking for him on film, you probably wouldn’t notice him.

But PFF noticed him. They study everyone. Analytics, the blend of film study and math (to put it simply), graded Canady as a top-25 CB that previous year. That season he only gave up an average of 6.9 yards/target, just allowed a passer rating of 79 when targeted, and didn’t give up a single touchdown.

In Maurice Canady's last season he took 318 snaps at outside CB and 72 in the box. When targeted he only allowed a 72 passer rating, 6.9 y/t & 0 TDs. Plus, his missed tackle percentage is under 5% making him a safe play in many roles/situations #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) August 20, 2021

In other words – he was a top performing player flying under the radar.

After opting out the 2020 season, none of us, including McCarthy and the Cowboys front office, got to see how this analytics bargain would pay off. It stands to reason, if he fell on his face, it would an “L” for analytics within the Dallas Cowboys organization. But a win could instill faith in the previously resistant bunch.

Based on contracts (re-signing a LB and a RB), game plans (limited in-snap motion), play-calling (too many early down runs and not enough play-action) the Dallas Cowboys still have a long way to go until they can be considered analytically minded. But the first seed they planted seems to be growing, and with that, so hopefully has their trust.