Star Evaluation: Dan Bailey Looking To Return To Pre-Injury Greatness in 2018

Feb 14, 2018 at 09:32 AM

Nick Eatman

DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer / Senior Manager, Digital Media

While free agency officially begins in March, roster turnover isn't too far away. The Cowboys will indeed add and presumably release players, along with letting some go without a new contract.

However, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.

Today, we'll continue the series with kicker Dan Bailey.

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Ron Jenkins/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks off to the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Roger Steinman/AP Images

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10 September 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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17 September 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal as punter Chris Jones (6) holds against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Jack Dempsey/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal as punter Chris Jones (6) holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

Joe Mahoney/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5), Dallas Cowboys punter Chris Jones (6) and the field goal unit celebrates during an NFL regular season football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won, 42-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)

Ric Tapia/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys placekicker Dan Bailey (5) chats with Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) after Denver defeated Dallas 42-17 in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver ,Colo. September 17, 2017. (Photo via Eric Bakke)

Eric Lars Bakke/AP Images

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25 September 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks the ball on the kickoff during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks the ball prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Rams won 35-30. (Peter Read Miller via AP)

Peter Read Miller/AP Images

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01 October 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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01 October 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker (6) holds as Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Michael Ainsworth/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys' Chris Jones (6) and Dan Bailey (5) celebrate a score with Jason Witten (82) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Ron Jenkins/AP Images

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01 October 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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01 October 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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01 October 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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01 October 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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DAL vs GB

©Jeremiah Jhass/Dallas Cowboys

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08 October 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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The Dallas Cowboys team captains walk to the middle of the field for the coin toss prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys, 35-31. (Ryan Kang via AP)

Ryan Kang/AP Images

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DAL vs GB

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DAL vs GB

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DAL vs GB

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21 October 2017: Dan Bailey
of the Dallas Cowboys during their walk through practice at San Jose City College Jaguar Stadium before their week 7 regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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22 October 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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05 November 2017: Dan Bailey
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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DAL Vs ATL

©Jeremiah Jhass/Dallas Cowboys

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12 November 2017: Dan Bailey
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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23 November 2017: Dan Bailey (5) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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DAL vs LAC

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DAL vs LAC

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23 November 2017: Dan Bailey (5) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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30 November 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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30 November 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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30 November 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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30 November 2017:
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys punter Chris Jones (6) holds as place kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal under pressure from Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Michael Ainsworth/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) and tight end Jason Witten (82) celebrate during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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10 December 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) attempts a field goal against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Bill Kostroun/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Bill Kostroun/AP Images

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17 December 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal from the hold of Chris Jones against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. The Cowboys won 20-17. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Eric Risberg/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks the ball during a week 15 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) celebrates with punter Chris Jones (6) during a week 15 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) looks on during a week 16 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) prepares to kick the ball during a week 16 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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24 December 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys' Dan Bailey (5) attempts a field goal late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. Bailey missed on the attempt. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Michael Ainsworth/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys' Dan Bailey (5), Seattle Seahawks' Neiko Thorpe (23) and Jeremy Lane (20) watch Bailey's 51 yard field goal in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Michael Ainsworth/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey (5) celebrates with tight end Jason Witten (82) after a kick during a week 16 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys guard Jonathan Cooper (64) congratulates Dan Bailey (5) on his field goal against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Ron Jenkins/AP Images

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31 December 2017: Dan Bailey (5)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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What's Been Good:

His first two weeks of the season were as good as you could get for a kicker. Not only did he make four field goals in a 19-3 win over the Giants in Week 1, but tied his career-best in Denver the following week, drilling a 56-yarder. Before his injury in Week 7, Bailey was a perfect 7 of 7 in field goals.

What's Been Bad:

The last month of the season was certainly not something we've seen from Bailey in his career. In fact, he's never really had a struggling moment since he arrived in 2011. But coming off the groin injury, Bailey went 8 of 13 on field goals with two missed extra points. In the season-defining loss to the Seahawks, Bailey hit four field goals, but missed two others in the fourth quarter that prevented the Cowboys from making a comeback.

2017 Highlight:

Ironically enough, his best moment of the season occurred in a game that might have been his most frustrating. But before he missed two clutch kicks in the fourth vs. Seattle, Bailey hit consecutive 51-yard field goals, marking the fifth time in his career to hit multiple 50-yarders in a game.

What's Next:

Getting fully healthy again. Now Bailey did not blame his late-season struggles on the injury, but admitted that he was "out of rhythm" and wouldn't rule out his four-week absence has playing a role in that. Either way, look for him to work on his leg strength again to try and regain the form that has made him one of the best kickers in NFL history.

I have always believed that there were very few players on this squad that did their job better than Dan Bailey.
When it comes to preparation and execution, Bailey is similar to guys like Sean Lee, Zack Martin and Jason Witten.
Bailey is so productive at his craft that the staff doesn't think twice about putting him in pressure situations.
For as reliable as Bailey has been throughout his career, the one thing we've learned that can slow him down is an injury.
Bailey missed a string of games this season due to a groin injury he suffered in San Francisco and when he came back just wasn't quite the same.
Missed extra points and short field goals appeared with more regularity.
Automatic Dan was struggling and we didn't know what to make of it? Was it mental or his health? I side more with his health.
In the back of his mind I am positive that he was still concerned with the groin injury and it affected the way that he performed.
New season, better health and same old Dan Bailey - - book it.

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