Counting on Cowboys

What is that smell? Ah, football is in the air. It’s time to decode Dallas and a Cowboys team that’s coming off their first playoff win in over a decade. Dallas devotees beware: the Cowboys are the preseason favorites to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. It would be fitting for America’s Team to play in the Superbowl, considering Cowboys Stadium is this year’s host. However, I am always skeptical whenever my team has so much hype even before the first ball is snapped. So, let’s take a look at just how accurate the predictions are by breaking down the ‘Boys.
The Cowboys have a loaded offense, beginning with their “love him or hate him” quarterback. Tony Romo is the leader of this squad, and rightly so. The former Eastern Illinois signal caller has gone from benchwarmer to superstar. Last season, Romo passed for over 4,000 yards. In Dallas’ 2009 home opener, Romo set a career high in yards and led the Cowboys to the NFC East crown by season’s end. Romo has cut down on his turnovers and has learned to protect the football. His supporting cast includes a talented crop of running backs and efficient wideouts. Miles Austin was Romo’s most productive target last season. Dez Bryant, the ‘Boys’ first round draft pick, is the new weapon joining Austin and tight end, Jason Witten. Bryant is an explosive sparkplug, but I am not sold on the rookie yet. Injuries and off-the-field issues have plagued the former Oklahoma State rusher. I think it will take some time for Bryant to transition to the NFL and Jason Garrett’s offensive schemes. There aren’t a lot of great coverage guys in college football. The NFL is a brand new ballgame for Bryant. Still, the Cowboys don’t need Bryant to be the team’s best offensive player. Dallas has a very sturdy trio of running backs to pile on the yardage. The main concern for the Cowboys this season is improving their red zone offense. Simply stated, Dallas needs to score touchdowns in the red zone. Too often last season, Garrett opted to rely on the Cowboys’ strong passing game instead of establishing, and sticking with the run. Frankly, Romo in the shotgun make me nervous. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are the three backs who will enjoy most of the carrying load behind Romo. Choice, in particular, could be play a key role in third down situations. The bottom line is, the Cowboys shouldn’t abandon the running game with such quick-strike capability in the backfield. Jon Kitna is Romo’s backup, with Stephen McGee the promising third-string thrower. The offensive line is stocked with size to protect the passer. Montrae Holland gets the nod at starter with Kyle Kosier out with an injury. Doug Free and Andre Gurode are two strong lineman, and Alex Barron is Dallas’ best off-season trade addition up front. Dallas’ depth is undeniable but the Cowboys’ offensive line needs to create more opportunities in short yardage situations in the team is to be successful in 2010.
Head Coach, Wade Phillips, boasts a very aggressive 3-4 defense. The secondary has been Dallas’ Achilles heel the past few years, but has made great strides with the addition and development of key contributors. Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman are the team’s best cornerbacks, with Orlando Scandrick playing a credible nickel slot. Defensive back, Alan Ball, is expected to create turnovers now that free safety, Ken Hamlin, is off the team. Veteran leader, Keith Brooking, anchors the inside linebacking crew. Demarcus Ware is Dallas’ Pro-Bowl terror at outside linebacker. Anthony Spencer and Bradie James are expected to generate a lot of sacks and make it extremely difficult for opponents to run on. Jay Ratliff, the quick lineman, is another notable name on the vaunted Dallas defense.
Special teams is a question mark outside the team’s top punter, Mat McBriar. Last season’s field goal kicker, Nick Folk was released. Folk was replaced by David Buehler. Buehler was an accurate place kicker for Phillips a year ago. It’s unknown whether he can handle the dynamic duties of field goal kicking. Here’s hoping David Buehler’s leg will be more reliable than Ferris Bueller’s school attendance.
The Cowboys return many of the players who headed last season’s surge to the top of the division. On paper, they look like the team to beat again in the NFC East. But as we all know, anything can happen in this league. After all, no NFL team has ever played in a Superbowl hosted in their own stadium. Can the Cowboys turn that around?

Parting Points: Song of the day- Sugar Ray’s “Fly”

The Cowboys face familiar foes in the Redskins this Sunday. It will be Donovan McNab’s Washington season debut and I sure hope they spoil it.