The Cowboys can't win the big game. The Cowboys can't win in December. The Cowboys can't win in the playoffs. It's been a while since the Cowboys came into a season without those mantras hanging over them, but after knocking off the previously-undefeated New Orleans Saints in route to a three win stretch to close the regular season, the last two of which were shutouts, and their first playoff win of the millenium, the Cowboys can step on the field this year missing that monkey that has been on their back for so long.
But monkey or not, all eyes will be on Dallas this year. With the Super Bowl coming to Cowboys Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys have a shot to become the first team to host their own Super Bowl, which is enough pressure to make that old monkey seem rather light.
Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Offense
The Cowboys finished the 2009 season with the 2nd ranked offense in total yards, an accomplishment that was based on a balanced attack that was 6th in passing and 7th in rushing. But the Cowboys offense struggled in the red zone, which led to them being middle-of-the-pack in terms of scoring.
If the Cowboys want to make it to the big game being played in their stadium, they'll need to finish drives with touchdowns rather than field goals, and that starts up front.
Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Offensive Line
Doug Free represents the big change on the offensive line, and at 6'6 and 320 lbs, Free is easily the biggest change in the entire team's starting lineup. But he does have big shoes to fill. Flozell "The Hotel" Adams was a five-time Pro Bowl selection who has protected the blind side of Cowboys quarterbacks for the bulk of the decade.
But Adams had two major flaws that made him expendable: a weakness for the speed rush and a penchant for getting penalized. No one expects Free to completely replace Adams, who was easily one of the strongest tackles in the game, but with his quick feet and high motor, Free can be more consistent in protecting Tony Romo's blindside, provide an asset in the running game and will be flagged fewer times.
Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Quarterback
Tony Romo went into last year with the reputation of being too dangerous with the football, both in his decision making, which led to interceptions, and with the way he held it while scrambling, which led to fumbles. In 2009, Romo threw fewer interceptions than Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, and his 9 interceptions ranked fourth in the league among quarterbacks who started the vast majority of the season. He also took his fumble total down from 13 the previous year to just 6 fumbles with 4 lost in 2009.
So long as the new-and-improved Romo is at the helm, the Cowboys can set their goal at any height. But as with any NFL team, their fate is tied to their starting quarterback. Jon Kitna has been a huge upgrade to Brad Johnson, and is a servicable quarterback should Romo go down for a few games, but he's the guy to lead them to the playoffs. And second-year quarterback Stephen McGee might have a hard time just making the team after a lackluster training camp and first three preseason games.
Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Wide Receiver
The Cowboys went into the 2009 season without a true #1 receiver after releasing Terrell Owens. That absence was readily apparent in their first few games, but in the fifth week of the season, Miles Austin emerged. And while it's easy to put caution lights on a player who only has one good season under his belt, the same dominant receiver has lined up in preseason this year.
But the Cowboys also have a brand new shiny toy to play with in first round pick Dez Bryant. Receiver is one of the hardest positions to make the transition from college to the NFL, but with a high football IQ and hands that seem to catch anything thats thrown near them, it's not hard to declare Bryant as a potential playmaker in this offense.
And with Austin and Bryant, a weakness going into last year has become a strength this year. Roy E. Williams has the size and hands to be a threat should he and Romo ever get on the same page, Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd have both been very reliable receivers, and Kevin Ogletree flashed a lot of talent in his few chances last year, which means the Cowboys are going to have a hard time cutting one of those guys if they choose to only go with 5 receivers.
Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Tight End
The Cowboys suffered a huge blow to the tight end position when John Phillips suffered a torn ACL in preseason. Lining up in a lot of two tight end slots makes the third tight end very important, and Phillips was playing well enough to force the coaching staff into giving him more playing time this year.
But while the Cowboys will have to shuffle some things on offense around, they are still way ahead in the tight end department. Jason Witten is perhaps the best all-around tight end in football when you balance his ability to block with the plays he makes in the passing game. And while Martellus Bennett had a disappointing year in 2009, he's dripping in explosive talent. Should Marty B come on in the regular season like he did in the third preseason game, tight end will be marked as a major strength on this team.
Dallas Cowboys Season Preview: Running Back
Can the Cowboys get any better at running back? Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice make up the best running trio in football, each of which brings something distinct to the table. Barber's bruising style, Jones' quickness and Choice's balanced attack helped the Cowboys rack up over 2,000 yards on the ground in 2009, and there's no reason why they won't combine for one of the best rushing attacks in 2010.
And with Felix Jones bulking up and a healthier Marion Barber slimming down, they should be even better this year.
Read the season preview of the Dallas Cowboys defense.
Back to Cowboys Examiners Dan Telvock's season preview.
Back to the NFC East season preview.
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