The Dallas Cowboys won their division, won their first playoff game in 13 years and rewarded their head coach with a contract extension. So it’s Delirium in Big D, right?

Not so fast.

The Cowboys play in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and the last time I checked they didn’t just bow out of the playoffs; they got reamed, steamed and dry-cleaned by Minnesota.

So there’s still that issue of making it to the elite level, and Dallas believes it has the talent to go there. Only we heard that a year ago, and look what happened.

This team do starting with a quarterback who puts up big numbers but hasn’t won many big games. Ladies and gentlemen, your Dallas Cowboys:

QB: If I have a criticism of Tony Romo it’s this: Put a lid on the pre-playoff road trips, pal. Otherwise, the guy’s A-OK, with 26 touchdown passes last season and a playoff victory for the first time in his career. But it’s time to take that next step. Two years ago, the Cowboys were crippled when he was hurt because they didn’t have a backup who could win. Well, now they do: Meet Jon Kitna. This is a solid 1-2 combination that has the Cowboys protected at the most important position.

RB: When you have Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice you’re in good shape. Barber is the workhorse, but he tends to wear down as the season goes on. Jones is the breakaway threat, capable of going the distance when he gets room to maneuver. Choice is a reliable third option off the bench. The three of them averaged 4.9 yards a carry and scored 13 times, which is why the Cowboys are set at this position.

WR: The loss of Terrell Owens was suppose Miles Austin stepped into the void, caught 81 passes, averaged 16.3 yards a reception and scored 11 times. Roy Williams has been a huge disappointment, but he’s not bad as a second receiver. The problem is that Dallas didn’t want a second receiver when it made the trade and is still waiting on results. Patrick Crayton is a solid No. 3.

TE: Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the business, and he proved it again with a team-leading 94 catches. But his scores dropped to two, and you would like to see that change. Backup Martellus Bennett has great hands and could start for a lot of teams.

Ken Hamlin’s production at safety doesn’t justify his hefty salary. (US Presswire) OL: Left tackle Flozell Adams turns 35 in May but cut down on his penalties last season, while right tackle Marc Colombo fought through injuries. If the Cowboys need a safety net at either position they may have it in Doug Free. The inside of the line is solid, particularly at guard where Kyle Kosier was the team’s most consistent offensive lineman. Kosier tends to wear down as the season goes along, but he played well. Depending on how Free or Robert Brewster develop, the club might need to find a good young tackle to groom as Adams’ replacement.

DL: Two of the three starters here were solid, with defensive tackle Jay Ratliff one of the best at his position. But it’s the third starter, defensive end Marcus Spears, who was the concern. The Cowboys didn’t extend his contract during or after the season, and there’s a reason: He didn’t make enough plays. In fact, there were games where he disappeared primarily because they have Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher waiting their turns.

LB: Adding Keith Brooking worked out beautifully. He did a solid job inside, making big plays and bringing leadership to the huddle and the locker room. Bradie James was solid at the poi seven more than runner-up Brooking. Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware are formidable on the outside, with Spencer developing into a big-time threat on the strong side vs. the pass and run. He and Ware combined for 17 sacks, 81 quarterback pressures and seven forced fumbles.

DB: The Cowboys could use a safety to replace veteran Ken Hamlin, who makes a lot of money and not enough plays. Hamlin is little more than adequate and could be supplanted by a draft pick if the Cowboys find a top-flight safety who can cover. Strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh was solid, as was cornerback Mike Jenkins. In fact, Jenkins was consistent down after down against the run and pass, leading the team with five interceptions, and for the life of me, I have no idea why teams tried to attack him. The Cowboys were more vulnerable on the other side where Terence Newman was up and down. Nickel back Orlando Scandrick is not only adept, he could push for a starting job.

Posted on March 9th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: NFL football news