With the Super Bowl in their own backyard, the Cowboys have even more reasons to focus on winning a ring.
All eyes were on the Cowboys in 2009 as they christened the new Cowboys Stadium (a.k.a Jerry World) with its inaugural season. Past the ginormous high-def digital screen and the ridiculous size of the venue were plenty of story lines that actually had to do with football.
Terrell Owens was gone and Coach Wade Wilson was seemingly hanging by a thread. The goal was at least one playoff win. They accomplished that, but eventually lost to the Vikings. Now in 2010, the Super Bowl will be in their house, and the Cowboys have the talent to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. Most of the offensive weapons are back, and the NFL’s second-ranked defense in points allowed returns most of the key players.
Quarterbacks
Tony Romo was able to correct his December slump. In the last five weeks of 2009, Romo threw nine touchdowns to two interceptions. From weeks 12-17 he had a QB rating of more than 100 in five games. He should continue to grow, especially if receiver Roy Williams finally lives up to his billing.
Back-up Jon Kitna is very capable, but if Romo goes down, don’t be surprised if Stephen McGee gets a look.
Running Backs
Felix Jones has one of the best yards-per-carry averages in the NFL with a 5.9. But he couldn’t stay healthy to be consistent. Dallas will try to get him more involved in 2010, but will probably increases his touches slowly.
Marion Barber showed signs of slowing down late in the season. His bullish running style may be showing its effects. He will still get carries in the redzone, but he may not be the main guy this season. Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys use Tashard Choice as the main back and then mix in Jones and Barber for the change of pace. Choice is an effective runner and receiver.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Miles Austin claimed his place as the No. 1 receiver with a Pro Bowl season in 2009. He will continue to be the top wideout, and should get less attention from defenses with rookie Dez Bryant on board. Austin had 1,320 yards and 11 TDs last season, which will be tough to top. Bryant is an elite athlete who can open the field for Romo. This season may be Roy Williams’ last to show his worth.
Tight end Jason Witten will continue to be Romo’s favorite target, and he provides a reliable weapon in an offense with tons of potential. Patrick Crayton is one of the best third receivers in the NFL, and had more yards than Williams last year.
Offensive Line
Longtime Cowboys anchor Flozell Adams is gone, but second-year man Doug Free should step in nicely. He filled in perfectly last season when Marc Colombo was injured. Now the two will protect the outsides. Center Andre Gurode and guard Leonard Davis plow the way in the middle.
Defensive Line
Igor Olshansky and Jay Ratliff each had 40 tackles last season, with Ratliff contributing six sacks from nose tackle. Marcus Spears holds down the left side of the line and is more of a run stopper.
Linebackers
Perhaps the best outside linebacker in the game, DeMarcus Ware signed a huge contract last year. His sack total dropped from 20 to 11, but saw a lot of double teams. Dallas’ improved defensive backfield should give Ware a little more time to get into the backfield and cause more check-down throws or incomplete passes.
Bradie James continues to be a tackling machine with more than 100 tackles last year. Anthony Spencer started all 16 games for the first time last year and had nine sacks. Rookie Sean Lee provides depth for James and Keith Brooking.
Defensive Backs
The Cowboys lose Ken Hamlin, but retain top talent like cornerback Mike Jenkins, who had five INTs and 19 pass defenses in 2009. He could claim the spot as the top defensive back in 2010. Terrence Newman is still solid, but he’s nearing the end of his career. He has three INTs and three forced fumbles last year.
Gerald Sensabaugh and Pat Watkins should start at the safety spots.
Special Teams
Dallas had major kicking issues last year. Shaun Suisham filled in admirably, but he’s gone. The search for a replacement continues. Punter Matt McBriar continues to be one of the best in the game. Felix Jones is capable of running back kicks, but Dallas is afraid to use him too often. Watch for rookie Akwasi Owusu-Ansah to get a look at kick returner.
This article was originally published in Beckett Media’s 2010 Football Season Preview magazine.
