The Passing Game: Tony Romo is often compared to Brett Favre with his great mobility and improvisational magic; turning dead end plays into lucrative gains. Although lacking that signature Favre arm strength, Romo is a more accurate passer with less of the gunslinger persona. The Dallas QB is not afraid of the check down pass to his tight end or running back as opposed to the gunslinger mentality of bombing the football into double coverage. Clearly Romo is not yet proven in postseason game situations, but he has tremendous upside. Jason Witten is the best all around tight end in the National Football League and Terrell Owens is one of the best wide outs of all time. Witten and Owens are respectively match up nightmares for opposing defenses because they are both physical, strong, and fast at their positions. Witten's blocking skills overshadowed only by that of an offensive lineman are combined with his impressive speed and pass catching ability. This skill set produces a half breed of offensive tackle and wide receiver who's prowess at the tight end position makes him Romo's security blanket. The opposition won't be able to know when this additional offensive linemen disengages his blocking assignment ten yards up the field with the ball in hand. If the other team wanted to close off the valve to the underneath passing game by doubling Witten they are freely able to do so, however now you've opened the skies. Terrell Owens is a severe down field threat as a physical specimen with blazing speed. At six foot three and two hundred and twenty four pounds Owens can perform routes over the middle of the field in fearless and relentless fashion. He can also out run defensive backs with his terrific speed or for those speedster corners who dare keep pace, Terrell shall impose his will by out muscling the coverage. The only missing link in this already prolific passing game is the presence of a true number two receiver behind Owens. Terry Glenn has become obsolete at his position and nothing is certain about Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, or Sam Hurd who all seem to max out at third option material. If Owen's and Witten are doubled up who does Romo Target? This was the only trying question given towards this team's aerial assault.
The Running Game: Led by Flozell the "Hotel" Adams the best offensive line in football plows the way for Marion Barber's determined runs. Barber is one of the NFL's toughest running backs who churns his legs as if each play is his very last. The fourth quarter is his personal battering realm as he unleashes raw powerful runs that debilitate defenses. Few lone tacklers can take down Barber as often seen by two or three defenders wrestling him to the ground. Bring eight men in the box to quash the ground attack and get burned by dump off passes to Jason Witten or struggle with the burly offensive line and stout half back. Rookie Felix Jones is the perfect change of pace complement to Marion Barber because of his great speed and elusiveness. With a top notch offensive line, power back, and speed back this ground assault is primed for supremacy.
The Defense: Perhaps considered the weak link of this NFC power the defense has introduced several new pieces to coexist with last year's already talented bunch. DeMarcus Ware is an elite pass rusher who leads the front seven's charge with fellow hard hitting leader Greg Ellis and tackle machine Bradie James. The important off season addition to the linebacking corps was veteran middle linebacker Zach Thomas who looks to bring his (seven time) pro bowl form to Dallas. Although Thomas is nearing the end of his career he will offer invaluable leadership and his tough intelligent play. Those like young backer Bobby Carpenter (who shows promise) will aim to escape his label of not being physical enough by learning from the savvy vet. The Cowboy secondary is arguably the best of any team armed with shutdown corner Terrance Newman and unyielding strong safety Roy Williams. Former defensive back standout Adam "Pacman" Jones may prove himself a commodity if he can shed bad habits and the rust of a season long suspension. An already adept secondary may vault into dominance if Jones can return to glory and rookie corner Michael Jenkins emerges.
As week 16 in the NFL draws near the Cowboys rest at 9-5 atop the NFC wild card standings, yet few believe they can even reach the super bowl. The 2008-2009 Dallas season has not followed its preseason forecast which had them easily winning the NFC East. The offense collapsed in Romo's absence and key injuries, lack of intensity, and the inability to crown a play caller exposed the defense. Their offensive game was as impressive as preordained scoring at least 24 points in the first seven games before Romo's injury. In an ideal offense the number two option would be a wide receiver, yet as stated before the season all knew that Witten (tight end) was the secondary option. Miles Austin showed promise to attain that role with an explosive two catch one hundred yard plus performance against Green Bay, but then disappeared. Patrick Crayton never quite emerged and Sam Hurd's promise was nullified by a season ending injury. Jason Witten is an excellent receiving tight end, however he is no deep field threat and team owner Jerry Jones knew this as well as anyone. Although his impact has yet to be truly felt, the trade for Lions Star receiver Roy Williams answers any questions about the elusive # 2 option. The running game was dominant as thought to be, but when Felix Jones lost his season to injury Marion Barber was left to fend for himself. With a Brad Johnson passing attack allowing teams to gear up against the run even Barber could be stopped. With Johnson a statue at quarterback even the praised offensive line showed weakness. As the Dallas Cowboys were crumbling only an unlikely hero could preserve hope for January football, the defense.
The vast majority of the preseason ballyhoo sung grand tales about Tony Romo and Terrell Owens, yet who truly feared the Cowboy defense? The defense was overlooked by media, fans, and myself as they were being considered the team's weak point. In the first seven weeks of the season the Dallas defense allowed 25 points per game and just over 300 yards with only 7 turn overs and twenty sacks. After being torched by the Rams for 34 points, head coach Wade Phillips commanded reign of the play calling as the defense embarked on a redeeming quest. If the Cowboys had lost all three games of Brad Johnson's interim quarterbacking cameo they would have been a shamed and uncertain 4-5. At least one win during this difficult strech would prove vital in keeping playoff hopes afloat, and the defense would provide this victory. Holding Tampa Bay to only nine points allowed their anemic offense to squeak by with a four point win. Despite being blown out the following week by the defending Super Bowl champs the winds of change had arrived. In the last seven games the defense has allowed 16 points per game and well under 300 yards to the tune of 33 sacks and 13 turnovers.
Despite the injuies, locker room drama, and the coaching troubles the most telling reason this team brought itself to the brink of combustion was the premature Super Bowl anointment. The very hype that created the publicity and the television special was actually the rat eating at the team's core. With an egocentric pre-Madonna team leader like Terrell Owens and the constant showering praise from the media, this team was infected with a sense of entitlement and worse yet the notion that the regular season had already been won. NFL Network's Terrell Davis put it best when he recently said "this team plays better when people doubt them". This was the key to their turnaround as we see this team can win when it is known victory must be earned and not bestowed upon talent alone.
There is a New D in Big-D and if this once maligned defense continues to play at such a high level not only will Dallas win out en route to the playoffs, but they will hoist there sixth Lombardi Trophy.
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