'America's team' as they have been daubed for nearly 30 years, move into the season with an enviable roster. Bill Parcells built strong foundations in recent years, and Wade Phillips will be hoping that his own refining of the roster will translate into another Superbowl for a franchise that remains one of the most popular in world sports. Much like the Bills, the Cowboys have suffered a postseason malaise since the mid nineties. In fact, despite several attempts, the team has not won a playoff game since 1996. During those twelve years, the team has seen a revolving door at the Quarterback position, and until Parcells took over, nobody strong enough to make better football decisions than owner Jerry Jones.
That is not a knock on Jones. As an owner, his commitment to the team is omparabale only to the Al Davis's of this world, but as that has proved, it is not always a guarantee of harmony within the organisation. What Parcells did admirably well, was balance both his own visions with that of Jones. Unfortunately, when Terrell Owens signed from Philadelphia (against Parcells wishes, if rumour is to be believed), the writing seemed to be on the wall for the Tuna. Nonetheless, his work is likely to have provided a more solid base for Phillips to work with than the one he himself inherited.
The Coach
Second year coach Wade Phillips did enough in 2007 to retain the support of not only Jerry Jones, but the fanbase. Certainly, it's hard to argue that the team is worse under him than Parcells. His management style is certainly very different to his predecessor, preffering a more relaxed, informal attitude with his players, something that veterans appreciate, but is not always the catalyst for greatness.
Phillips's biggest concern will be that his own successor is already anointed, in Jason Garrett, his Assistant. It's hard to imagine that without a Championship, he will be able to convince Jones to give him a third attempt. Garrett is highly coveted around the league, and in fact makes more money than some Head Coaches, such was Jones's commitment to him. If the owner believes that Garrett could walk next year, the chances are he will pull the trigger and get rid of Phillips. As such, it is common knowledge that without a ring, the genial Phillips may find himself looking for work next season.
Draft class of 2008
1 Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
1 Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
2 Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
4 Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
5 Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
6 Erik Walden, DE, Middle Tennessee State
The Cowboys were faced with three positions of need entering this year's draft. They addressed the Cornerback and Running Back positions with two picks each, but the Wideout situation is certainly a bone of contention amongst many fans. It could easily be argued that with the addition of Pacman Jones to the already solid pairing of Anthony Henry and Terrence Newman, the selection of Jenkins was a luxury rather than a neccesity. Patrick Crayton had a difficult season opposite Terrell Owens, and the loss of Terry Glenn further hurts the receiving corps.
The selection of Felix Jones is an inspired one, however. Jones is the perfect compliment to the brutal Marion Barber, who remains pound for pound, the hardest player in the NFL to tackle. Jones brings a similiar dynamic that Reggie Bush brings to the Saints - but crucially at a reduced salary, and with none of the expectation or pressure that Bush suffers from. Expect Jones to line up in the slot as much as he lines up behind Tony Romo.
Strong side
It is rare for a team to grade out as well as the Cowboys for long. The team is coming towards the end of a crucial window, as Owens ages, and Defensive stalwarts such as Greg Ellis and Zach Thomas coming towards the end of their time as truly elite players.
On the other hand, Phillips has got a good blend of youth and experience, especially on Defence. The linebacking corps is without doubt one of the top three in the league, and as mentioned, the team now arguably has an embarrassment of riches at Cornerback. Quarterback Tony Romo is another elite piece to this puzzle, and it's hard to imagine that he will not play in at least one Superbowl with this team.
Weak side
The Cowboys have one of the most complete teams in the league. Of that, there is little doubt, but there are still holes at crucial positions that continue to thwart their efforts to bring back the Vince Lombardi trophy. For one thing, despite a plethora of starting Corners, the Safety position is up in the air as we enter the season. Roy Williams has been deemed a liability in coverage by the current staff, and his 'boom or bust' style is a worry for a team that struggles against elite receivers. Profootballfocus.com lists Williams as the second worst Safety in the league in coverage, and coming from a site that simply deals with each player's numbers - not reputations - it is a damning verdict.
Another major concern has to be the underperforming Offensive Line. While Flozell Adams and Leonard Davis are both relatively solid, Centre Andre Gurode, RT Marc Columbo, and LG Kyle Kosier, are all underperforming. All three were listed towards the bottom of their respective positions according to PFF, and if Romo is to be given a chance to thrive in the pocket, it may be that upgrades are needed amongst the interior linemen.
Major transactions
In:
Zach Thomas, LB, Miami
Adam Jones, CB, Tennessee
Out:
Jacques Reeves, CB, Houston
Julius Jones, RB, Seattle
Jason Ferguson, NT, Miami
Anthony Fasano, TE, Miami
Akin Ayodele, LB, Miami
Terry Glenn, WR, FA
2008 Schedule
1 September 7, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ Cleveland Browns
2 September 15, 2008 7:15 p.m. Philadelphia Eagles
3 September 21, 2008 7:15 p.m. @ Green Bay Packers
4 September 28, 2008 3:15 p.m. Washington Redskins
5 October 5, 2008 3:15 p.m. Cincinnati Bengals
6 October 12, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ Arizona Cardinals
7 October 19, 2008 12:00 p.m. @ St. Louis Rams
8 October 26, 2008 12:00 p.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 November 2, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ New York Giants
10 Bye week
11 November 16, 2008 7:15 p.m. @ Washington Redskins
12 November 23, 2008 12:00 p.m. San Francisco 49ers
13 November 27, 2008 3:15 p.m. Seattle Seahawks
14 December 7, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ Pittsburgh Steelers
15 December 14, 2008 7:15 p.m. New York Giants
16 December 20, 2008 7:15 p.m. Baltimore Ravens
17 December 28, 2008 12:00 p.m. @ Philadelphia Eagles
Wide-Right's view
Like any team, if 2008 is to be the Dallas Cowboys' Superbowl winning year, there are plenty of questions that will need answering. None of these will matter, however, if they cannot overcome the glass ceiling that exists when this franchise hits the Playoffs.
Last season, the team played the Giants three times. The regular season games were high scoring affairs that saw the Dallas Offence take the game by the scruff of the neck. Where the Defence gave up points, Romo controlled the Giants and in reality, the winning margins do not show the dominance that the 'boys had in either game. Fast forward to January, and the team's one and only playoff appearance. Again, the Giants came to town, but this time, the result was different. The Giants Defense managed to stifle what is a tremendously productive offence. Romo was consistently forced to check down for short gains to TE Jason Witten, and the weight of the playoffs appeared to weigh heavily on the entire team.
The Cowboys have every chance of breaking that psychological barrier this year, but the lack of a Wide Receiver to compliment Owens is still a major issue. T.O, even with his... what we will politely describe as 'eccentricities', is amongst not only the best receivers in the league, but also the best receivers ever. A grand statement? Not really. Very few players have had the production and impact that Owens has had in the NFL. A Superbowl would merely confirm his Hall of Fame credentials.
Prediction for 2008
It's hard to imagine the Cowboys not making the playoffs - though stranger things have happened. In what has quickly become the strongest division in football, nothing is guaranteed, and the Cowboys must not believe that they have any divine right to the crown of NFC East Champions. The schedule has been kind to Dallas though, and a relatively easy mid-season means that they should not be discounted from the playoff picture even if they start terribly.
To go out on a limb, this team will not make the Superbowl while such question marks surround the Offensive Line. A team can cover for many things, but poor line play will kill even the best Quarterbacks - though Romo should break his (and the team's) playoff duck.
Useful links for Dallas fans
Official site
Depth Chart
Cowboysnet - Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment