Nobody really knew what to expect in Wade Phillips' first year as head coach of the Cowboys, but suffice it say it was not a 13-3 record. However, by the end of the season Dallas had built some big expectations that the Giants sent crashing back to earth. This year the Cowboys are viewed as the favorite in the NFC and nothing less than a Super Bowl appearance will satisfy owner Jerry Jones.
People were still unsure of quarterback Tony Romo going into the 2007 season, but he erased any doubts after throwing for over 4200 yards and completing 36 touchdown passes. He also compiled a 97.4 passer rating, a total good enough for fifth best in the league. Romo led Dallas to some pretty gaudy offensive numbers last season, but Dallas has all the pieces in place to post even better totals this year.
The Cowboys return their entire offensive line from 2007 and this group has been working together for quite a while now. The results of their cohesion were evident in the 25 sacks they allowed last season and in the running game's 4.2 yards per carry average.
Dallas is loaded at the skill positions too. Wideouts Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton are one of the best receiving duos in the league and they are complimented greatly by tight end Jason Witten. The Cowboys also let running back Julius Jones loose in the off season to free more carries up for yeoman like runner Marion Barber. The team's top draft pick, RB Felix Jones out of Arkansas, should provide a great change of pace to Barber and he will likely see a lot of action on third downs.
The Cowboys were also solid on the defensive side of the ball last year. Wade Phillips brought some of his 3-4 defensive magic over from San Diego and the club ranked ninth in total yards allowed (307.6) and sixth in rushing yards allowed (94.6). However, what Phillips and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart will be looking for this season is a drop in points per game allowed. They ranked a respectable 13th last year, allowing 20.3 points per game, but the coaching staff feels they can get that number under 20 in 2008.
The Dallas linebacking corps did lose Akin Ayodele in the off season but they added former Dolphin Zach Thomas to replace him. The Cowboys are very stout here with Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware being the anchors in the 3-4 scheme. The linebackers are also given plenty of room to operate because the defensive line is well versed at occupying offensive linemen and preventing second level blocks.
The Cowboy secondary also made tremendous improvement under Phillips. In 2006 they ranked 24th in pass defense, last year they progressed to a 13th ranking. They should be as good or better this year with free safety Ken Hamlin now in his second season with the team. Terrance Newman seems to get better every year too; he has made himself one of the best man-to-man corners in the league.
Prediction: 1st Place NFC East.
