Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Dallas Cowboys
by Paul Hopkins
23/6/2008
 
Overview
 
It was a case of so near and yet so far for the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. An outstanding 13-3 regular season was concluded with a limp home Divisional playoff defeat to eventual champions, the New York Giants and the time spent without a playoff win for arguably the most high-profile franchise continued. Unperturbed, Jerry Jones has continued to develop his team to re-claim the throne, mixing high-risk moves such as Adam Jones with sound drafting strategy and securing long-term futures (Newman, Barber, Ratliff and Owens). It is clear that 2008 really is make or break, a repeat or less is not acceptable.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Tony Romo showed that his debut half-season was no fluke with a commanding regular season performance, firmly establishing himself as a legitimate starter in the NFL as well as the Cowboys' long-term answer at quarterback (not to mention nabbing more celebrity eye-candy). Breaking all team records, Romo showed his high quality and quick release was here to stay. However, until he navigates the team to a playoff win, question marks will inevitably persist.
Grade: A-
 
Running Backs
 
Marion Barber continued to dominate and win praise for his running style, unlike his partner. It wasn't that Julius Jones failed to deliver. He just didn't live up to expectations and got overshadowed by the non-starter's outstanding performances. He didn't fit and has now moved on. Now firmly entrenched with Barber as the starter alongside elite alternate back Felix Jones providing a change of pace, Dallas may finally have a Barber-Jones rushing tandem that truly does work highly effectively.
Grade: B
 
Receivers
 
In Terrell Owens, Dallas has a legitimate #1 Superstar receiver. Patrick Crayton did admirably as a #2 but fluffed his lines in the post-season, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin showed occasional flashes and questions will have to remain about whether they can fully develop into regular, consistent contributors for the offence. Terry Glenn's future remains about as cloudy as Ricky Williams' room and Isiaiah Stanbeck remains the wildcard in the depth chart, but can the converted QB deliver? After failing to draft a WR, clearly, the worry has to be what comes after Owens.
Grade: B
 
Tight Ends
 
Jason Witten is arguably the best tight end in football. The consummate professional can do everything, but for the Cowboys the safety blanket he provides for Romo is invaluable, particularly with the relatively anaemic receiving corps. 2nd round pick Martellus Bennett offers a physical freak of an athlete but one that will take time to develop, assuming his frame of mind is right, but with the size he has, he should be a red-zone target for Romo right away. Tony Curtis edged Anthony Fasano out to Miami, and is a solid contributor.
Grade: A-
 
Offensive Line
 
As strong as Romo was, the five guys in front of him were just as good, if not better. Anchored by Flozell Adams, and boosted by the addition of the mammoth and outstanding Leonard Davis, the Cowboys had one of the most dominant lines in the league. Snapping issues aside, Andre Gurode continued to develop and establish himself as one of the better centre's in football. Even Marc Colombo looked the part most of the time.
Grade: A-
 
Defensive Line
 
A tail of mixed fortunes on Dallas' three man front. Jason Ferguson's injury in week one allowed Jay Ratliff to slot right in, and the under-sized DT with outstanding technique flourished, making the position his own. Tank Johnson contributed but has a job on his hands to be anything more than bit part. Chris Canty improved considerably on previous years to really stiffen up one side of the line. But again, Marcus Spears failed to impress.
Grade: B
 
Linebackers
 
Bradie James continued to step-up as a leader for the team, stiffening up his pass defence in addition to his strong play against the rush. Akin Ayodele was exposed on occasion but surprisingly allowed to leave for next to nothing. DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis were outstanding in their roles, albeit at opposite ends of their career. Such is the depth they have that 2007 1st rounder Anthony Spencer rarely got a start, but will ease in over the coming year. Zach Thomas will add experience, although I'm not sure what else. Letting Ayodele go so cheaply may prove costly. Bobby Carpenter is still there…
Grade: B+
 
Secondary
 
Despite struggling with injury Terence Newman and Anthony Henry had solid seasons. Ken Hamlin was a fine acquisition and though rumours are that long-term the position may be Pat Watkins' it is imperative for Dallas to tie Hamlin to a longer deal. For Roy Williams, the future is anything but certain. Much maligned, often exposed and now questioning his own talent, it is time for Dallas to use him where he can be most effective, and for Williams to live up to the hype. If he fails to settle, he may be moving on come 2009. Losing valuable back-up's (but nothing more) in Reeves and Jones is more than compensated through first-round stud Mike Jenkins (not to mention Orlando Scandrick), and Adam 'Don't call me PacMan anymore' Jones, for whom Dallas have potentially got one of the biggest steals of all-time. Suddenly, the position looks to be one of strength rather than weakness. The additions far outweighing the losses boost this grade up.
Grade: B
 
Special Teams
 
After year's of struggling by with inadequate kickers, the Cowboys struck gold with Nick 'Queer As' Folk. Most memorable for sealing the wild come from behind victory in Buffalo (twice!) Jerry finally realised that the kicking game is important. Finally there is some stability. And stability is what comes year on year with Mat McBriar. Not since Deion Sanders have Dallas had return players with the X-factor, but it looks as though in Adam Jones Dallas may have just got that X back again in their special teams play.
Grade: B
 
Coaching
 
In some quarters Wade Phillips excelled in his first year at Dallas. Unquestionably his relaxed approach was a welcome change to the high-pressure, highly-charged Bill Parcells regime, and certain players clearly flourished in this situation. Indeed a 13-3 season should never be sniffed at. But to some, this team has been ready to go deep into January for some time now, and with that objective in mind, Phillips failed to deliver. Time is now no longer on his side. Jason Garrett turned down head coaching positions to earn the same money as his own Head Coach and despite what anyone says, Wade must deliver.
Grade: B
 
Outlook
 
With a return to the playoffs an absolute minimum and a playoff win now more desperately needed than binoculars at a Girls Aloud concert, this year in now or never for arguably the most talent-laden side in the NFL. Wade Phillips knows time is not on his side; his owner wants to win now, has paid the money to do so and has a ready made replacement five yards down the sideline.