Put Up or Shut Up: The Dallas Cowboys

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

America's Team has become Americas laughing stock. Once the heavy favorite to capture the coveted sixth Lombardi the team collapsed amidst a tidal wave of injury and controversy.

In an effort to turn the franchise around owner Jerry Jones has taken drastic measures. he cut the teams big play receiver in Terrell Owens to make the team more "Romo friendly" and let go of underachievers Pacman Jones, Roy Williams (safety) and Tank Johnson.

He has also ordered Philips handle the defensive play calling personally. Despite the losses Dallas remains one of the most talented teams in recent memory. Entering the 2009 season, Dallas has to either put up or shut up.

Offense

QB: With Tony Romo at the helm Dallas has an undeniable talent guiding their high-powered offense. On any giving Sunday his Brett Favre like ability to create will ensure you get your money's even if he drives you crazy doing it.

But his losing record in December and, more importantly, January cannot be overlooked. While he hasn't helped matters the blame cannot be put entirely on his shoulders.

Injuries and inconsistent play by the entire team helped more than anything to lead to these collapses but Romo still needs to play better.

And despite what many say about Romo's turnover problem its not as bad as made out to be. Hall of Famer's Dan Fouts and Terry Bradshaw both were very turnover prone and Bradshaw won FOUR Super Bowls.

Brett Favre a three time MVP, Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Famer is the NFL's career leader in interceptions. So obviously Romo's turnover problem is greatly exaggerated.

Besides, how many times did he have a game-ending turnover? Meanwhile backup Jon Kitna provides stability behind Romo who can come in and win games should anything happen to Romo.

WR: This is a position with several question marks. With only two proven producers on the roster, depth seems thin. Even the starters have question marks like Roy Williams, despite all his talent he only has one season of production. But his talent is great.

A possession receiver by nature he runs crisp routs and has sticky hands. He also can make the tough acrobatic catches in traffic that T.O. never made.

Patrick Crayton is also a sure handed receiver who runs great routs but he lacks ideal speed and despite being able to produce as a solid number two he is better suited to the slot.

Miles Austin oozes talent but needs to stay healthy. He has ideal size (6'3", 215 pounds), deep threat speed and has a great chance to break out this year if he can stay healthy. Meanwhile, receivers Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback are intriguing talents that need to show what they can do.

O-Line: Last season the o-line started to show its age with every starter being over 30. The hardest hit by Father Time was Left Tackle Flozell Adams. After having an All-Pro year in 2007 he was at times atrocious in 2008.

But having Left Guard Kyle Kosier back figures to help. Center Andre Gurode and Guard Leonard Davis are both among the best at their respective positions and Right Tackle Marc Colombo is a quality player.

Pass protection must improve if this team wants to even make the postseason this year, but a greater emphasis on the running game should help tremendously.

Tight End: This is one of the few positions with no question marks. Jason Witten is arguably the games best TE, and young Martellus Bennett is a special talent that can produce big plays.

Running Backs: Marion Barber is the games best closer and fourth quarter runner and his hit or be hit running style is perfect for this offense, but he needs to be properly spelled to be effective. Felix Jones was having a Rookie of the Year caliber season when he was lost midseason.

His explosive speed and natural playmaking abilities make him the teams premier home run threat and having him back at full health will be a huge bonus. Third stringer Tashard Choice also proved his worth late last season when he ran for nearly 100 yards on the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

While not flashy he is effective and has a running style similar to the games all time great back, Emmitt Smith.

Defense

OLB: DeMarcus Ware is easily the games best linebacker and pass rusher. His 20 sacks lead the league and he also provides great run support and has excellent cover skills. He is the MVP of the defense and without him this team has no chance for postseason play.

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