Five offensive plays that will make the Dallas Cowboys season

Marion Barber III has been a major part of the Dallas offensive attack for four years. Whether he is the recipient of a straight hand off or a delayed draw, Barber is going to pick up yards.

This season, timing might be just as important as the number of carries Barber gets each game.

In 2007, Barber flourished in his role as a second-half closer. Julius Jones had most of the first-half carries, and Barber's punishing running style worked perfectly against an already-tired defense. Barber's second-half performances were vital to Dallas winning 13 games.

Last season, with Jones gone, Garrett used Barber much more in the first half. As a result, Barber was not as effective at the end of the game.

With the talented Felix Jones healthy and Tashard Choice developing as a threat on offense, Garrett should shift back to the play-calling style that won 13 games.

Barber's ability to pound the ball between the tackles late in games will be crucial. The opposing team will know what to expect. They will just be too tired to stop it.

Roy Williams struggled to adapt to the Dallas offensive system after he arrived last season. He publicly complained that the Cowboys coaching staff only gave him two routes to run.

This season, his play will be important if Dallas wants to have any success passing the ball.

Even though he only caught 19 passes as a Cowboy in 2008, Williams showed his potential with his only touchdown grab.

Williams caught a lob from quarterback Brad Johnson for a game-changing touchdown right before halftime against Tampa Bay, the only game Dallas won without Romo starting.

Williams will help space out the field when Dallas is driving, but his biggest asset is his size. In the red zone, Romo will have the luxury of a 6'3", 211-pound receiver with great jumping ability and good hands.

After Romo spends an entire offseason throwing to Williams, the two should become a constant red-zone threat.

Romo throwing the fade route to Williams in the back of the end zone will become one of the Garrett's go-to plays.

Felix Jones is a game changer, the home-run hitter for Dallas.

He only played in six games as a rookie in 2008, but he will play a much bigger role for the Cowboys this season.

In his six games, Jones ran the ball just 30 times. But, he scored three touchdowns and amassed 266 yards. That's almost an average of nine yards each time he ran the ball.

Jones was the most effective when he ran to the outside. Jones picked up most of his yards after receiving a toss running to the weak side. When Jones reaches the second level of the opposing defense, his speed and ability to change direction quickly make him difficult to tackle.

His speed around the corners was a perfect complement to the power running of Barber.

This season, Jones will have many more chances to show his blazing speed.

Garrett will have a tough time balancing three talented running backs (Barber, Jones, and Choice), but when Jones runs onto the field, watch for a big play. He is capable of finding the end zone each time he touches the ball.

Pro-Bowl tight end Jason Witten has been the most reliable option for the Dallas offense for the past several seasons.

Whenever the running game stalls and receivers aren't open, Romo finds Witten for a crucial first down or big play.

Witten, especially when Owens was on the team, was normally not the first option, but he led the team in catches last season (81) anyway. When everything else failed, Romo would squeeze the ball in to Witten.

With Owens gone this season, Garrett will be more inclined to make Witten a number-one option.

Witten is most effective when he runs the seam route right down the middle of the field, and he knows whether to stop, turn around and look for the ball, or keep running for an over-the-shoulder catch.

He has a knack for finding the open hole in a cover-two defense.

Sporting News labeled Witten as the No. 1 tight end in the NFL in its preseason rankings, partially based on the absence of Owens.

Witten's ability to find the soft spot in a zone, and Romo's comfort level to throw the ball to that spot will account for major yardage this season.

As much as Dallas fans want to believe that the Cowboys offense will score a touchdown every time they pass the 50, it won't happen. That's why a healthy Nick Folk will be vital.

The kicker had surgery to repair torn cartilage on his right hip in early May. If he returns to full strength, he will play a big role in the 2009 Dallas offense.

Although they aren't as glorified as the starting quarterbacks, running backs and hard-hitting defensive players, kickers play one of the most important roles on a team. A good kicker is consistently the leading scorer each year.

What good is a two-minute drill drive to the opponent’s 40-yard line if the kicker misses the game-winning or tying field goal? Without Adam Vinatieri, the Patriots wouldn't have two of their Super Bowl wins.

When Folk is healthy, he is one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL. In 2008, he made 20 of the 22 field goals he attempted with a long of 52 yards.

He was perfect on his extra points, making all 42 of his attempts.

It might not be the most glamorous job, but when Dallas reaches its opponent's 40, Folk grantees at least three points.

Knowing a kicker will put the ball through the uprights consistently is a great comfort for a coaching staff.

Folk, who is recovering well, will have another big year. His offensive scoring makes him as important as any other part of the Cowboys offense.

He will remain the best three-point option in Dallas.