If Dallas wants a Super 2008, Cowboy players must step up

As the clock read triple zeroes on the scoreboard at Texas Stadium following the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 loss to eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants most Dallas Cowboy fan’s couldn’t believe what just happened.

At the same time most wondered if the Cowboys would ever win a playoff game?

Expectations are again high for the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 after a 13-3 season in 2007 in which they won the NFC East, were the #1 seed in the playoffs, and had home-field advantage for those same playoffs. Even with all they accomplished last season they improved their roster even more along with the 13 Pro Bowlers they had last year. The Cowboys also overhauled their coaching staff mainly on the defensive side due to the defection of several coaches to Miamito be with former Cowboys assistant and new Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano and Executive Vice President Bill Parcells.

Offensively the Dallas Cowboys return everyone except for running back Julius Jones, tight end Anthony Fasano and wide receiver Terry Glenn. Tony Romo returns under center looking to silence all the critics and improve on his Pro Bowl season last year. Marion Barber is the starting running back and just recently signed a seven year contract to be the number one running back in Dallas. The question with Marion Barber is will he be able to carry the load at a high level for the whole season? To compliment Barber the Dallas Cowboys drafted Arkansas running back Felix Jones with the 22^ndpick and he will add a very enticing wrinkle to their offense. Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett will likely use Felix Jones not only as a change of pace back, but also by lining him in the slot and having him catch balls out of the backfield. The offensive line returns in tact and looking to improve even more from a unit that was very dominant at times last years. Left tackle Flozell Adams signed a six year extension in the offseason after another pro bowl season along with right guard Leonard Davis and center Andre Gurode who were also Pro Bowlers. Marc Colombo will anchor the right side of the offensive line, with the only question spot being with left guard Kyle Kosier, who would be the starter until suffering an injury that will have him out 2-3 weeks. The wide receivers and tight ends are led by Pro Bowlers Jason Witten and Terrell Owens. Tight end Jason Witten had the best year for a tight end in Dallas Cowboy history and will be backed up by third year player Tony Curtis and rookie Martellus Bennett from Texas A&M. T.O. will again lead the wide receiving corps that was very good when Owens was healthy, but sputtered after his late season ankle injury. Terrell Owens at age 34 signed a three year extension in the offseason and is showing little sign of slowing down, which is vital for the Dallas Cowboy’s success in 2008.Patrick Crayton is the number two receiver and Sam Hurd is the third receiver, but is hurt and will be out probably another two weeks. Miles Austin is the fourth receiver, but he suffered a knee injury and will be out the next 3-4 weeks, and Isaiah Stanback is the fifth receiver, but he is hurt as well with a shoulder injury that will linger throughout the season, and his effect is unknown. Second year kicker Nick Folk returns from his rookie Pro Bowl season and looks to pick up where he left off.

On defense the Dallas Cowboys return everyone except linebacker Akin Ayodele

from a unit that was greatly improved and finished the season ranked 9^th overall in the NFL. Since this will be the second year in the Wade Phillips 3-4 defense the Cowboys should be even better and need to be able to take over the game at critical moments during the game, for example right before the end of the first half of the playoff game against the New York Giants.

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