Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Be NFC East Favorites Heading into 2012 Season

Indulge me on this piece of literary genius before you decide to click to the next article regarding what the Cowboys need to fix for 2012 or who the team should draft. Walk with me down this path of artistic intelligence about why quarterback Tony Romo, running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Miles Austin should wear the 2012 NFC East crown next season.

Side note: Before anyone points out that the Giants won the East this season and are potentially headed toward another Super Bowl, there is no need to try and sting me with that piece of information as I watched the game with my own set of eyes. Thanks.

Another side note: Yes, I do realize that the Giants beat the Cowboys twice in 2011 and will emerge as division and maybe conference favorites once the 2012 season starts. But I submit this little tidbit toward you, dear reader: “I will accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

The success of the 2012 Dallas Cowboys will hinge on the arm of Tony Romo, the legs of Murray but most of all on the arms and hands of the Cowboys secondary. I have enough faith in the Cowboys offensive line to believe that there will be enough improvement to warrant that type of faith. You know, the blind version. Right tackle Tyron Smith and left tackle Doug Free should switch positions and the Cowboys will more than likely add depth to the line via the draft.

So it is with a raised eyebrow and a stomach full of butterflies that I turn my already diverted attention toward the defensive backfield. Cowboys corner Terence Newman should see a sign in his locker that says “hit the bricks” the next time he arrives at Valley Ranch. Newman was literally used as a human hurdle in the Cowboys' final game of the season against the Giants. He is no longer a viable cornerback and should pack up his sheet and pole and kick rocks down the nearest railroad track.

Mike Jenkins, the other corner, had a decent year but could not stay healthy. He will be back, and if he’s able to stay on the field he should return to his Pro Bowl form from 2009. So here is where my faith plays a huge part of believing in the Cowboys' chances of success in 2012.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is starting to bring in his own guys—see Jerome Henderson hire—and he will start to do so with free agency and the draft. It is my belief that the Cowboys defense sputtered due to Ryan’s scheme not matching with the players.

Ryan needs guys who are able to play man, and while Newman succeeded at this task, he also often failed. Ryan loves to blitz, so he needs athletic guys on the front end and safeties as well. Abe Elam was supposed to be the communications guy for the defense, but he stunk up the joint.

How many times did we see blown coverages or guys looking confused at what play was due to be called? That is not all on Elam, but he had something to do with it.

Once Ryan finishes bringing in the type of guys he needs to be successful, the Cowboys defense could become very dangerous.

I will also submit the Cowboys offense as an example. Romo is in the prime of his career, and while had a few games that made you cringe, his 2011 was one for the record books. He stayed healthy, threw only 10 interceptions, had 31 touchdowns and posted a career best 102.5 quarterback rating. He was great when he needed to be and will continue to be great in 2012.

Murray should return from his fractured ankle in 2012 and if he picks up anywhere close to where he left off, the Cowboys will have one of the most potent offensive attacks in the league. Running back Felix Jones will serve as the primary backup as well as a third-down option, and he’s capable of big plays after any snap.

Head coach Jason Garrett will continue to grow into his role, and we will see his maturation on full display when he decides not to ice the kicker against the Eagles next season.

Dallas is in part rebuilding mode—just take a look at some of their 2011 moves. While many will pick Dallas to finish third behind the Eagles and Giants, I fully expect the Cowboys to compete with both teams. Philly has an injury prone quarterback and even if the Giants make the Super Bowl, they are too unpredictable to predict, if that makes any sense.

Faith and hope are sometimes all that we have in this life and for the stability of many Cowboys fans across this great nation it is what we choose to live by for 2012.