Dallas Cowboys: 5 Reasons Why the 'Boys Will Be Better in 2012

After a disappointing finish to the 2011 season, Cowboy fans still probably have that feeling fresh in their minds. But not only have the Cowboys already taken measures to improve the team this offseason, the ultimate plan for 2012 is to try to take the next step in the second year of Jason Garrett’s tenure.

Heading into 2012 the Cowboys had several needs in several different areas. Fortunately, they aren't experiencing the same obstacles as they did last year when the lockout virtually crippled the entire offseason.

After the Cowboys fell short of their goal of missing the playoffs last season, anything short of making them this year will be as equally disappointing. As the Cowboys continue to revamp their roster, plan for the draft and cultivate a winning roster, all preliminary signs are pointing to a better 2012.

I would like to show five reasons why I know 2012 will be even better.

Cowboys Return a Solid Core

The Cowboys will not only return a formidable core of talent at various skill positions, but they will lean on this group for major production. On offense this includes Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten and Tyron Smith.

Romo, despite a few subpar performances, amassed an impressive stat line in 2011 and proved he's capable of becoming an elite quarterback. Miles and Bryant have the potential to be one of the most dangerous receiver combinations in the NFL and will be counted on to do so in 2012. Murray, looking to build off an impressive rookie campaign, will be the featured back running behind Tyron Smith. And Jason Witten has proven to be Mr. Dependability.

The defensive core features DeMarcus Ware, Sean Lee, Jay Ratliff, Mike Jenkins and Anthony Spencer. While the defense needs to make major improvements from 2011, having these veterans return already moves the Cowboys a step closer with Ware the leader of the group. 

With Lee anchoring the middle of the defense and Ratliff battling hard inside, this could be Anthony Spencer's breakout year fans have been waiting for. A healthy Mike Jenkins will automatically make the secondary better, especially with the addition of Brandon Carr.

Free Agency Additions

Not only does the signing of Brandon Carr make the Cowboys better heading into 2012, but the Cowboys benefited greatly from their entire free agency haul. The Cowboys solidified the backup quarterback position, added depth to the offensive line and line-backing corps, and upgraded the safety position. It was a well executed plan that initially looked bleak due to the imposed salary-cap penalties handed out by the NFL.

The accomplishments made by the Cowboys in free agency will now enable them to enter the draft with total and complete flexibility. They can approach the draft with the mindset that they will be looking for the best available player in each round. 

But most importantly, the Cowboys proved that their commitment to improvement started with free agency and was consistent with their message to be aggressive. This might prove to be the single most significant sign of hope heading into 2012.

The Draft

After emerging from free agency with an impressive haul, the Cowboys also find themselves in a position to be major players in the draft. Armed with flexibility to go in a number of directions talent-wise, the Cowboys were also awarded an additional compensatory fourth-round pick.

Should the Cowboys choose to trade down a few spots in round one and gain some extra day two picks, they could be in tremendous position to land three or four of the top 150 players. If the Cowboys decided to stand firm and pick at No. 14, they will still land an immensely talented player capable of contributing right away.

Players like Dre Kirkpatrick, David DeCastro, Michael Brockers and Dontari Poe are prime examples of the talent that will help the Cowboys improve in 2012.

What the Cowboys have given themselves heading into the draft, besides flexibility, are options. Options that can prove to be valuable when constructing this roster into a championship caliber team.

The Benefits of an Entire Offseason

The Cowboys and the 31 other franchises that comprise the NFL, were stripped of last year's offseason due to the lockout. While total blame cannot be placed on the lockout for the failures of the Cowboys 2011 season, I'm a believer that it played a major part.

For defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, it meant a major delay in the installment of his complex defensive scheme followed by a crash course at the inception of training camp. And it showed in their play on a number of occasions where the defense just looked totally dazed and confused. I also feel that a lack of talent played a supporting role as well, but Ryan's unit fell way short of expectations, which reflected in the results.

With no potholes in this offseason's road, look for Rob Ryan to not only full implement the defensive scheme long before the preseason but also look for significant improvement.

The benefits of a true offseason in 2012 will not only help out the defense but it will also help the offense, special teams and, quite frankly, the entire organization make better decisions as well.

Jason Garrett's Maturation Process

As the Cowboys head into Jason Garrett's second full season as head coach, things can only get better. Garrett was widely criticized last season for his icing of Dan Bailey and questionable play-calling in the Detroit and New England games. Factor in the times when it appeared that Jerry Jones himself was questioning his play-calling and you started to get the feel that Garrett's learning curve was going to be steeper than anticipated.

But as the Cowboys headed into this offseason and started their epic run in free agency, I started to get the feeling that Garrett was starting to really put his blueprint on this team with "his" type of player. My feelings during free agency were confirmed as I read this article on ESPNDallas.com whereby Garrett breaks down the free agency haul. 

I believe Garrett has learned from some of last year's mistakes, he will have a better grasp of this team and what the strengths and weaknesses are and he will be even more instrumental in personnel decisions. More importantly, his maturation process will only help this team be better for years to come.

For 2012, I believe it's already started.