Dallas Cowboys: Handicapping the 2012 Cowboys Schedule

As soon as the Dallas Cowboys 2011 season ended with a disappointing loss to the New York Giants, the 2012 schedule became a little bit more clear. With that loss, the Cowboys dropped to a third place finish in the NFC East for the second consecutive year. Many will believe that the Cowboys are the beneficiaries of a weaker schedule but, to the contrary, the Cowboys will be tested every week.

The disappointment and mediocrity that has plagued the Dallas Cowboys for years should reinforce the belief that no opponent should be taken lightly and 2012 will be no different. I know right now the focus is on the draft but looking ahead to the upcoming season always makes for good debate.

Let's take a closer look at the Cowboys 2012 opponents, the breakdowns and the likely outcomes.

New Orleans Saints (Home)—The Saints are in the midst of dealing with the bounty scandal that has rocked their franchise to the core. Many people view this as a team in disarray but they are still talented and will probably rally around Sean Payton. The Cowboys will need to beat teams like this to prove they belong, but the Saints have one too many weapons.  Prediction: Loss

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home)—The Bucs begin the Greg Schiano era by adding top free agents Carl Nicks and Vincent Jackson. With Josh Freeman looking to bounce back from a subpar year combined with the tough running of LaGarrette Blount, the Bucs will be a formidable opponent. However, I see the Cowboys victorious in this game and taking care of business at home. Prediction: Win 

Cleveland Browns (Home)—The Browns begin year two of the Pat Schurmur era with plenty of question marks at key positions. Is Colt McCoy the quarterback to lead them ? Will they draft Trent Richardson? Will they draft a quarterback? Too many questions and not enough time to fix them. They are young and will improve but not enough to beat the Cowboys. Prediction: Win 

Pittsburgh Steelers (Home)—By the time the season starts, Mike Wallace will be back at wide receiver along with Antonio Brown. The Steelers have a lot of holes to fill with the departure of some aging veterans but they still have Big Ben, a solid running game and are always well prepared. The Cowboys will have their hands full and come up short. Prediction: Loss

Chicago Bears (Home)—Jay Cutler and new target Brandon Marshall will come to Dallas looking to exploit the secondary. However, the Cowboys will be ready with a revamped unit. And there's only so much Matt Forte can do by himself. Prediction: Win

NY Giants (Home)—The Giants have completely mastered the Cowboys in Jerry World but that will end in 2012. After generously giving the game away last year, the Cowboys will avenge the loss and put together four quarters of football even though Eli Manning battles until the end. Prediction: Win

Philadelphia Eagles (Home)—The Eagles bring a high-powered, fast offense to Cowboys Stadium that has consistently given this team fits. The Cowboys will be out looking to prove last year's Christmas Eve game was an illusion as they continue to amass an impressive home record in 2012. Prediction: Win

Washington Redskins (Home)—Dan Bailey will not be the MVP of this game and the Cowboys will spoil the Texas return of RG3 as he continues to adapt to the NFL game. The Cowboys come out of the gate ready to play in this fierce NFC East battle. Prediction: Win

Atlanta Falcons (Away)—The Cowboys go on the road to face a tough team lead by Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones. A tough challenge to play anybody on the road and this is no exception as the Cowboys leave the Georgia Dome on the short end of the stick. Prediction: Loss

Carolina Panthers (Away)—Cam Newton will give this Cowboys team fits with both his arms and legs. In the end, the Cowboys wear away a rebuilding defense that's vulnerable in the secondary for the victory in a hard fought road game. Prediction: Win

Baltimore Ravens (Away)—Facing the Ravens vaunted defense along with the power running game featuring Ray Rice will be a huge test for the Cowboys on the road. I expect a hard fought game but the intensity of the Ravens might be the deciding factor. Prediction: Loss

Cincinnati Bengals (Away)—The Bengals are a much improved team with Andy Dalton leading the way. After unexpectedly making the playoffs in 2011, it will tough for the Bengals to surprise teams. The Cowboys go on the road and get this win. Prediction: Win

Seattle Seahawks (Away)—Seattle is always a tough place to play regardless of their record. It's a long trip, a hostile environment and there is always a game for every team that results in a stinker. This just might be that game. Prediction: Loss 

New York Giants (Away)—The NFL opener on September 5 will promise to be an epic battle. I believe the Cowboys will be up for the challenge, they will win the game and start the season with a statement. It's a bold prediction but one that I stand by. Prediction: Win

Philadelphia Eagles (Away)—The Cowboys go to Lincoln Field in what promises to be a typical NFC East battle. The Eagles will be firing on all cylinders and looking to use their speed to attack the Cowboys defense. My feeling was that the Cowboys and Eagles would split and that hasn't changed. Prediction: Loss

Washington Redskins (Away)—The Cowboys complete the sweep of the Redskins in a slug fest and finish the season at 10-6. The Cowboys take advantage of the continued learning curve of RG3 but get a glimpse of the future as to what he can do with his game. Prediction: Win

After watching the Cowboys execute in free agency, the hope is that they are as successful in the draft. The Cowboys will be looking to make a major stride in year two of the Jason Garrett era. With continued progress, an upgrade in talent and a commitment to getting things right, a 10-6 record is not out of the question.

The only question that still remains is do the Cowboys believe it themselves.