5 Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Dallas Cowboys in 2012

Although it's hard to look back to the 2011 season without feeling anger and disappointment, the Dallas Cowboys must continue to focus on the task at hand as they retool for the 2012 season. Last season could have and should have gone much better than it did for the Cowboys, but most of their wounds were of the self-inflicted variety. 

If you believe in the saying, "As one door closes another one opens,"  then I, for one, see a lot of reason for optimism heading into the upcoming season. The Cowboys possess one of the more talented rosters in the NFL and the time has come for this organization to reclaim its spot with the elite teams and reward long-suffering fans.

After enduring some gut-wrenching losses last season, it's time for Cowboy Nation to break out of this shell of mediocrity and reclaim the Lombardi Trophy. Sometimes it's tough to draw positives out of a negative situation, but the Cowboys were able to realize some dividends from last season's hardships. Whether you also realize them or not, there is hope for a brighter future ahead.

Here are my five reasons to be optimistic in 2012.

DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray will be a breakout star in the NFL but his primary responsibility will be to anchor the Cowboys’ running attack next season. Murray was responsible for outstanding production in a limited period of time before suffering a broken ankle. While his success was aided by Tony Fiammetta, the front office elected to upgrade that position in the offseason with the addition of Lawrence Vickers.

With Vickers providing the lead blocking, as he did for Arian Foster, Murray should reap the benefits of more holes to run through as he is now 100 percent healthy, Murray will also have the benefit of a full offseason to obtain an even greater understanding of the offense, as well receiving the Mike Woicik treatment to prepare for the upcoming season.

I do believe the Cowboys will get a productive season from Felix Jones, which will greatly help, but this offense will clearly soar to new heights on Murray's shoulders.

Full Dose of Rob Ryan

Rob Ryan runs a complex defensive scheme that's predicated on pressure and being able to cover one on one. The lockout robbed the Cowboys last season of being able to fully implement that scheme, which became very visible with the results yielded on the field.

With a  full offseason of being able to learn the ins and outs of Ryan's defense, the Cowboys will be able to take a major step forward in sculpting a more productive, rugged, disruptive and less predictable unit that's capable of holding up late in the season and in the playoffs. In a way, this could prove to be a make-or-break season for Ryan and his outspoken personality.

Armed with a more substantial talent base in 2012, Ryan needs to improve on last year's performance. And if the defense plays up to their potential, Ryan will not only look like a genius, but it might lead him to a head coaching position. If the Cowboys struggle again, he may prompt Jason Garrett to reevaluate the defensive coordinator position and go in a different direction.

In 2012 the pressure will be on Rob Ryan, but you can bet this time he'll be able to back up his words.

Upgraded Secondary

The Cowboys can finally field a secondary that can run with the top competition in the NFL. Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne give the Cowboys a much-needed makeover and upgrade over Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins, last year’s starting tandem. Jerry Jones made a major statement by committing the necessary resources to sign Carr to a lucrative contract and by moving up in the draft to select Claiborne.

Jenkins is a good player they should try and keep, but with the addition of Carr and Claiborne, and the resources committed to Orlando Scandrick, it's easy for Jenkins to see the writing on the wall. Signing Jenkins would be ideal, but it's hard for reality to dictate spending that much money on one position.

With cornerback being such a demanding and injury-prone position that requires great depth, keeping Jenkins is paramount. However, the failure to trade him over the draft leads me to believe the market isn't that great for corners coming off shoulder surgery. The Cowboys would be better off letting him play out his deal under motivating circumstances, leaving for free agency and then getting awarded a compensatory pick, which could be greater than a pick received in a trade.

Whether Jenkins is around on opening day or not, it's hard not to get excited at the potential of this position. The addition of Brodney Pool is also an upgrade at safety worth keeping an eye on, as well as fourth-round draft pick Matt Johnson.

Offseason Plan

The Dallas Cowboys went about their business this offseason with a purpose and a commitment to making this team better. The additions they made, with the exception of Brandon Carr, were just what this team needed. Faced with the league-mandated salary cap penalty, the offseason additions had to be even more carefully planned out and executed precisely.

The Cowboys were able to address glaring needs and fill them with very competent replacements. Players like Dan Connor, Lawrence Vickers, Brodney Pool and Nate Livings will step in and make an impact right away. The Cowboys also solidified the backup quarterback position by signing Kyle Orton, which will give the fans a collective sigh of relief in the event Tony Romo should get injured.

The recent surgery performed on Mackezy Bernadeau will definitely be considered a setback, but he should be ready to go early in the season. It was clear to see the commitment to the types of players Jason Garrett wanted. On a team already filled with superstars and names, the Cowboys were able to find some character guys that not only provide depth and can challenge for starting positions, but they also represent talent upgrades.

The draft was another source of talent influx and that was clear with the first-round selection of Morris Claiborne. Arguably the second-best player in the draft, the Cowboys hit a home run in finding a player that's capable of being one of the league's elite at his position. With players like Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber, James Hanna and Danny Coale rounding out the draft class, it's clear the entire offseason was a success.

Solid Core Group

When you look at the offseason additions and what the Cowboys were able to accomplish, it's easy to forget what they already have in place. One of the biggest reasons for optimism heading into to 2012 is that the Cowboys will return a solid core and mix of veterans and budding young stars.

You look at Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Anthony Spencer, Doug Free, Gerald Sensabaugh, Mike Jenkins and Brandon Carr (although his first year in Dallas) as the core veteran group that will provide this team with leadership.

If you combine those veterans with young players like Sean Lee, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, Tyron Smith, Morris Claiborne, Bruce Carter, Dan Bailey and Sean Lissemore, then you start to get a glimpse at just what this team is capable of accomplishing if they all buy in and play with purpose and up to their potential.

When you look at what the New York Giants accomplished last season and the Packers the season before by sneaking into the playoffs and reaching football glory, the logical question to assume is, "Why not the Cowboys?" As a team that has had more downs than ups, it's time to simply ask that question.

The talent is in place and so is the commitment to improvement, winning and building a quality football team. Isn't that enough to be optimistic about?