Dallas Cowboys Prove They're Rebuilding America's Team in 2012

Preseason is over and all the speculation and analytical views are all but passed. It is now time to meet the 2012 Dallas Cowboys.

They mean business.

Having had to make readjustments to the offensive line for Wednesday night's game against the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, the Jason Garrett Cowboys dug in their heels and held the Giants in big Texas fashion.

Although the Cowboys had a rocky start offensively, they certainly made the adjustments where needed. Namely, the offensive line. The Cowboys relied on new offensive coordinator Bill Callahan with their ever-changing offensive line. Callahan made the right changes and play calls on the offensive side of the roster.

With the exception of false start penalties (three by OT Tyron Smith alone), Dallas only allowed two sacks while they were pressured by arguably the NFL's best pass rusher, Jason Pierre-Paul.

Wide receiver Dez Bryant had an electric game with four receptions for 85 yards. Bryant will prove to be Dallas' biggest threat to any opponent in the future. The surprise player of the night came with another wideout, Kevin Ogletree.

Ogletree may have even shocked the fantasy football owners who drafted him, however, the fourth-year player out of Virginia was utilized greatly when necessary. With 114 yards in receiving and two touchdowns, Ogletree dominated the Giants' weary defensive secondary.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was visibly distressed once learning his reserve cornerback, Michael Coe (starting for the injured Prince Amukamara), would be sidelined with a hamstring injury late in the third quarter.

Although the Cowboys do not have a lot of depth at running back, this season will be based on whether DeMarco Murray can stay healthy. Nevermind if he can play, Murray was a powerhouse in last night's season opener. Having recorded 131 yards on the ground, teammate Felix Jones proved to be a non-factor to the offense and Murray carried the Cowboys to this 24-17 win.

On the defensive side of the ball for Dallas, rookie Morris "Mo" Claiborne was dominant in pass coverage. Claiborne, a defensive back out of LSU, had an impact in keeping the Giants from the end zone in receiving. Breaking up major third-down plays, Jenkins and Sandrick were viable as well.

The defensive line, led by one of NFL's top linebackers, DeMarcus Ware, held the Giants to only 82 yards in rushing. With defensive tackle Jay Ratliff not making the trip (ankle injury) to MetLife Stadium, the Cowboys made notable modifications using both Josh Brent and Sean Lissemore. Defensive end Jason Hatcher definitely kept the pressure coming from the right side of their line.

The Dallas Cowboys have players on their starting roster positioned for commanding opponents. There may not be a lot of depth to this team, yet the chemistry combined with certainty affirms to America that this team has just beaten the World Champions and they want to be taken seriously in 2012.

Dallas will travel to Seattle on September 16 to face Pete Carroll's unpredictable Seahawks. This gives the Cowboys plenty of time to make their adjustments, get Jay Ratliff back on the defensive line, get some depth built (on offensive line, linebacker and running back positions) and to show the rest of the NFL league that America's Team is going to be consistent, concrete and prove that they are to be taken seriously in this 2012 season.