Put Up or Shut Up: The Dallas Cowboys

America's Team has become Americas laughing stock. Once the heavy favorite to capture the coveted sixth Lombardi the team collapsed amidst a tidal wave of injury and controversy.

In an effort to turn the franchise around owner Jerry Jones has taken drastic measures. he cut the teams big play receiver in Terrell Owens to make the team more "Romo friendly" and let go of underachievers Pacman Jones, Roy Williams (safety) and Tank Johnson.

He has also ordered Philips handle the defensive play calling personally. Despite the losses Dallas remains one of the most talented teams in recent memory. Entering the 2009 season, Dallas has to either put up or shut up.

Offense

QB: With Tony Romo at the helm Dallas has an undeniable talent guiding their high-powered offense. On any giving Sunday his Brett Favre like ability to create will ensure you get your money's even if he drives you crazy doing it.

But his losing record in December and, more importantly, January cannot be overlooked. While he hasn't helped matters the blame cannot be put entirely on his shoulders.

Injuries and inconsistent play by the entire team helped more than anything to lead to these collapses but Romo still needs to play better.

And despite what many say about Romo's turnover problem its not as bad as made out to be. Hall of Famer's Dan Fouts and Terry Bradshaw both were very turnover prone and Bradshaw won FOUR Super Bowls.

Brett Favre a three time MVP, Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Famer is the NFL's career leader in interceptions. So obviously Romo's turnover problem is greatly exaggerated.

Besides, how many times did he have a game-ending turnover? Meanwhile backup Jon Kitna provides stability behind Romo who can come in and win games should anything happen to Romo.

WR: This is a position with several question marks. With only two proven producers on the roster, depth seems thin. Even the starters have question marks like Roy Williams, despite all his talent he only has one season of production. But his talent is great.

A possession receiver by nature he runs crisp routs and has sticky hands. He also can make the tough acrobatic catches in traffic that T.O. never made.

Patrick Crayton is also a sure handed receiver who runs great routs but he lacks ideal speed and despite being able to produce as a solid number two he is better suited to the slot.

Miles Austin oozes talent but needs to stay healthy. He has ideal size (6'3", 215 pounds), deep threat speed and has a great chance to break out this year if he can stay healthy. Meanwhile, receivers Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback are intriguing talents that need to show what they can do.

O-Line: Last season the o-line started to show its age with every starter being over 30. The hardest hit by Father Time was Left Tackle Flozell Adams. After having an All-Pro year in 2007 he was at times atrocious in 2008.

But having Left Guard Kyle Kosier back figures to help. Center Andre Gurode and Guard Leonard Davis are both among the best at their respective positions and Right Tackle Marc Colombo is a quality player.

Pass protection must improve if this team wants to even make the postseason this year, but a greater emphasis on the running game should help tremendously.

Tight End: This is one of the few positions with no question marks. Jason Witten is arguably the games best TE, and young Martellus Bennett is a special talent that can produce big plays.

Running Backs: Marion Barber is the games best closer and fourth quarter runner and his hit or be hit running style is perfect for this offense, but he needs to be properly spelled to be effective. Felix Jones was having a Rookie of the Year caliber season when he was lost midseason.

His explosive speed and natural playmaking abilities make him the teams premier home run threat and having him back at full health will be a huge bonus. Third stringer Tashard Choice also proved his worth late last season when he ran for nearly 100 yards on the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

While not flashy he is effective and has a running style similar to the games all time great back, Emmitt Smith.

Defense

OLB: DeMarcus Ware is easily the games best linebacker and pass rusher. His 20 sacks lead the league and he also provides great run support and has excellent cover skills. He is the MVP of the defense and without him this team has no chance for postseason play.

On the other side Greg Ellis is a quality player who provides enough heat off the edge that teams are forced to watch him as well and young Anthony Spencer has shown flashes of greatness.

ILB: Bradie James was a Pro Bowl snub. A fiery leader and great player he can do it all. He lead the team in tackles for the fourth straight year and had a career high eight sacks. He also proved to be a quality cover man.

Keith Brooking was an excellent pickup as he provides valuable experience and leadership. He's also experienced in Coach Phillips system having played for him while Phillips served as Atlanta's Defensive Coordinator from 2002-'03 which coincidentally were his best seasons.

D-Line: Pro Bowl Nose Tackle Jay Ratliff is a disruptive force in the middle of the line. Though he lacks ideal size for his position he nonetheless has a knack for putting QB's on their back as his eight sacks show. 

DE Marcus Spears is a solid player who plays the run well and newly acquired DE Igor Olshansky is a quality lineman who plays the run well and can get after the passer.

Secondary: Terence Newman when healthy is a premier Corner who can shut down a teams top receiver or deep threat. Second-year players Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick both posses great talent and will have to compete in training camp for the starting job.

Though at this point, Scandrick seems to be the favorite due to his great play during the 2008 season and he is a feisty player who's confidence borders being just plain cocky. Despite his talent Jenkins needs to get more physical if he wants to be a player at this level.

If he can his combination of size and speed will allow him to become a premier Corner in the league.

At Safety, Ken Hamlin's play fell off from his stellar 2007 season and needs to rebound in 2009 to justify the large contract he signed in the summer of 2008. Gerald Sensabaugh provides quality coverage at the Strong Safety spot that was sorely lacking during his predecessor Roy Williams tenure with the team.

While he isn't in Williams class as a run stopper he is still above average. He also has a knack for stealing the ball away from opposing teams as his 4 interceptions in 2008 show.

Special Teams

Kicker: The Cowboys are set at kicker with Nick Folk. He's young, accurate, has a powerful leg and most importantly is clutch.

Punter: With Mat McBriar's return from a foot injury the Cowboys punting game will return to the leagues elite. He has a strong leg and is excellent at directional kicking.

Outlook

The Cowboys have a good outlook for the 2009 season. With the removal of several team cancers and bringing in "Phillips guys" Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips have gotten the locker room back under control. And the team remains one the the leagues most talented and its core players are in their prime.

If they can stay healthy this team can be a serious force in the NFC this year. But its up to them whether they want to put up or shut up.