Balanced Offense, Tenacious Defense, Cowboys Will Have New Look In 2009

The Cowboys coaching staff became somewhat predictable last year, especially in their play calling. They got too reliant on the pass, which got them in a lot of trouble, especially late in the season. This was in part due to injuries and personnel problems. Now, with players healthy and with new personnel changes, Jason Garrett’s play calling will be different than last year.

The offense has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL, but in order for that to happen, it must be balanced. This is something the Cowboys got away from last year. With only 401 rushing attempts, the Cowboys ranked 21st in the NFL. That number should be up around 500. With the NFL’s second largest offensive line, there is no reason the Cowboys shouldn’t run the ball more.

The Cowboys new found depth at running back will also make it easier to pound the ball more. Tashard Choice emerged as a legitimate running back after injuries sidelined Marion Barber and Felix Jones.

The Cowboys can use all three similarly to way the New York Giants used Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw last year. Look for Jason Garrett to implement more two back sets, especially in passing situations.

Tight end, Martellus Bennett will be a key to this year’s passing attack. He has the body of a tight end, but moves like a wide receiver. He plays sort of like Antonio Gates. Bennett really improved his on his blocking late last year as well. He’ll get a lot more playing time this year.

Look for Jason Garrett to use a lot of two tight end sets. With Bennett and Witten, it makes the offense becomes more versatile as Bennett becomes another big target for Tony Romo to throw to.

The passing game doesn’t quite have a speedy home run threat other than Miles Austin. With Terrell Owens gone, Roy Williams will assume the leading role. Instead of Romo dropping back and having to look for Owens, with the fear that he might go public with his displeasure, he can instead spread the ball around. We will see that happy go lucky Romo from two years ago.

Like last year, Dallas will run a lot of screens, especially with Felix Jones, as he has electrifying speed and agility and can really create in open space. Defenses can’t focus on one player in this offense with double teams or shaded coverage because there are so many weapons, and doubling one will just free up somebody else.

The defense really underachieved last year as a whole. Yes, there were bright spots, like DeMarcus Ware’s chase of Michael Strahan’s single season sack record, and Jay Ratilff making his first Pro Bowl, but largely, the unit didn’t live up to expectations.

With Wade Phillips calling the plays, this defense will be in attack mode all season long, which will help the young secondary. Outside of Terrence Newman and Ken Hamlin, the Dallas secondary is largely unproven.

Orlando Scandrick played well last year, but that was largely in the nickel back role. He excels covering slot receivers. Mike Jenkins should have the edge for the starting job opposite Terrence Newman, but must eliminate mental mistakes to make his play more consistent.

Roy Williams’s departure at free safety changes things up a little bit. He wasn’t known for his coverage abilities, but the Cowboys did a good job of turning his weakness into a strength. They often liked to go with nickel packages a lot as Roy Williams would act as the third linebacker coming on a blitz, essentially making it a base defense.

This won’t be the case anymore. Gerald Sensabaugh was brought in to fill his role, but he’s not the enforcer that Roy Williams has shown he can be. He is, however, a little bit better in coverage. He will compete with Patrick Watkins to become the starting free safety.

As a whole, the defense should be even more aggressive than it was last year, which will create more turnovers and help the Cowboys win the field position game. The Cowboys addressed key problem areas from last year, and now, the team must find a way to gel.

The Cowboys will have a new look next year. Balanced on offense, tenacious on defense. That seems to be the formula. The Steelers figured it out last year. The Giants did the year before that, and the Colts did before them. Maybe, this year the Cowboys will figure it out.