Top Five Under-The-Radar Storylines Going Into Training Camp

As a long-time Cowboys fan, last year was one of the most frustrating and embarrassing seasons I have ever witnessed.  The blowout loss to the Eagles of all teams was the icing on the cake-in-your-face. 

This off-season has, in my opinion, been a little disappointing.  Although I will admit I understand the reasoning behind all of the moves made, as a fan, you want to see tangible evidence that your team is improving.  I can't say that I see it... yet. Going into the 2009 Training Camp and Pre-Season, there are five areas of concern I am focusing on.

1. Penalties!

How many drives were stalled and/or extended because of a false start or offsides? This team needs to be a more disciplined team and cut out the mistakes that absolutely killed them last year.

2. Patrick Crayton/Miles Austin

Everyone keeps talking about Roy E. Williams and if he is a true number one receiver. Well, if Crayton and Austin don't make plays, then Williams is going to find it very difficult to produce. If Crayton can get back to the 2007 version where he caught seven touchdown passes and was making big plays, then this offense has a chance to be very dangerous.

3. Offensive game-plan

This offense sure has the run to set up the pass feel, with Barber, Jones and Choice, you have three guys who can run very effectively, and that allows them to use Williams and Witten to play to their strengths, converting those third downs into first downs. Getting opposing defenses to bring that seventh or eighth defender up to the line only helps our receivers and tight ends. Also, finding the right rotation for the three-headed monster at running back is going to be crucial to overall success.

4. Coaching

Both Wade Phillips AND Jason Garrett need to up their focus.  Garrett may have been the Cinderella Story two years ago, but if he doesn't start to add something to the vanilla play-calling of a year ago, then something needs to be done. If a guy sitting in the stands or at home watching can very consistently diagnose the play that is about to be called, then what do you think the opposing defense is seeing?  I'm not saying that you have to run a gadget offense, but there has to be some diversity.

5. Hey rookie!

At the very minimum, two of the rookies will need to step in and play and play well.  Demarcus Ware played in 97% of all defensive snaps last year. Someone has to be able to come in and spell him and be effective.  Without having a first or second round pick coming in, you have to hope and pray that the scouting department did their job while analyzing these guys.  If not, this past draft could go down as one of the worst ever. If not on the regular defense, then they at least better be able to make some plays on the special teams units, which were absolutely horrid last year.

There you have it, my top five areas of concern, hopefully my fears won't be realized and this team will be playing meaningful games in January. Happy Camping!