Dallas Cowboys: 5 Steps They Must Take Before Next Season

At the start of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys were expected to be strong contenders in a talented NFC East Division.  They had a new $1 billion stadium, then-head coach Wade Phillips had a vote of confidence from owner Jerry Jones and the front office had drafted a gem in wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Today, no Dallas fan is smiling.  Wade Phillips is gone, Dez Bryant is on injured reserve and a multitude of injuries and controversies have the Cowboys at the bottom of the division with a 4-9 record and well out of the playoff race.

Many are writing off the team as being "done" and without a chance to contend next season, but I'm not ready to write them off just yet.  This is "America's Team," and they'll rebound. 

Here are five ways to make sure that happens.

1. Make Jason Garrett the Full-Time Head Coach

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Lions 35-19. (Photo by Tom

The Dallas Cowboys need to get younger next season, and what better way to start than hiring a young, modern-minded coach?

Jason Garrett, currently the interim head coach, is 44 years old, and it is essential that Jerry Jones take the interim off of his title next season.  In his first career game as a head coach, Garrett led the Cowboys to a surprising 33-20 upset over the heavily favored New York Giants.

I don't know how many of you out there watched...who am I kidding?  You're Cowboys fans.  Of course you watched it!  So you'll agree with me that during that game, for the first time all season, the Cowboys looked like a team.

He's posted three wins (including one over Peyton Manning and the Colts) since taking over for Wade Phillips, and his two losses were only by three points apiece.  The players love him, and he's made them believe again, so if Jerry Jones wants to get back to the postseason, Garrett has to stay.

2. Solve the Running Back Controversy

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OXNARD, CA - AUGUST 14: (L-R) Running backs Felix Jones #28, Marion Barber #24 and Tashard Choice #23 share a laugh during Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at the Marriott Residence Inn Oxnard River Ridge on August 14, 2010 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by

For some teams, like the 2003 Philadelphia Eagles, a three-man running back crew is effective.  In Dallas, for this season and the two previous ones, this strategy has not worked.

Marion Barber is constantly injured, Felix Jones is horribly inconsistent, and a potential future star in Tashard Choice is forced to hang out in the background.  Either way, I think one thing is clear: Barber has to go.

As inconsistent and injury prone as Barber is, he's still a tough man to stop when he's at 100 percent.  Thus, he's still a valuable trade candidate.  That leads us to Step No. 3...

3. Upgrade the O-Line

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Andre Gurode #65, Leonard Davis #70 and Robert Brewster #79 of the Dallas Cowboys in action during the pre-season NFL football game against San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo

Now, I know that these guys have only allowed 20 sacks on the season, but believe me when I say that this line needs a lot of work.

With the exception of Leonard Davis (who just looks lost playing right guard) and Marc Colombo, the Cowboys offensive line is in need of a near complete overhaul, starting with Doug Free and Kyle Kosier.  Honestly, I have never seen more lack of communication and sloppy play between two players. 

Their protection of both Tony Romo and Jon Kitna's blind side has been shoddy, forcing one quarterback out with an injury and forcing the other to rush his throws.  By moving Davis back to his natural position at left tackle and signing/drafting top offensive guards, the Dallas pass protection can return to its glory days.

4. Keep Dez Bryant Off of Special Teams

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after the Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions 35-19 at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

After missing nearly all of training camp and the preseason with a sprained ankle, Wade Phillips thought it would be a good idea to install the team's first-round pick both on special teams and as the No. 3 receiver.  Was he out of his mind???

In just the fourth game under Garrett, Bryant fractured his leg and ankle on a kick return.  Shortly afterwards, he was placed on injured reserve.  If the team values this man at all, they will keep him solely on offense.  Leave the punt and kick returns to Terence Newman.

The fact is, Bryant has the potential to become a top receiver, possibly a Hall of Famer.  If he keeps punishing his body by taking on the duties of a returner, as well, his chances of reaching those goals will be in serious jeopardy.

5. Trade Tony Romo and Draft Cam Newton

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball during the 2010 SEC Championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

I know that a lot of people might cry foul over this one, but I simply don't see any other option.  In his years as the team's starting quarterback, Tony Romo has certainly been solid.  But he just hasn't had enough to bring the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl.

Given the Cowboys' potential position in this year's draft and Romo's value (three Pro Bowls, career rating of 95.5), I have no doubt that they would be able to work out a trade involving Romo that would move them up on the draft board.

With this potential higher pick, they should draft Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.  Why?  He has a good, young arm and excellent speed for his size (6'6", 250 lbs).  This speed will surely compensate for an offensive line undergoing a change.  With a young head coach in Garrett, young star receiver in Bryant and a young team overall, I have no doubt that Newton would go on to be a fixture in Dallas and finally bring the second coming of Troy Aikman the fans have been waiting for.

By taking this step and the previous four, the Cowboys could easily run the table in the NFC East for years to come, finally bringing glory back to "America's Team."