Dallas Cowboys: Five Big Reasons Why Big D Will Dominate Again

2010 was a pretty rotten season for the Cowboys. As a fan, I know it left a bad taste in my mouth. The 1-7 start was absolutely stunning after their success in 2009. It happened though, and they have a top 10 draft pick to show for it.

But not to worry, I predict a rebound season for the 'Boys in 2011. Here's five big reasons why.

5. Easier Schedule

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys runs a kick off past Dave Tollefson #71, and Duke Calhoun #84 of the New York Giants on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ji

Clearly the Cowboys were not the team we thought they were coming into the 2010 season. Still, having the third hardest schedule in the NFL didn't help. Only the Titans and Texans had a higher opponent win percentage. Not to mention the fact that they had to play two Superbowl teams back-to-back.

This upcoming season their schedule strength is only the 15th hardest. They do play some tough road games, but overall their weak schedule should make it considerably easier to get back to the playoffs.

4. Romo's Return

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite the fact that Romo didn't play well in 2010, he does give them a chance to win any game he plays. It definitely shows when you look at the past few season when Romo missed significant playing time.

In 2009 Romo took every snap and the Cowboys won 12 games, including a playoff game.

In 2008 he missed three games with a broken finger. The 'Boys only managed a 9-7 record and were eliminated from the playoffs.

In 2007 he started every game and the Cowboys went 13-3 earning the top seed in the NFC.

He should be back, totally healthy in 2011 and will win games.

3. Not a Target

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with defensive ends Jay Ratliff (R) #90 and Stephen Bowen (L) #72 after a sack against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New

It seems like every year the Cowboys get preseason hype, they play poorly. This season they were supposed to win the Superbowl in their own stadium. It painted a target on their backs and set them up for a historic fall.

This upcoming season (if there is a season) expectations are low. That seems to be when the 'Boys have thrived in recent years. I think that will make a big difference this season.

2. Stronger Coaching

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Gone is Wade Phillips, and with him Camp Cupcake. It has been said that Wade's no contact practices and training camp set the Cowboys back. When Jason Garrett took over in midseason he instituted full contact practices and will likely make his training camp the same.

He also set a more strict practice schedule and instituted a dress code. The Cowboys will benefit from a stronger coaching infrastructure. Garrett will hold players accountable and it will make the team stronger.

1. Defensive Improvement

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Bradie James #56 and DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys combine to stop a run by Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowb

The additions of Rob Ryan and Brian Baker will help the Cowboys defense to get back on track. Some people would argue that Ryan's defenses in Oakland and Cleveland were never dominant. I think that had something to do with the talent he inherited.

Throughout his seven seasons as a defensive coordinator he has only had one Pro Bowl player on his roster. That was in 2006 with the Raiders. Oh, and it just so happens to be the year the Raiders defense was ranked third in the league.

In Dallas he will inherit two Pro Bowlers in Demarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff. With more talented pieces he will make the Dallas D dominant again.