Dallas Cowboys: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 NFL Season

The Dallas Cowboys finished a disappointing 6-10 last season. Tony Romo missed the majority of the year with a a broken collarbone, while head coach Wade Phillips was replaced with Jason Garrett. 

This season everybody is healthy and the Cowboys are hoping to finally get over the hump and make a deep playoff run. They have high expectations every season but for whatever reason they always come up short. Will this be the year for the Dallas Cowboys?

Nobody is sure what this season has in store, but here are five bold predictions for the 2011 Dallas Cowboys season.

Tony Romo Will Bounce Back

Why is it bold?

Tony Romo is coming off a major injury last season and was shaky before the injury.

Why will it happen

There are very few players who will have as much pressure on them this season than Romo. I believe Romo will come through and be successful with all of those weapons that surround him on offense.

Once Wade Phillips left and Jason Garrett took over, this team played with a lot more energy. If John Kitna was able to have success last season with this team, Tony Romo should be just fine.

A season like 2007 with less interceptions would help silence the critics on whether or not he is right quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Felix Jones Has a Breakout Season

Why is it bold?

Felix Jones has never been the featured back and his workload is somewhat minimal.

Why it will happen

For the first time in his career Jones will go into the season as the premier running back for the Dallas Cowboys. He just has to prove he can handle the substantial workload.

With all the weapons on this offense and the great wide receivers, that will only help spread the field and open the running game up. Jones is a extremely fast back and his 5.3 yards per carry average show he is very successful when the ball is in his hands.

The sky is the limit for Felix Jones, he just needed a chance. Here it is.

Dez Bryant Puts Up Better Numbers Than Miles Austin

Why is it bold?

It's only Bryant's second season in the league and Miles Austin has put up impressive numbers the last two seasons.

Why it will happen

Dez Bryant was a rookie last season and in limited time finished with 561 receiving yards and just one fewer touchdown than Miles Austin. That's all while starting just two games and playing in a total of 12.

With Roy Williams now with the Chicago Bears, Bryant will be the No. 2 starter in Dallas. He will no longer have to compete for playing time. With a healthy Tony Romo under center, I believe the better talent will outplay the proven player.

That's of course if Bryant himself stays healthy.

Dallas Will Beat New England Week 6

Why is it bold?

The Patriots are the better team on paper and haven't lost to Dallas since 1996.

Why it will happen

This game will be a shootout. Both teams have offenses that are loaded and should be able to put up a ton of points.

Reason is both defenses are suspect. The Patriots ranked 30th in passing yards allowed last season and didn't really address that problem during the offseason. The Cowboys were a little better, but not much, finishing 26th against the pass. I think the hire of Rob Ryan as the defensive coordinator will make a huge difference in their defense.

It also helps that the Patriots will be coming off an emotional game against the Jets. While Dallas will have a week off to prepare for this game.

The Cowboys have lost the last three games against New England, this one will be different.

Cowboys Will Make It to at Least the NFC Championship Game

Why is it bold?

Because the Cowboys have the hype every season and fail to live up to expectations.

Why it will happen?

The pressure is mounting in Dallas. They have to prove they can make a run in the playoffs. Why not this season?

The hire of Jason Garrett was big. The team responded around him well and played like a completely different team last season once Wade Phillips left. With Tony Romo and all the weapons he will have to throw the ball to, along with Felix Jones, this offense could be one of the best in the league. 

The defense should be improved with Rob Ryan running it this season, just look what he did in Cleveland with less talent.

Besides, how many seasons can the Cowboys actually come up short?