Dallas Cowboys: Martellus Bennett and 5 Players Who Deserve More Playing Time

The Dallas Cowboys will be trying to improve on last year's 6-10 record.

With a new head coach, a healthy quarterback and quality talent across the board, a playoff berth is certainly not out of the question.

They have plenty of depth, and some of their backups could help the team chase down the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.

Here's a list of five players who deserve more playing time in 2011.

5. Josh Brent, DT

Jay Ratliff is a very good nose tackle.

But he's not going to be able to play every single down on defense.

Therefore, Brent deserves some more playing time. He's had a strong preseason and can help keep Ratliff rested for the fourth quarter.

4. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, S

Owusu-Ansah is making a name for himself as a kickoff/punt returner this preseason.

I'd like to see him get some more playing time in the secondary this season though.

Gerald Sensabaugh and Abram Elam will need all the help they can get at the safety position, and Owusu-Ansah can provide some relief.

3. Phillip Tanner, RB

Lonyae Miller has been very disappointing this preseason and DeMarco Murray has been hurt.

Tanner has stepped in and done a very nice job running the ball behind Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

He deserves a chance to get some carries in 2011.

And, if it comes down to Tanner or Miller, I'd keep Tanner at this point.

2. Victor Butler, OLB

Anthony Spencer is good against the run, but he's been a liability in the passing game.

Enter Victor Butler. Butler is much better on passing downs than Spencer.

So, if the Cowboys decide to keep Spencer around as the starter, they should at least bring Butler in on third downs and other obvious passing downs.

1. Martellus Bennett, TE

Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. But that doesn't mean there's not a spot for Bennett in the Dallas offense.

Two tight-end sets would be very beneficial to the 'Boys in 2011.

It would allow them to get two big targets on the field for Romo, and defenses wouldn't be able to guess if a play was going to be a run or a pass.