NFL Predictions Week 6: Dallas Cowboys' Expectations Should Be Playoffs

This Dallas Cowboys' team has been up and down through four weeks.  

The one thing that can't be denied is that they are a talented unit. They have imploded at critical junctures to bring about their current record.

Coming out of the bye, the Cowboys will be the most healthy they have been all season.  With Romo, Austin, Bryant and Felix Jones all getting an extra week to recuperate from injuries, this offense should be on the verge of breaking out in a big way.

Tryon Smith has been as good as advertised on the offensive line, only allowing one and a half sacks through four games. His other line mates—Free, Costra and the interior linemen who have manned the positions along the way—have struggled.  

There is a lot of room for improvement.

This is a young unit that should get better from week to week.  Bottom line, though, is the offensive line has to get better.

In the meantime, this offense has shown it can be explosive even without all their starters and lackluster play up front.

 The largest issue surrounding this team currently is Tony Romo.  He has to play better in crucial situations for this team to ultimately be successful this season.  

While he has had two complete meltdowns he has also been clutch in two games to pull out wins.

Tony Romo is a gambler.  

He has to understand that there is a time to gamble and a time to play it safe.  Sitting on a lead late in the game is not the time to gamble. If he can learn when to take chances and when to play it safe this team has a lot of potential.

The defense has been a real surprise.  Sean Lee is playing at an all pro level.  DeMarcus Ware is playing at his usual brand of spectacular football.  The defensive line is even playing at a high level.

The secondary has had some issues with young players, however.  They have to get healthy and start playing better before this unit can take their play to a new level.  Newman, Jenkins, and Scandrick are going to have to shake the nagging injuries and stay on the field for
this team to have great success.

The Eagles, Redskins and Giants look unimpressive though the first quarter of the season.   The Cowboys are sitting on a 2-2 record, but it should be 4-0.

The good news is they can still rise up to claim the division title.

This year's team has a great chance to make the playoffs and win the division if they can stay healthy, improve with each week and avoid the critical mistakes.