2007 Outlook:

The Cowboys return a strong club off their 9-7 team from 2006. A botched snap away from earning a playoff victory, the Cowboys season was marred by continuous bickering between Parcells and his players, the never-ending Days of TO's Life Soap Opera, and the dissention of a veteran QB pulled for a younger option. So for 2007, exit Parcells, and enter Wade Phillips. Phillips had trememdous success with the Chargers defense, but has yet to really show that he can take a team from good to great being as he has never won a playoff game in his career at the helm. The Cowboys locker room is clamoring with support for the easy-go-lucky style of Phillips. Is that what this bunch of misfits requires? No rules or regulations. We shall see.

2007 Draft Review:

1st round pick Anthony Spencer will be a stud. Paired up with DeMarcus Ware, opposing QB's cannot be looking forward to facing this duo. The Cowboys addressed some concerns on the offensive line, but certainly work still remains as they attempt to improve upon a weak offensive line. Hopefully, Martin and/or Free can step in to repair the holes as the rookies will look for some playing time early in the season. Overall, their draft was O.K. Not much else to speak of. Grade: C-

Key Acquisition:

Offensive Tackle Leonard Davis is an ogre. He joins the Cowboys at the perfect time to sure up an offensive line that gave up sack after sack last season (O.K. so Drew Bledsoe had something to do with that too...) With Davis and Columbo anchoring the right side of the line, expect to see some massive holes for Jones and Barber to exploit with their speed. The Cowboys line is enormous. Davis, who is 6-6, 366, said he looks forward to playing right guard, alongside center Andre Gurode (6-4, 312) and right tackle Marc Colombo (6-8, 320). And that left side isn't too bad either, anchored by tackle Flozell Adams (6-7, 340) and guard Kyle Kosier (6-5, 305).

Key Departure:

While the loss of Drew Bledsoe may seem like a blessing to many Dallas fans, it means that the show now fully belongs to Tony Romo. The loss of Bledsoe's mentor value was quickly replaced by the likeable and intelligent Brad Johnson who will teach Romo the finer points of the game. But if Romo is to fail, Johnson is no longer a suitable replacement. Despite the fact that Bledsoe moves about as well as an overweight terrapin, he could still throw the rock. Therein, lies the Cowboys season.

Offensive Preview:

Julius Jones, Marion Barber, Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten, and Terry Glenn. That could almost be a fantasy lineup for 2007 in itself! In other words, the star power is apparent and the offensive line will be better. Much, much better. This unit will certainly rank as a top 5 offensive unit in the NFL for 2007. Jones is in a contract season to provide some additional motivation, Witten is at a breakout level and will be a prime addition to fantasy clubs this season, Romo is young, but has used his time in the league wisely to learn opposing defenses, and Owens and Glenn will be a dynamic duo in the passing game with the departure of Parcells. Will it lead to a Super Bowl title is the real question?

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

The defense is spackled with name players, but they have yet to find that dominance factor. After a solid 2006 campaign where they ended the season as the 12th rated defense in the NFL, the Cowboys added some help in the draft with the rookie from Purdue. Coach Phillips, a defensive guru, has decided to hide some of the weaknesses of Roy Williams in the passing game as he will move to linebacker on passing downs. That is just a peak into Phillips mind as he will make this defense a quality unit which will rank in the top 10 by seasons end. They will be a unit to pick up late in your draft, in approximately rounds 10-12.

Season Prediction:

Romo will be fine. A bobbled snap in the playoffs does not mean he has lost all hope. Despite the drop off in production towards the end of last season, he will be a solid cornerstone for the Cowboys to build around. Jones and Barber, to the shigrim of fantasy players, will run for a 'combined' 1700 yards and 15 TD's. Owens will be a stud once again, like it or not. The defense is solid and Phillips will be able to keep the club focused with his laid back style taking the Cowboys to the pinnacle of the NFC East this season.

Projected Finish

11 Wins, 5 Losses (1st NFC East)

Got a comment about the preview? Let your voice be heard! There's an active topic going on in the forum. Click here to get in the action!