Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Dallas Cowboys season preview


Starting today I am going to do my previews of what to expect for every team this year. I am going to start with the NFC East so keep reading to see your favorite team. So here is the first team the Dallas Cowboys.
Last years record: 9-7 (Wildcard)
Coach: Wade Phillips
Key additions: Leonard Davis G: Davis is a massive lineman who hasn't reached his full potential playing tackle for the Cardinals but the switch to guard could be good for him.
Ken Hamlin S: Hamlin should start right away opposite Roy Williams and cover lots of ground in pass coverage like he did for the Seahawks. He is the best free safety the Cowboys have had since Darren Woodson retired.
Key Losses: Drew Bledsoe QB: Bledsoe wasn't that great a quarterback for the Cowboys as he did a good imitation of the statue of liberty in the pocket last year. One thing he would have been though is a tutor for Tony Romo to learn how to read coverages.
Draft: Overall this wasn't the best draft you could ask for as a Cowboys fan but it should produce a few starters. Anthony Spencer the defensive end from Purdue could be a stud in the 3-4 scheme that made Shawne Merriman a star. Isaiah Stanback out of Washington could be a slash type player as he has blazing speed but isn't that polished yet at a certain position. My sleeper pick is the big tackle Doug Free from Northern Illinois as he has good footwork and Flozell Adams is getting old.
Offense: This offense has potential to be very explosive. They have a good offensive line which will be a big factor for Julius Jones and Marion Barber to pound the ball. That opens up the pass for Romo who now has experience leading a team. Plus with Romo liking to throw deep he couldn't ask for better receivers in Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens. If Owens plays like last year and his finger recovers he should be in for a great year. They could be one of the top scoring teams this year.
Defense: With defensive oriented Wade Phillips coaching now. This unit could be very solid and put up lots of sacks. Demarcus Ware was a pro bowl player last season but now in my mind is one of the early frontrunner's for Defensive Player of the year. Terrence Newman was a pro bowl snub last year and should become even better this year. The only problem is Anthony Henry and Roy Williams in the secondary as they are both getting older and were both noticeably getting beat on deep routes. Other then that the Defense has great potential.
Fantasy Studs:
Tony Romo QB: Romo could put up big numbers as he has a full year of experience under his belt. If his receivers stay healthy Romo should put up lots of yards and could become a top 10 QB by the end of the year.
Marion Barber RB: Julius Jones may get more yards but Barber gets all of the touchdowns. That is what makes him so valuable in fantasy leagues. Only players like LT, Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson had more touchdowns. If Barber increases his yards he should be a solid no.2 back.
Terrell Owens WR: Owens is always a guarantee for double digit touchdowns. That along with around 1200 yards would make him one of the most valuable receivers in fantasy football. If he is on your team there is no doubt that he is a no.1 receiver.
Prediction: So all and all I think the Cowboys are a very solid team that should make a big run in a weak NFC. If the players adjust to the new strategies correctly and fast, this could be a dangerous team. My predicted record is 10-6 and at least a wild card birth.

No comments: