The Facts:
2007 Record: 13-3
Season End: Divisional Playoffs
Offensive Rank: 3rd
Defensive Rank: 9th
Key Additions: CB Adam Jones, LB Zach Thomas
Key Losses: LB Akin Ayodele, NT Jason Ferguson, RB Julius Jones
Day One Draft Choices: RB Felix Jones, CB Mike Jenkins, TE Martellus Bennett
Marquee wins: vs. Packers, vs. Reskins, @ Giants, vs. Giants
Homer View:
This team lost only one starter in Akin Ayodele but more than made up for that in Zach Thomas. There were 13 pro bowlers on this roster and they all return with an extra year in the system. Tony Romo will be entering his third year as a starter and is entering his prime. Marion Barber's bruising running style will wear down opposing defenses while Felix Jones appears to be a perfect outside compliment to him. T.O. got a new contract and is clearly happy, and Owens is a guy you wish wasn't on the opposing team when he's in a situation he likes. Jason Witten had a breakout year and caught for over 1,100 yards last year. The offensive line still has three Pro Bowlers with Leonard Davis entering his second year in Wade Phillips' system. Meanwhile on defense star OLB DeMarcus Ware is still only 25 and getting better each game. There is exceptional depth at LB with former first - and second round picks Bobby Carpenter, Kevin Burnett and Anthony Spencer backing up starters. The CB position is more talented and deeper than ever with new additions Pacman Jones and Mike Jenkins coming in. The one area of the team that wasn't exceptional last year will get a major boost when Pacman Jones and his 4 career TDs comes in to return kicks.
Prediction: 14-2
Hater View:
Tank Johnson, Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, Pacman Jones. Those are some big personalities to keep all under one roof. I picture that locker room like that scene from the Waterboy where Coach Kline leaves Farmer Fran in charge of the team for a while. But these guys aren't the only problem. Ken Hamlin wants a new contract, Greg Ellis feels like he's being phased out. Roy Williams has become distant from his teammates, doesn't have any confidence in Phillips' defensive scheme and has been rumored to possibly be released by the team. That's just what Tony Romo needs, distractions. We all know how well Romo does with distractions. If Dallas struggles, T.O.'s smile will be wiped off his face faster than a flying Pacman Jones bullet. Romo faded unbelievably towards the end of last year, just like he had his first year as the starter. He needs a clear head if he wants to shake his late season struggles and his hollywood persona seems to conflict with that. Also, aside from T.O., there is no impact WR on this team and this could be a legit concern if Terry Glenn doesn't return 100% or Owens gets hurt. Finally, if Pacman isn't reinstated by the NFL, there is no real impact return man on the roster.
Prediction: 7-9
Realistic Projection:
The offense should be great again, at least for the first 14 weeks of the year. The Line is there. The RBs are there. There's a playmaking WR and a top 3 TE. If Romo can put it together at the end of the year, watch out. On defense, I would expect the same thing as last year. Roy Williams is the biggest question mark there. Off the field and in the locker room is where the problems could be. If all the possible land mines go off, things could get out of hand and we could see a mediocre team. However, this team is very deep and has the ability to overcome this adversity. The real issue is Tony Romo and his fragile, yet big, head.
Prediction: 11-5 with a tougher schedule this year
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