Will the Cowboys finally live up to expectations? Dallas Cowboys 2010 Season Preview
The Cowboys have one goal and one goal only. Forget about just making the play-offs, just winning the division or just winning a play-off game. They’ve done all that. Now it’s time for them to go all the way and win the Super Bowl.
You have to wonder, if not now, when? The Cowboys goal to win would see no better time than being accomplished this year. Perhaps the most talented team in the NFC, they are hosting the big game this year. This has been owner Jerry Jones’ vision. The $1.2 billion stadium is up for its second season, with over 100,000 spectators set to see the Cowboys win it all in front of their home fans.
Many have made America’s team their Super Bowl pick several times already these past five years, but the Cowboys still have their doubters. That being said, they’re expected to win, and win now.
The team’s success always seems to fall on the shoulders of Tony Romo. Romo is a great improviser and playmaker, but his mechanics are inconsistent and he sometimes stumbles under pressure. He finally got over the play-off hump last year, with a wild card round victory over the Eagles, but the Cowboys were then outclassed 34-3 by the Vikings in the next round. How will Romo fare with all the adversity and pressure thrust upon him this year?
The Cowboys receiving corps is very deep. Miles Austin has emerged as not only the team's top receiver, but one of the best in the game. He has speed, quickness and great hands. Dez Bryant, the controversial top round pick from this year, is likely to win the number two job from the man he wouldn’t carry pads for, Roy Williams. Williams has proven to be an enormous disappointment at least within the Cowboys system. He’d probably be a better fit elsewhere. There is also Patrick Crayton who is a reliable backup option along with a rising Martellus Bennett.
We can’t forget Romo’s safety valve, Jason Witten. Witten is an elite pass-catching tight-end and is usually good for 90 receptions a season.
The running game should not be counted out as a factor. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are a great trio, all with different styles. Barber’s the power, Jones is the explosive, speedy back and Choice is excellent running up the middle in short yardage situations.
The offensive line is solid as the nimble Doug Free will now take over at left tackle. At left guard, Kyle Kosier is a mobile run-blocker. Centre Andre Gurode and right guard Leonard Davis make a tremendous duo up the middle, while right tackle Marc Colombo holds his own. The line had much trouble though in the embarrassing loss to Minnesota in last year’s play-off game and had much to do with the impotence of the offence.
The Cowboys' defence is just as good, if not better than their offence. Their incredible depth starts right up front with nose tackle Jay Ratliff. Ratliff commands double teams due to his quickness off the snap. He’s also strong, versatile and tenacious causing nightmares for an offence line. Right next to him are defensive ends Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky who are both excellent run-stoppers.
At the line backing level, DeMarcus Ware is the star. He is among the top three pass rushers in the game and possibly the best. On the strong side, linebacker Anthony Spencer is almost as dangerous at reaching the quarterback and is a great run-stopper. On the inside, Bradie James has led the team in tackles for five straight seasons and Keith Brooking is a young 35-year-old, with no signs of slowing down.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins has become the superstar of the secondary. He’s excellent in man-coverage and his surge in confidence has resulted in his rapid improvement from a year ago. With agile veteran Terence Newman on the left side, there is rarely the need for safety support to cover receivers.
The safeties will be free to ball hawk as the corners rarely need support. The athletic Gerald Sensabaugh will return at strong safety, as Alan Ball has been promoted to the starting job at free safety.
Last year saw the Cowboys release a once-promising Nick Folk at kicker. After signing Shaun Suisham for the later part of the year, the team released him as well. The kicking woes let the Cowboys down when they needed it the most. That opens the door for kick-off specialist Dave Buehlar to wow coaches. At punter, Mat McBriar has a good leg and places the ball well.
In the return game, Dez Bryant will likely see some action, as well as Felix Jones or Terence Newman. Patrick Crayton may lack some speed but he returned two punts for touchdowns last season. It’s safe to say this team has plenty of options.
The Cowboys, on paper, are the Super Bowl favourites. It’s ridiculous when you look at all the talent they have. That has been the story of the team for a while though. All the intangibles seem to work against them. Once again, the season comes down to Romo. If he can guide the team, without having to carry them, there’s a good chance the Cowboys will host the Lombardi trophy on their home field come February.
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