Dallas Cowboys (9-7, 3rd NFC East)

The Cowboys entered the off-season in disappointing fashion, missing out on the playoffs entirely after many pundits felt they were a lock for the Super Bowl. Obviously with such an underachieving squad, changes had to be made, and that’s exactly what happened. Team owner Jerry Jones is taking a no nonsense approach this season, especially with his brand new $1.1 billion palace set to open this fall, and if Dallas fails to bring home at least one playoff victory, you can bet that even more heads will roll in Arlington.

Draft Selections: OLB Jason Williams, OT Robert Brewster, QB Stephen McGee, DE Victor Butler, DE Brandon Williams, CB DeAngelo Smith, FS Michael Hamlin, K David Buehler, SS Stephen Hodge, TE John Phillips, SS Stephen Hodge, TE John Phillips

Key Additions: QB Jon Kitna, DE Igor Olshansky, LB Keith Brooking, SS Gerald Sensabaugh

Key Subtractions: WR Terrell Owens, SS Roy Williams, CB Pacman Jones, LB Zach Thomas, CB Anthony Henry

The release of Owens stands out as the most surprising move, given his ability to change a game on offense, and that teams constantly double team him, which frees up his fellow receivers. That being said, his prima donna attitude had worn out its welcome in Big D and after head coach Wade Phillips gained a bit more control, it became inevitable that this would happen.

The Cowboys draft class is full of talented players, but some have questioned their strategy of drafting quantity over quality. Several of the players they took should contribute right away, but for the most part it’s expected that the team will use them as depth and not rush their development for the time being.

Overall, I think the Cowboys should be right in the thick of things this season, and if they can find a way to gel as a team once more, they could make a deep run through the playoffs. This team has talent; there’s no denying it, but they never have been able to play together on the field, and as a result they’ve been incapable of taking the next step. Jerry Jones and Co. are determined to change that this fall, and as the old saying goes where there’s a will, there’s a way, so don’t be surprised if the Boys end up making some noise next January.

Projected 2009 Finish: 10-6, T-2nd NFC East

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