Cowboys Locked and Loaded for a Super Bowl Gallop

The Cowboys appear to be primed for another Super Bowl run in 2008-2009. Both sides of the ball are stacked with 13 returning Pro Bowlers from last year's squad. Tony Romo will have what is arguably the league's best all round offensive line to protect him, while he throws to prime targets that go by the names of Jason Witten and T.O. Moreover, the Cowboys aerial attack threat and offensive line should provide for a Marion Barber lead running game that will punish defenses around the league.

Some might say that offense is what traditionally powers the Cowboys, but this year they may have, what is shaping up to be, one of their best defenses in my short memory. Let's start with the linebackers, where potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, DeMarcus Ware, leads a corps that will make Ray Lewis envious. Greg Ellis, Anthony Spencer, Bradie James, and the new addition of former Dolphin, Zach Thomas, make for a hell of a supporting cast.

The defensive line does not boast the star power of its linebacker corps brethren, however, they are an above average unit that is led by Chris Canty, Jay Ratliff, Marcus Spears, and the gun wielding Tank Johnson. The 6'7, 300 pound Canty will be playing for a contract this season, so I expect him to improve on his break-out season of last year. Similarly, Tank has shown tremendous progress this off season according to the Cowboys defensive coaches.

The defensive line and the linebackers will see their sack totals rise thanks to the drastic improvement of the secondary (pending Pacman's reinstatement). Last year the secondary was a glaring weakness for the defense and it proved to be worse than expected due to the injuries of Henry and Newman. So, bolstering the depth in the secondary was Jerry Jones's primary concern going into 2008-2009. Jerry answered the call by acquiring the infamous rainmaker, Adam Jones, plus drafting 2 gifted corners in Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick. Also, maybe just as important to the acquisitions is the return of former Cowboys head coach, Dave Campo, who will be in charge of the secondary unit. Campo will be expected to make the most of his unit's talent, while finding a way to resurrect Roy Williams's playmaking abilities.

Special Teams play looks to be improved upon from last season as well. The kicking tandem of Nick Folk and Mat McBriar is stellar. The additions of Adam Jones, Felix Jones, and Mike Jenkins will help bolster last season's lack luster return game.

If you have read this far then you are probably expecting to see a win/loss prediction for the Cowboys. After peeking at the schedule, I predict an 11-5 regular season finish. Cleveland will more than likely beat up on the Cowboys newly assembled secondary for a close win. Green Bay will get their revenge from last year when the Cowboys head to Lambeau in September. The Giants are likely to take one of the 2 games played, and probably will be in Texas Stadium. Likewise, the Redskins and Cowboys always seem to split their series no matter how good or bad either team may be. Finally, watch for the Cowboys to concede their final game to the Eagles, since that at this point the game will likely be meaningless for the Cowboys playoff credentials.

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