Over the next several days we will take a look at the outlook of the 32 NFL Teams. They will be informative for both the fan of football and also some have information for you fantasy football buffs too. Give us your feedback by leaving your comments. Thank you and have a great season...
2008 Team Outlook: Dallas
As per Ben Standig, The Cowboys were among the elite teams last season, scoring at will with Tony Romo running the offense and there is no reason to think that will not happen again. However, despite the superior passing attack with Romo hitting Terrell Owens and Jason Witten early and often, the Cowboys came up short again in the playoffs.
That passing combo -- along with Patrick Crayton -- put the sizzle in a Cowboys attack that took them to the top spot in NFC playoffs and they hope Terry Glenn can return following an injury plagued campaign. Marion Barber provided a rugged presence on the ground and now takes over the starting role in the backfield with first round pick Felix Jones in the mix as well.
Speed rusher DeMarcus Ware and CB Terrence Newman lead a solid defense that should improve with a full year of DT Tank Johnson clogging up the middle. MLB Zach Thomas could provide leadership if he can stay on the field while former Titans CB Pacman Jones has yet to be reinstated by the NFL to even get on the field.
With the potential addition of Jones, who would join fellow suspended player Johnson and noted trash talker Owens on the roster, owner Jerry Jones is playing that oh-so dangerous game of talent vs chemistry. The talent is there to take the NFC crown and a 12-4 record would not be surprising, but adding Pacman to the mix might simply be one combustible move too many. The pressure mounts for head coach Wade Philiips to get the Boys to the Super Bowl, but considering they have not won a single playoff game in a decade, maybe the bar /hype should be lowered just a bit.
QB Tony Romo, DAL (QB - #3) - Stud (low risk)
Now that his dating exploits have become weekly fodder for US Weekly and other tabloids, one almost forgets how stellar Tony Romo was as a fantasy quarterback last season. In his first full season as a starter, Romo was arguably the best QB this side of Tom Brady, tossing 36 touchdowns and throwing for 4,211 yards. He threw multiple touchdown passes in 12 of the opening 13 games (though a dismal one in the final three contests) and led the Cowboys to the top seed in the NFC Playoffs.
While there are concerns about him getting it done in the playoffs, Romo is a near lock to be a fantasy stud once again in '08. With Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, Romo has two targets that are at or near the top at their respective positions. Add in an improving Patrick Crayton, the likely return of Terry Glenn and the versatile Marion Barber in the backfield and Romo should have a a great chance to match his '07 numbers. His off the field options are not so bad either.
RB Marion Barber, DAL (RB - #10) - Solid/Safe Pick
Following two years of being the more productive part of a time share backfield with Julius Jones, Marion Barber will get a chance to show what he can do as a full time starter. Well... almost.
Barber has been the ultimate "backup" for the Cowboys, coming off the bench to rack up 12 total touchdowns and over 1,200 yards from scrimmage. Always churning for the extra yard, Barber has averaged a stellar 4.8 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons and an equally impressive 17.6 yards per reception while hauling in 44 catches.
Now that Jones has moved on, Barbe,( the recipient of a fat new contract) will show us if he can carry the full workload. First round pick Felix Jones will likely work as a change of pace back and could limit Barber's upside and knock his draft rank outside of the top 10 backs. Overall, Barber should handle the rock plenty and have a 1,200-yard season on the ground alone while using his nose for the goal line to score touchdowns many times over.
RB Felix Jones, DAL (RB - #37) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The Cowboys' owner could not resist grabbing this speedy Razorback to take over for the departed Julius Jones, but despite being selected in the first round, Felix Jones is not likely to be more than a deep reserve in fantasy leagues this year. The speedy Jones will add a breakaway element out of the backfield that the Cowboys have been lacking and should contribute on third downs and kickoff returns. With Barber in front of him, Jones' immediate upside is limited and is not worth more than a late round pick as a handcuff or deep keeper option.
WR Patrick Crayton, DAL (WR - #34) - Gamble (high risk)
Patrick Crayton was solid in his role as the deep threat opposite Terrell Owens -- hauling in seven touchdowns -- but he was a tough player to count on for fantasy owners. The 5th year receiver posted career-high numbers across the board with 50 receptions and 697 yards, though his average of 13.9 yards per catch was a three-year low. While explosive at times - he twice scored two touchdowns in a game - he only once went over 75 yards in a game and had more than his share of drops during the season. In the right matchup, Crayton can be a solid WR3 option and the Cowboys have few options behind him, but do not expect Crayton to make a statistical leap.
WR Terry Glenn, DAL - Over the Hill (decreased production)
Following back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons, Terry Glenn essentially missed the entire 2007 campaign with a knee injury, but the Cowboys remain optimistic that the 34-year old can return this season. Historically a burner, the 12-year vet would likely return as a third receiver and may need to turn into a possession receiver as he will likely lack the speed to beat many corners. At this moment Glenn is not worth even a late round pick, but if he can get on the field and produce in pre-season, he could be worth a late round flyer playing in this high-powered offense.
WR Terrell Owens, DAL (WR - #4) - Stud (low risk)
One can argue that Terrell Owens' antics are ultimately detrimental to team chemistry -- many have -- but there should be no argument that "T.O." is a flat out baller. Owens had arguably his best year in 2007, posting career-highs in touchdowns (15) and yards per catch (16.7) as he flew by defensive backs all season. He finished with 81 grabs for 1,355 yards, the eighth 1,000 yard season of his career. At 34, age starts to become an issue and Owens had to deal with nagging injuries last year, but he certainly has more than enough left in the tank to bang out another top notch campaign.
TE Jason Witten, DAL (TE - #2) - Stud (low risk)
After a down campaign in 2006 -- only one touchdown -- Witten rebounded with a dominant season and established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. Establishing a rapport with Tony Romo early on, Witten hauled in a career-high 96 receptions for his first 1,000 yard season (1,145) and seven touchdowns. With Terrell Owens the primary focus of defenses on the outside, Witten continually carved out space in the middle of the field and racked up six or more grabs in 10 games. Witten twice posted double digit receptions including an astonishing 15 catches against the Lions and while he is unlikely to reach the same overall heights this season, there may not be a safer TE option on the board.
2008 Team Outlook: Dallas
As per Ben Standig, The Cowboys were among the elite teams last season, scoring at will with Tony Romo running the offense and there is no reason to think that will not happen again. However, despite the superior passing attack with Romo hitting Terrell Owens and Jason Witten early and often, the Cowboys came up short again in the playoffs.
That passing combo -- along with Patrick Crayton -- put the sizzle in a Cowboys attack that took them to the top spot in NFC playoffs and they hope Terry Glenn can return following an injury plagued campaign. Marion Barber provided a rugged presence on the ground and now takes over the starting role in the backfield with first round pick Felix Jones in the mix as well.
Speed rusher DeMarcus Ware and CB Terrence Newman lead a solid defense that should improve with a full year of DT Tank Johnson clogging up the middle. MLB Zach Thomas could provide leadership if he can stay on the field while former Titans CB Pacman Jones has yet to be reinstated by the NFL to even get on the field.
With the potential addition of Jones, who would join fellow suspended player Johnson and noted trash talker Owens on the roster, owner Jerry Jones is playing that oh-so dangerous game of talent vs chemistry. The talent is there to take the NFC crown and a 12-4 record would not be surprising, but adding Pacman to the mix might simply be one combustible move too many. The pressure mounts for head coach Wade Philiips to get the Boys to the Super Bowl, but considering they have not won a single playoff game in a decade, maybe the bar /hype should be lowered just a bit.
QB Tony Romo, DAL (QB - #3) - Stud (low risk)
Now that his dating exploits have become weekly fodder for US Weekly and other tabloids, one almost forgets how stellar Tony Romo was as a fantasy quarterback last season. In his first full season as a starter, Romo was arguably the best QB this side of Tom Brady, tossing 36 touchdowns and throwing for 4,211 yards. He threw multiple touchdown passes in 12 of the opening 13 games (though a dismal one in the final three contests) and led the Cowboys to the top seed in the NFC Playoffs.
While there are concerns about him getting it done in the playoffs, Romo is a near lock to be a fantasy stud once again in '08. With Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, Romo has two targets that are at or near the top at their respective positions. Add in an improving Patrick Crayton, the likely return of Terry Glenn and the versatile Marion Barber in the backfield and Romo should have a a great chance to match his '07 numbers. His off the field options are not so bad either.
RB Marion Barber, DAL (RB - #10) - Solid/Safe Pick
Following two years of being the more productive part of a time share backfield with Julius Jones, Marion Barber will get a chance to show what he can do as a full time starter. Well... almost.
Barber has been the ultimate "backup" for the Cowboys, coming off the bench to rack up 12 total touchdowns and over 1,200 yards from scrimmage. Always churning for the extra yard, Barber has averaged a stellar 4.8 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons and an equally impressive 17.6 yards per reception while hauling in 44 catches.
Now that Jones has moved on, Barbe,( the recipient of a fat new contract) will show us if he can carry the full workload. First round pick Felix Jones will likely work as a change of pace back and could limit Barber's upside and knock his draft rank outside of the top 10 backs. Overall, Barber should handle the rock plenty and have a 1,200-yard season on the ground alone while using his nose for the goal line to score touchdowns many times over.
RB Felix Jones, DAL (RB - #37) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The Cowboys' owner could not resist grabbing this speedy Razorback to take over for the departed Julius Jones, but despite being selected in the first round, Felix Jones is not likely to be more than a deep reserve in fantasy leagues this year. The speedy Jones will add a breakaway element out of the backfield that the Cowboys have been lacking and should contribute on third downs and kickoff returns. With Barber in front of him, Jones' immediate upside is limited and is not worth more than a late round pick as a handcuff or deep keeper option.
WR Patrick Crayton, DAL (WR - #34) - Gamble (high risk)
Patrick Crayton was solid in his role as the deep threat opposite Terrell Owens -- hauling in seven touchdowns -- but he was a tough player to count on for fantasy owners. The 5th year receiver posted career-high numbers across the board with 50 receptions and 697 yards, though his average of 13.9 yards per catch was a three-year low. While explosive at times - he twice scored two touchdowns in a game - he only once went over 75 yards in a game and had more than his share of drops during the season. In the right matchup, Crayton can be a solid WR3 option and the Cowboys have few options behind him, but do not expect Crayton to make a statistical leap.
WR Terry Glenn, DAL - Over the Hill (decreased production)
Following back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons, Terry Glenn essentially missed the entire 2007 campaign with a knee injury, but the Cowboys remain optimistic that the 34-year old can return this season. Historically a burner, the 12-year vet would likely return as a third receiver and may need to turn into a possession receiver as he will likely lack the speed to beat many corners. At this moment Glenn is not worth even a late round pick, but if he can get on the field and produce in pre-season, he could be worth a late round flyer playing in this high-powered offense.
WR Terrell Owens, DAL (WR - #4) - Stud (low risk)
One can argue that Terrell Owens' antics are ultimately detrimental to team chemistry -- many have -- but there should be no argument that "T.O." is a flat out baller. Owens had arguably his best year in 2007, posting career-highs in touchdowns (15) and yards per catch (16.7) as he flew by defensive backs all season. He finished with 81 grabs for 1,355 yards, the eighth 1,000 yard season of his career. At 34, age starts to become an issue and Owens had to deal with nagging injuries last year, but he certainly has more than enough left in the tank to bang out another top notch campaign.
TE Jason Witten, DAL (TE - #2) - Stud (low risk)
After a down campaign in 2006 -- only one touchdown -- Witten rebounded with a dominant season and established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. Establishing a rapport with Tony Romo early on, Witten hauled in a career-high 96 receptions for his first 1,000 yard season (1,145) and seven touchdowns. With Terrell Owens the primary focus of defenses on the outside, Witten continually carved out space in the middle of the field and racked up six or more grabs in 10 games. Witten twice posted double digit receptions including an astonishing 15 catches against the Lions and while he is unlikely to reach the same overall heights this season, there may not be a safer TE option on the board.
