Cowboys will be tough to beat in the NFC East
The Dallas Cowboys are one team that you either love or downright hate. Trying to pinpoint how they are going to be in the upcoming season is tough, as they seem to be either a talented squad set to break out or an overhyped group of mediocre players.
This season the Cowboys should have what it takes to play better than last season and should make the postseason for the first time in four seasons.
The Cowboys are coming off an 8-8 season, but have the players in key positions that could make them the NFC East champions.
To start, the defense will be coached by Monte Kiffin their new defensive coordinator. Rob Ryan and his ineffective coaching are gone. Helping Kiffin will be Rod Marinelli the defensive line coach.
Kiffin has been successful for many years and will bring something the Cowboys need and that is familiarity with college style offenses. The hurry-up and pistol offense are familiar to Kiffin from his time at USC. That will help when the Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles and new head coach Chip Kelly who coached Oregon to prominence with his no huddle hurry up look on offense.
Last season the Cowboys offense did not have enough weapons to scare any opposing defenses. With just Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten the Cowboys were limited and quarterback Tony Romo had few targets to throw to.
That should change with the Cowboys two high draft picks. Gavin Escobar is a talented tight end who can catch the pigskin. With his big size of 6-foot-6 he will be a great target when the ‘boys get into the red zone.
Terrance Williams could help the Cowboys outside, giving Austin a chance to move back to the slot, where he is more effective.
The offensive line should be stronger with rookie Travis Frederick playing center to solidify the interior of the line.
The Cowboys drafted Joseph Randle in the fifth round and with him and returning starter DeMarco Murray, Dallas has two legitimate runners in the backfield, as well as two who can catch the ball.
The Cowboys should be healthier this season. Last season they lost Sean Lee their defensive standout along with Bruce Carter and Barry Church two starters. DeMarcus Ware had to play hurt for the majority of the year. If those defenders can come back healthy, the team should be strong defensively.
On special teams, the Cowboys have a new coordinator in Rich Bisaccia. Dan Bailey is an excellent kicker who hit 93% of his field goals last season, which was second in the NFL.
With the talent of Tony Romo leading the offense, the Cowboys should be stronger than last season. One doubt that remains is how much influence either positive or negative owner Jerry Jones will have on the team.
