Dallas Cowboys 2008 Season Preview

After a stellar season in 2007, the Dallas Cowboys return prepared to continue their dominance in the NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys Preview: Overview

Battling in the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys are preparing to face division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Redskins and reigning NFL Champion New York Giants. The Dallas Cowboys are primed to repeat their 2007 regular season success in 2008. Zipping through the 2007 season, the Dallas Cowboys finished with an impressive 13-3 record. Despite all of their regular-season success and a first round bye, the Dallas Cowboys suffered a tough loss in the playoffs to the future champions, the New York Giants.

Dallas Cowboys Preview: Offseason

The Dallas Cowboys have had a productive offseason thus far. It all began with the acquisition of big-name players. CB Pacman Jones was acquired in a trade from the Tennessee Titans and former Miami Dolphins LB Zach Thomas was signed as a free agent. The Dallas Cowboys also re-signed RB Marion Barber, LT Flozell Adams and DE Chris Canty, and extended the contracts of WR Terrell Owens, CB Terence Newman and RB Marion Barber. The Dallas Cowboys also welcome an excellent draft class including RB Felix Jones and CB Mike Jenkins.

With all of the acquisitions come a few key losses for the Dallas Cowboys. LB Akin Ayodele was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Free agent RB Julius Jones was lost to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the losses, the Dallas Cowboys remain confident of their chances in the NFC East division.

Dallas Cowboys Preview: Offense

With the amount of success and number of accolades Tony Romo has accrued so quickly, no one seems to remember that QB Tony Romo has only made 26 career starts. This offseason, Tony Romo has returned to the basics, working extensively on the fundamentals such as planting his feet before passing and his posture in the pocket. Improving his posture will make it easier for Tony Romo to find All-Pro WR Terrell Owens downfield. Terrell Owens, whose work ethic has been described as contagious, has averaged 83 catches and 1,267 yards in two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. If Terrell Owens can avoid distractions, he and Tony Romo, are a cinch to burn defenders all season long.

The potent air attack should open the running game for Marion Barber who will see more carries this season with the departure of Julius Jones. Marion Barber moves into a starting position and becomes the primary back. The addition of rookie TE Martellus Bennett, who can throw a mean block, allows workhorse Pro Bowl TE Jason Witten to play more in the slot and create mismatches in the favor of the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys Preview: Defense

The Dallas Cowboys entered 2007 with a young defense in need of improvement. It was Wade Philips’ first season as head coach and he was expected to push the Dallas Cowboys defense to the limit, bringing them out of their conservative rut and into an aggressive, attacking defensive scheme. Outside LB DeMarcus Ware remains an important piece of the Dallas Cowboys defense. DeMarcus Ware has amassed 33.5 sacks in three NFL seasons and the iron man of the Dallas Cowboys defense has not missed a single game in his career. If he can improve his tackle total, DeMarcus Ware will be a permanent thorn in the side of opponents’ offenses. Called one of the most feared safeties in the NFL by Sports Illustrated, SS Roy Williams returns to pester receivers. Add in Zach Thomas and the Cowboys are looking to live up to their potential and become the top defense in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys defense will count on the hard-hitting Roy Williams, pass pressure from DeMarcus Ware and superb corner Terence Newman to propel their defense to the top.

Dallas Cowboys: Special Teams

In his rookie season, K Nick Folk became a perfect compliment to a potent and explosive Dallas Cowboys offensive attack. Nick Folk posted stellar numbers, nailing 26 of 31 field goal attempts and not missing an extra point attempt. If nothing changes with the Dallas Cowboys offense and Nick Folk can improve on his accuracy from long distances, Nick Folk is sure to help the Dallas Cowboys return to prominence in 2008. P Mat McBriar will reprise his role and attempt to aid the defense by giving opposing offenses a long field to work. Kick-return man Miles Austin has not returned a kick for a touchdown in his short career but Miles Austin has been reliable in gaining 1,365 yards in two seasons and has been integral in getting the Dallas Cowboys offense excellent field position and will continue to do so in 2008.

Dallas Cowboys Preview: Outlook

Tough coach Wade “World of Warcraft” Philips will lead his Dallas Cowboys into battle in 2008 on a search for his first playoff win as a head coach in the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys’ first playoff win in 11 seasons. With a newly focused defense and an always reliable offense, the Dallas Cowboys will enter the 2008 season showing why they deserve to be called “America’s Team”. If the offensive line remains physical and WR Patrick Clayton can continue to improve, the Dallas Cowboys will be a headache for opposing coaches all year long. Despite losing early in the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys continue to be the team to beat in the NFC. Fans can catch their Dallas Cowboys in action at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.