by Billy Rich
The 2013 Dallas Cowboys
2012 Record: 8-8 (3rd in NFC East)
Head Coach: Jason Garrett (4th Year)
What can we say about the Dallas Cowboys? Love them or hate them, the Cowboys have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL since their beginning in 1960. Of course, that success has not been in the cards for the ‘Boys since the late 1990s– the last time the Cowboys won a playoff game. Owner Jerry Jones has spent more money on the Cowboys from players, to stadiums, to merchandising then some small countries’ national budgets. This edition of the 2013 Dallas Cowboys have a long road ahead themselves to begin to replicate any successes of the past.
Quarterback Tony Romo has never proved to be clutch, and his lack of success in post-season is clear. That being said, Romo is the best option for the Cowboys and the success or failure of the 2013 season rides on him. That’s too bad for the ‘Boys, because as Romo ages, his quality of play will suffer. Don’t expect back up QB Kyle Orton to step in unless Romo goes down. That’s good too, because Orton is not the answer either.
Besides Romo, there are major questions on offense. We don’t know what to expect from running backs DeMarco Murray and Lance Dunbar. Both health and speed will be factors in their play: Murray’s health and Dunbar’s speed. At wide receiver, Dez Bryant and Miles Austin will continue to receive the majority of passes from Romo and that’s OK. These two players are tough, skilled, and can play for any team. Expect Bryant to put up hefty numbers this season, both in yards and points/TDs. In keeping with consistency, the offensive line will need to play well if Romo, Murray, and Bryant are going to be able to show the way for the Cowboys.
On defense, the Cowboys’ line is solid, but has questions. DE DeMarcus Ware is on the decline, and at the tackle spot, Jason Hatcher, despite his age, may still be able to bolster a line that needs help. Together, they will not be enough to bolster a Cowboys defensive line that needs a lot more help. They will to struggle.
The good news for the defense? The Cowboys are deepest at the linebacker position, but that does not necessarily translate into a strength, and it still may not be enough. The defensive back field, led by cornerback Brandon Carr and safety Barry Church, will be tasked with playing more zone under new Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin. With all of the uncertainty on defense, look for the overall scheme and level of play to change on defense this season. The reality of the situation remains, though, that the best thing to happen to the Cowboys’ defense in 2013 was the departure of the vastly over-rated Rob Ryan.
Biggest upside for the Cowboys in 2013: Potentially talented draft picks and the release of Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator are the bigest upsides for the Boys. Otherwise,there is no upside for the Cowboys as the team remains relatively the same and will struggle mightily this year, on both sides of the ball.
Bill’s Biggest questions for the Cowboys in 2013: Can Tony Romo carry the Cowboys through a full season and into the playoffs without fumbling and throwing key interceptions at the worst times (ie. choking)? Will the change in overall defensive scheme be effective and will this shaky defense be able to establish itself early on? There is a lot of depth on the Cowboys, I am just not convinced it is in the right places.
Bill’s Final Cowboys Thoughts and Prediction:
Bill’s 2013 Cowboys Prediction: 8-8 (tied for third/last with Eagles in the NFC East). Sorry, but I do not have faith in “America’s Team.” At least the famous Dallas Cowboy Cheer Leaders will still be nice to look at.
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Edited by: Todd LaPlante