210SA - San Antonio's entertainment, culture and events publication

The Cowboys: Ready to ride

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

Archive
Tony Romo grabbed the Cowboys' quarterback spot last year.

210SA will have a full-length NFL breakdown, with predictions, as the season draws nearer. But with the Cowboys on the cusp of kicking off training camp in San Antonio, it's never too early to take a look at San Antonio's unofficial hometown football team. Here's a look at what to expect from the Cowboys this season.

CLINT HALE | 210SA

THREE LOOMING QUESTIONS

Is Tony Romo the man to take the Cowboys to the next level?

After taking over for Drew Bledsoe last season, Romo was scorching out of the gate and even made the Pro Bowl. However, he struggled toward the end of the season, during which the Cowboys lost four of their last five games. And who can forget the infamous botched hold against Seattle in the playoffs? If the Cowboys have any hope of getting back to the playoffs this season, they'd better hope that Romo has forgotten the snap.

Is Wade Phillips really the answer at head coach?

Phillips' 48-42 career record as a head coach isn't outstanding, but at least he's won more games than he's lost. But the same can't be said for Phillips in the playoffs, where he boasts a paltry 0-3 record. That record, combined with the Cowboys postseason mediocrity over the past decade, likely has many Cowboys fans wondering if Phillips is really the guy to take Dallas back to the Super Bowl.

Is Julius Jones the running back of the future?

If last season was any indication, it certainly appears so. In his best NFL season, Jones rushed for 1,084 yards, averaged 4.1 yards per carry and played in all 16 games. As long as he can stay healthy, and as long as backup Marion Barber continues to provide quality relief, Jones could carry the load for the next four or five years.

THREE CERTAINTIES

A fast start is imperative.

Aside from a Sept. 23 date at Chicago, none of the Cowboys' first five opponents in 2007 finished with a winning record last season. And considering quality teams such as New England, the New York Jets and Philadelphia await later in the season, it's crucial that the Cowboys win at least three of their first five games.

November will determine the Cowboys' playoff chances.
The Cowboys play five games in November, including consecutive showdowns with NFC East rivals Philadelphia, the New York Giants and Washington. Tack on home games against the New York Jets and Green Bay, and it shapes up as quite the competitive month for the Cowboys.

Terrell Owens will open his mouth at some point.

Like death and taxes, T.O. spouting off is a given. At some point in the season, he's going to get upset and let everyone know about it. But the Cowboys must take the good with the bad, and T.O. — even at this point in his career — still ranks among the league's top receivers. And as long as he continues to hold that distinction, Owens unnecessarily voicing his opinions is something the Cowboys and their fans must simply stomach.

< Prev		Next >