It’s been a good offseason. Lots of ups and downs, and maybe I’m an optimist but I feel like things are looking up for the Dallas Cowboys heading into the 08′ - 09′ season. Let’s break down what has happened thus far:
1. We drafted two quality defensive backs: 1)Mike Jenkins and 2) Orlando Scandrick
2. Pacman was picked up for a mere 4th round draft pick for little to no cost to the Cowboys.
3. Multiple “core”
players were signed to long term extensions or new deals (Flozell Adams, Marion Barber, Terence Newman, T.O.
4. Two running backs were brought in to give Dallas a definite upgrade for the loss of Julius Jones. (Felix Jones, Tashard Choice)
5. Homegrown talent and tackling machine, Zach Thomas was brought in to bring some smarts and leadership to a talented Dallas defense.
6. And my favorite news of all…there are rumors circulating about the possibility of Anthony Henry making the move to strong safety! Can you imagine the effect this would cause?
So what could possibly give me cause for concern with a new revamped defense that will be much better than last year and another year under the belt of Jason Garrett to focus the potent offensive attack we know the Cowboys have???
Our kryptonite and our greatest strength is Tony Romo. The quarterback is normally the most vital player on a team and Dallas is no exception. I’d venture to say that T.O. is a close second because of the lack of a second receiver, but without Romo this team could suffer a downward spiral of a season. Backing up Romo currently is Brad Johnson, who will be 40 this September. I know the quarterbacking pool is shallow these days, but you kind of think the Cowboys would have a little better insurance policy at the position that matters most. Brad Johnson is about as mobile as Drew Bledsoe, but with a weaker arm. (We all know how Bledsoe worked out. Five years with him under center and we would know what it was like to be a Houston Texans fan during the David Carr era.) I’m glad we have him on the team to impart wisdom from days gone by, but he can’t be the serious back up for a team built to win the Super Bowl. But there have been cases in the past where the old, washed-up QB comes in as the sub and wins the game or saves the season.
My hope is that we don’t have to see it this year.
