The Dallas Cowboys won the 2009 NFC East title on the strength of an 11-5 record. They they went on to win their first playoff game in 13 years, a 34-14 blowout over division rival Philadelphia. Now, the Cowboys have their sights set on getting back to the Super Bowl, which will be played in the new Cowboys Stadium this season.
In this article, we'll take a brief look at both sides of the football. Then, I'll make my prediction on where the Cowboys will finish in the NFC East division.
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Offense: The Cowboys were one of the most balanced teams in the NFL in 2009. They ranked No. 6 in the league in passing offense (267.9 yards per game) and No. 7 in rushing offense (131.4 yards per game).
Quarterback Tony Romo is coming off an impressive season in which he threw for 4,483 yards and 26 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. There's no reason to think he can't match those numbers in 2010.
Wide receiver Miles Austin is coming off a breakthrough season. He punched his ticket to the Pro Bowl by catching 81 passes for 1,320 yards and 11 scores. The Cowboys will get an added boost with the addition of rookie Dez Bryant. Bringing Bryant aboard should also push Roy Williams to perform at a higher level. We also can't forget about tight end Jason Witten, who is coming off a 94-catch, 1,030-yard campaign.
The backfield is absolutely stacked with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Jones and Choice both gained over 5.5 yards per carry last year, and all together the trio combined for 1,966 yards. If Jones can stay healthy, I'm expecting a monster year out of him.
Defense: Dallas boasted one of the best defenses in the entire NFL last season. The Cowboys ranked No. 2 in the league in scoring defense, only giving up 15.6 points per game. They were particularly stingy against the run, only allowing 90.5 yards per game on the ground (4th in the NFL). But there is still room for improvement against the pass. Dallas ranked 20th in pass defense last season, giving up 225.4 yards per game through the air.
The defense is led by Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware. He is without a doubt one of the very best defensive players in the entire league. Ware has put together four consecutive season with 11 or more sacks.
You're also going to want to keep an eye on Anthony Spencer. He appears poised for a big season after six sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2009.
Big Jay Ratliff anchors a solid front three. This group will have the potential to better in 2010 if it can get more out of Igor Olshansky.
Former Pro Bowler Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins lead the secondary. Veteran safety Ken Hamlin must be replaced, but the Boys have confidence in Alan Ball among others.
Prediction: 1st NFC East – As we enter the 2010 season, the Cowboys look to be the most complete team in the NFC East, as well as one of the most complete teams in the entire NFC. We very well could see the Cowboys playing at home in Super Bowl 45. NFL lines makers have listed the Cowboys at +125 to win the NFC East. Take a look at my 2010 NFL predictions to see which teams I have winning the other seven divisions.
Jimmy Boyd's expert football picks will keep you cashing clear through the Super Bowl!
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