Once again, there’s some Texas-sized talent on the Cowboys’ roster, and they’re lined up to do some big things in 2010. Per usual, though, there are enough questions surrounding the organization to warrant caution for postseason predictions. Let’s take a closer look at the Cowboys during NESN.com’s 16th stop on a 32-day tour through the NFL.
2009 Record: 11-5, NFC East champions (lost to Vikings in divisional round)
2010 Schedule Difficulty: Their opponents went a combined 139-117 (.543 winning percentage) in 2009, which makes for the third most difficult schedule in the NFL.
Key Additions: Wide receiver Dez Bryant (draft), defensive back Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (draft)
Key Losses: Tackle Flozell Adams, safety Ken Hamlin
Burning Question: What is this organization all about? For a very proud franchise, there seemed to be a hefty amount of joy last season when the Cowboys won their first playoff game since 1996. Yes, it’s a big weight off the shoulders of quarterback Tony Romo and head coach Wade Phillips, but the aim needs to be higher.
And if the Cowboys weren’t satisfied with just one playoff victory, there’s absolutely no chance they lose one week later, 34-3, to Minnesota. It’s a reflection of the lackadaisical Phillips, who hasn’t gotten anywhere near the point of maximizing the immense talent on that roster. Yet, the theory is that Phillips is still around because owner Jerry Jones wants control without confrontation.
And then there’s Romo, who missed some team workouts this offseason to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open (which was actually a pretty fun story to follow). Obviously, Romo and Jones want to win a Super Bowl, but each has made some curious career choices in recent seasons. Until there is a change in philosophy — and, yes, Jones has developed winners in the past, so he really has proven that he knows what he’s doing — it’s hard to imagine the Cowboys winning another Lombardi Trophy in the immediate future.
2010 Outlook: Even with all of that said, there is easily enough talent on the roster to win another NFC East title. They’re 33-15 in three regular seasons under Phillips, so he knows how to get them in position for success. But they’ve failed spectacularly in the postseason — including Romo’s first real season as a starter during Bill Parcells’ final season as head coach in 2006 — and there’s little reason to believe that will change in 2010.
