Offense
Terrell Owens. TO. He is quite simply the sexiest story line for the upcoming NFL season. Everyone seems to be on pins and needles waiting for the first public feud between Owens and Bill Parcells or Jerry Jones. It is certain that Parcells will attempt to quash any non-football inquiries by the curious public. Whether Owens will be receptive to Parcells' style is the most important question. Although Owens is integral, anyone who believes that he will dictate the entire offense is wrong.
The key to quarterback Drew Bledsoe's success is his offensive line. Last year's group was in shambles and the human statue Bledsoe had difficulty finding time to pass and developing consistency. A healthy Flozell Adams and the acquisition of veteran right tackle Jason Fabini should only help matters. They lost guard Larry Allen, but he has little left in the tank. He can still maul blockers, but any mobility he had left has lost him. They hope new acquisition Kyle Kosier can be a good fill-in.
With Jason Witten, Terry Glenn, Owens, and rookie Anthony Fasano, Bledsoe will have more weapons than he ever has. If his line can give him proper time, there is no reason why he can't put up outstanding numbers. The rushing duo of Julius Jones and Marion Barber III aren't flashy but do everything necessary to keep defenses honest. But another injury from Jones may cause a permanent shift to Barber as the starter.
Defense
The Cowboys spent two first-round picks on defense last season and another this season. Demarcus Ware was a dynamo, pressuring the passer at ease and covering tight ends all over the field. Ware did his damage as the DE/LB hybrid that seems to be rapidly gaining momentum as the NFL's new impact position. With a year and increased awareness under his belt, he should be even more dominating.
Rookie DE's Chris Canty and Marcus Spears were also solid, with Canty being the big surprise. They will team with NT Jason Ferguson to form an aggressive front line.
Aside from Ware, the four linebackers will look pretty new. Free agent pickup Akin Adoyele is underrated and should be ideal in a 3-4 defense. First-round pick Bobby Carpenter was overshadowed by A.J. Hawk at Ohio State, but is one of the safer picks in the draft. He is an athletic, cerebral linebacker who will catch on fast. He may have some physical limitations but is a Parcells guy in every respect. He could start from day one.
In the secondary, Terence Newman had a tremendous year, bouncing back from a terrible 2004 season. When Anthony Henry was healthy, the defense was aggressive and very efficient. Without him, it was a struggle. Roy Williams would have to play in coverage and negate what makes him such a great player. The more Williams can play near the line the better the defense will be.
It would be better if they had a viable option at the other safety. Rookie Pat Watkins may be the answer, but he is raw. He does have great size at 6-5. I love this group as long as they do not suffer injuries to Henry or Newman or the front three.
Synopsis
It is time for a big run in Dallas. The key to the entire team is the offensive line. If they can stay healthy and protect Bledsoe this is an 11-5 or 12-4 team. A poor year from the line will simply result in an 8-8 team that misses the postseason. Owens will cause a ripple, but not a big negative splash. And I like the offensive line enough to call for a 10-6 record and an NFC East Championship.
