Despite Dallas’ astonishing turnaround last year, both Jones and Parcells knew the Cowboys still needed to improve on an offense that ranked 15th in total offense and 21st in scoring. In order to boost the struggling offense Dallas brought in former Parcells players Keyshawn Johnson and Vinny Testaverde. They also selected Notre Dame RB Julius Jones along with offensive linemen Jacob Rogers and Stephen Peterman with their first three picks in April’s draft. Dallas also traded next year’s third-round pick to the Houston Texans for former Michigan star QB Drew Henson hoping he will evolve into the teams franchise QB someday.
Defense wins championships though, and it’s Dallas D that has the expectations among fans probably a little too high for next season. The Cowboys already had the No.1 overall defense and they think the addition of Marcellus Wiley will make them even tougher by improving their pass rush. If Wiley can regain his form of a couple years ago, then look for Dallas to make the jump from a great defense to one that can totally dominate games.
Quarterback
Despite Quincy Carter’s ability to “drive the bus” for Parcells’ offense, he still made too many mistakes and didn’t use his athletic scrambling ability enough to put pressure on opposing defenses. The coaching staff love’s his work ethics and attitude, but have been stressing to him the importance of protecting the football. One thing Parcells won’t stand for is turnovers, so Carter must improve on his 21 interceptions this season in order to hold on to his starters job.
Testaverde was brought in as an insurance policy and tutor for Carter and Henson, but he will get an opportunity to earn the starter’s job in training camp as well. Chad Hutchinson had a rough season for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe and appears to be the odd man out with the addition of Henson. The former Wolverine, who spent the last three years playing 3rd base in the NY Yankees organization, was a standout in 2000 when he led Michigan to the Rose Bowl. And the coaches are also intrigued by second-year free agent Tony Romo, who is expected see some action during the pre-season. This all spells bad news for Hutchinson as his days in Dallas seem to be numbered.
Grade: C+
Running Backs
Usually 972 yards is enough to keep a running back around, but not in Dallas as Troy Hambrick and his 3.5 yards per carry were shown the door. In Big D, where the list of former RBs reads like a hall of fame ballot with names like Smith, Walker, Dorsett and Perkins the shoes are awfully hard to fill. Next in line to try his luck will be the rookie Julius Jones, who will be feeling considerable pressure to succeed after Dallas passed on Stephen Jackson in the first round to trade down and select Jones.
The Cowboys are happy with FB Ritchie Anderson, who could share some of the carries with Jones, is a receiving threat out of the backfield and a great leader in the locker room. But Jamar Martin, who appeared to have the back-up spot secured, has recently felt the wrath of Parcells for being overweight. He will now have to fight for a roster spot with un-drafted free agent Lousaka Polite and Darian Barnes, who was acquired in a trade from Tampa Bay for a 7th-round draft choice.
Grade: C
Wide Receiver/Tight End
The Cowboys traded away Joey Galloway during the off-season for Keyshawn Johnson, a long-time Parcells favorite. What Johnson lacks in speed, he makes up for with intensity and toughness. Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant will vie for the second WR spot, with Glenn as the early favorite because of his relationship with Parcells and Bryant’s inability to control his emotions. Randall Williams is a guy the coaches will really take a long look at during training camp. At 6’3” 225 Williams is a big man, but he has incredible speed and soft hands and he will push for playing time this season, especially should Bryant follow up last year's disappointing campaign with a poor training camp.