IN ROMO THEY TRUST
by Kevin Ezell


This odd couple will decide just how far the Cowboys
go in 2007

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the season with a very new atmosphere. The grouchy-but-successful Bill Parcells is gone, and a coach with moderate success in the NFL will replace him. They will be relying on Tony Romo to lead team back to the playoff and maybe learn how to handle a snap in a pressure situation.

Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe last year after the Cowboys' offense became ineffective. Romo quickly became a star quarterback even earning a spot at the Pro Bowl. The reality, however, is that Romo did play well at first but did not end the season strongly and then lost to the Seahawks in the playoffs after the heartbreaking fumbled hold. Romo is very mobile which makes him a threat every time the pocket breaks down, but he needs to work on throwing fewer interceptions and reading defensive coverages better. This, unfortunately, comes with experience, and Romo does not have many starts under his belt.

Romo definitely has the players to throw to. Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn had excellent years last year and Owens' hand should be fully healed. If Owens can keep his ego in check and his mouth shut, he should have a huge year this year. He also has tight end Jason Witten, another excellent target who can put up big numbers and is one of the best in the league.

Julius Jones has not been a reliable back due to injury, so the Boys will need more production from Marion Barber III. Barber has been very successful in short-yardage situations, and he should get more carries this season to allow Jones to stay healthy. If these two backs can stay healthy, they will be a handful for many defenses. The offensive line was a huge problem last year; just ask Bledsoe. The offensive line will need to step it up to protect Romo and create holes for the backs.

The defense should be the real strong point. Phillips is a defensive minded coach and they have very talented players on that side of the ball. Dallas has a very talented defensive front that was only made stronger by the addition of rookie Anthony Spencer. DeMarcus Ware can line up almost anywhere and is an excellent pass rusher who will only get better. They do need to get better play out of their secondary, but the pressure they will create should help out. Still, the secondary will be susceptible and will give up some big plays, which cost the Cowboys several times in 2006.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Cowboys win the NFC East with a good offense and a defense that suffocates its opponents. This team is capable of winning 10 or 11 games and making some noise in the playoffs. If this happens, look for Romo to get that new contract he is looking for and Phillips to win coach of the year. 

WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Cowboys' season could be a long one if Romo does not get some protection. If Dallas cannot stay healthy and the offensive line doesn’t step up, the Boys could finish at the bottom of the NFC East with around six wins. Also, Owens could decide he is unhappy and decide to start to feud with his quarterback or coach. If he does that the Cowboys' season could be over.