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2014-2015 Cowboys at a glance
http://interactives.***BANNED-URL***/2015/cowboys-preview/
2014 Before the 2014 season, nobody expected much from the Cowboys. Coach Jason Garrett’s job security was in question after three straight 8-8 seasons. The defense appeared to be in shambles after bottoming out in 2013 and suffering the loss of its best linebacker, Sean Lee, to injury. And quarterback Tony Romo was coming off his second back surgery in eight months. But in a season of surprises, the Cowboys leaned on their running game, and DeMarco Murray became the NFL’s rushing champion. He also relieved the burden on Romo, who enjoyed the best season of his career. The Cowboys finished with four straight victories and claimed their first NFC East title since 2009. A victory over Detroit in their playoff opener set up a showdown with Green Bay in the divisional round. The Cowboys lost to the Packers in a close game that offered proof that this team was for real.
2015 After breaking free from the bonds of mediocrity, the Cowboys are viewed as Super Bowl contenders. They have a Pro Bowl quarterback. They have the league’s best offensive line. They have an improved defense with the addition of edge rusher Greg Hardy (above), an infusion of talented draft picks and the return of Lee. They also have a coaching staff that virtually stayed intact this offseason after years of upheaval. But questions remain. Who will carry the ball following Murray’s departure in March? Can they stay healthy after avoiding injuries, by and large, last season? And will they be able to overcome the four-game suspensions levied against Hardy and talented linebacker Rolando McClain during a daunting section of their schedule? The signs point to the Cowboys continuing their run of success that started in 2014. But challenges await. (Photo: Smiley Pool/Staff
http://interactives.***BANNED-URL***/2015/cowboys-preview/
2014 Before the 2014 season, nobody expected much from the Cowboys. Coach Jason Garrett’s job security was in question after three straight 8-8 seasons. The defense appeared to be in shambles after bottoming out in 2013 and suffering the loss of its best linebacker, Sean Lee, to injury. And quarterback Tony Romo was coming off his second back surgery in eight months. But in a season of surprises, the Cowboys leaned on their running game, and DeMarco Murray became the NFL’s rushing champion. He also relieved the burden on Romo, who enjoyed the best season of his career. The Cowboys finished with four straight victories and claimed their first NFC East title since 2009. A victory over Detroit in their playoff opener set up a showdown with Green Bay in the divisional round. The Cowboys lost to the Packers in a close game that offered proof that this team was for real.
2015 After breaking free from the bonds of mediocrity, the Cowboys are viewed as Super Bowl contenders. They have a Pro Bowl quarterback. They have the league’s best offensive line. They have an improved defense with the addition of edge rusher Greg Hardy (above), an infusion of talented draft picks and the return of Lee. They also have a coaching staff that virtually stayed intact this offseason after years of upheaval. But questions remain. Who will carry the ball following Murray’s departure in March? Can they stay healthy after avoiding injuries, by and large, last season? And will they be able to overcome the four-game suspensions levied against Hardy and talented linebacker Rolando McClain during a daunting section of their schedule? The signs point to the Cowboys continuing their run of success that started in 2014. But challenges await. (Photo: Smiley Pool/Staff
