Yes, I am excited for this season

[Manster68]

So, what encourages me for this 2006 season?

Defense

· In the first season reverting to the 3-4 defense, the Cowboys went from the 16th overall defense in 2004, to 10th overall in 2005. Taking in consideration that not all of the pieces of the puzzle were in place, and several injuries, that is a pretty good accomplishment.
· Dallas addressed their defensive line concerns. Montavious Stanley was brought in for nose tackle depth; Hatcher, albeit raw, will provide depth and athleticism to an already up-n-coming defensive end rotation. Ratliff will be returning from injury.
· Dallas addressed linebacker. Carpenter and Ayodele beefs up the linebacker position (and will improve the run defense). Boiman and maybe either Parham or Hoyte can be just as effective as Shanle and Fujita.
· Dallas addressed secondary. Coleman and Watkins will serve as a very effective 1-2 punch as free safeties. Coleman being used in primary run plays, and Watkins plays in the nickel. For Beriault, I consider this his rookie season as well. This should allow Roy to be more aggressive on the line of scrimmage.

Offense

· It starts with who else…Owens. He is going to do so much for this offense.
o Stretching the defense
o Daring opposing DCs to put eight men in the box.
o Taking pressure off the offensive line – opening holes for running game.
o Giving this team more and earlier leads that will make the opponents press more, and enhance a greater amount of takeaways (ala 1981).
o Should be able to give this team more than 30 minutes time of possession each game. (Dallas had over 32 minutes TOP last season, so improving on that will be a challenge).
o Open up the passing lanes for Glenn, Witten, and the other receivers.
· Despite losing big Larry, Kosier will be an adequate replacement. For Dallas to make him the top priority in the free agent period, obviously, Ireland, Parcells, and company sees something that many posters do not see. I choose to trust in Bill and Jeff here.
· Petitti, Fabini, and Colombo will help Adams hold down the other tackle position. No way will Dallas give up 50 sacks this season.
· Drafting Fasano looks more and more to be a brilliant move. This acquisition, like Owens, will help take pressure off the offensive line.
· Barber and Thompson are not rookies anymore. If Parker can do it for the Steelers, then why not Thompson? It’s a long shot, but it doesn’t hurt to hope.

Special Teams

· As good as the Cowboys coverage teams were last season, getting Boiman, Coleman, and Watkins will only make this unit better (as well as Davis going back to full time duties).
· Skyler Green gives Dallas a decent return specialist they haven’t seen since Deion.
· Vanderjaqt will bring much needed consistency to the kicking game.

Dallas could have easily been 13-3 last year if it weren’t for a decent field goal kicker. Now that the other holes were filled as well, there is no reason to believe that this years Dallas Cowboys can go at least 12-4 considering the division they are playing in.

One other intangible to factor in:

Last season, Dallas played in many close, hard fought games. Parcells said several times that this could be a good thing, as it will toughen them up.

The window of opportunity is here to win a Super Bowl. There is no reason to feel discouraged.

 

[Manster68]

Gee, no responses after 19 hours? Don't I feel just dandy.

 

[littlewebs]

Gee, no responses after 19 hours? Don't I feel just dandy.

Sorry man. Maybe try saying something like "Roy can't cover" and you'll have a 10 page thread. I thought it was solid and well thought out, but don't have much to add since I agree with most of it.

 

[Gent]

I'm excited too. And I agree with most of your analysis, but I think depth is another key ingredient. Those guys coming back from IR will be replaced with new guys eventually. How we deal with that is critical. Each year BP has been here depth has improved and the trend continues this year. O-line and safety depth are better and, hopefully, the addition of Fasano makes WR depth less critical. In general, many of the back-ups and rotation guys are projected to be better this year. On the other hand, nose tackle depth is a major concern and I would add CB as well. I hope we don't have to lean on soon-to-be 34 Aaron Glenn much this season.

-Gent

 

[J-DOG]

Our defense is going to be nasty.
This is the best depth we have had on defense since the first two Super Bowl teams of Jimmy Johnson.
Great post about how we have addressed all three phases(D-line,linebackers and secondary).
Like the fact we are not banking on Burnett to be the guy at a lb position.
I like Burnett but we are covered by getting Carpenter/Ayodele.
Also on offense we have addressed the 2 phases were we needed the most help...Wr and O-line.
I liked Key but TO does present so many more opportunities for guys like Glenn,Julius and Witten.
If our key guys on offense stay healthy we can match up against any team in the league.
As far as the offensive line goes I think Kosier and an improved Rivera are the big keys.
I like our depth at OT with Columbo and Pettiti going with Fabini and Flozell.
We are paper thin at the guard spot with guys who have a lot of question marks beside thier names.
Peterman and the other guys who's names escape now have to show they can play in a pinch if nothing else.
But even at that, we have Peterman(high draft pick) and Gurode(2nd round pick) who can step in if need be.
Our depth at...
TE
OT
LB
CB
...looks really great right now. Especially considering that we play in the salary cap era.
This team has serious upside right now!
Encouraged????
AAAWWW HELL YA!

 

[Roughneck]

No doubt about it.

If this team doesn't end up being our best since #5, I am going to be severely disappointed.

We don't have really glaring holes at any position (even FS) and have enough lunch & pale type of players to make a serious playoff run. Add in one truly explosive WR to give our Offense an identity and you're looking at a Super Bowl Contender right now.

:starspin

 

[Manster68]

You know, I do think this is Dallas' most complete team since 1995.

 

[dmq]

I think many are in the wait and see mode since we have all gotten hyped up for nothing in the past. I like our team, but I also liked the prospects of Pitman.