HEAD COACH: Jason Garrett
Key Additions: CB Brandon Carr; OL Mackenzy Bernadeau; OL Nate Livings; LB Dan Connor; QB Kyle Orton; S Brodney Pool; RB Lawrence Vickers.
Key Losses: WR Laurent Robinson; TE Martellus Bennett; CB Terrence Newman; LB Bradie James.
Offense: Tony Romo is back at quarterback in 2012 after one of his best ever seasons (statistically) last year. Romo threw for 4,184 yards and had 31 touchdown passes with just ten interceptions. Backing up Romo will be veteran Kyle Orton, who played for Denver and Kansas City last year. Stephen McGee is also on hand for Dallas.
The running game has DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones in the backfield. Murray burst on the scene with 897 rushing yards (averaging 5.5 yards per carry and two touchdowns) while Jones, who had injuries last year, ran for 575 yards (4.5 ypc) with just one rushing touchdown. Veteran Lawrence Vickers is the fullback.
The receivers are led by Miles Austin (43 receptions for 579 yards and seven touchdowns) and Dez Bryant, who made 63 catches for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. Tight end Jason Witten, who had another stellar season with 79 catches for 942 yards (11.9 ypc average) and five touchdowns is a reliable target for Romo.
The offensive line consists of center Phil Costa, guards Nate Livings and Mackenzie Berdeneau and tackles Tyron Smith and Doug Free.
Dallas ranked 11th overall in offense last season, averaging 376 yards per game. The running game averaged 113 yards wile the passing attack gained 263 yards per game. Dallas allowed 39 QB sacks a year ago, so the line has to do a better job of protecting the passer, especially in the NFC East, where the Giants and Eagles loom.
Defense: The Cowboys can get after opposing quarterbacks, evidenced by the team's 42 quarterback sacks in 2011, with outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware leading the way with 19 1/2 sacks.
Ware leads a talented group of linebackers, including Sean Lee (four interceptions), Anthony Spencer and free agent signee Dan Connor.
Up front on the defensive line is nose tackle Jay Ratliff and ends Kenyon Coleman and Jason Hatcher. Marcus Spears, Josh Brent, Sean Lissemore and rookie Tyrone Crawford are also ready on the defensive line.
Rookie Morris Claiborne (drafted sixth overall out of LSU) will step in at cornerback along with Brandon Carr, who comes over in free agency to help out the Cowboys.
The safeties are Gerald Sensebaugh (two picks in 2011) and Rodney Pool, another free agent brought in to help. Mike Jenkins, Barry Church, Danny McCray and rookie Matt Johnson will be available as well.
The secondary has to improve in 2012 after allowing 244 yards passing per game last season while only intercepting 15 passes.
The Cowboys defense finished finished 14th overall while allowing 343 yards per game a year ago, including 99 yards per game on the ground (7th overall) and ranked 23rd overall against the pass.
OUTLOOK: The Cowboys just missed the playoffs a year ago and playing in the rugged NFC East is never easy, especially with the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants around.
The offense played well at times last year and if Romo can have another good season while Jones and Murray keep the ground game intact, the team can score some points to stay in games.
The defense is decent, but the key will be the secondary keeping opposing pass attacks at bay. That is precisely why Dallas drafted a DB with their first pick and signed two free agents for the secondary.
A good start will be important as well as the 'Pokes 2012 schedule is backloaded with strong opponents, including a three-game stretch in December against playoff teams from a year ago.
Playing the Giants and Eagles twice is never easy (Dallas was 0-4 against them in 2011) and the Redskins should be an improved team as well. Look for another 8-8 season from the Cowboys with questions about Head Coach Jason Garrett's job security possibly popping up during the season.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at NY Giants
Week 2- at Seattle
Week 3- vs. Tampa Bay
Week 4- vs. Chicago
Week 5- BYE
Week 6- at Baltimore
Week 7- at Carolina
Week 8- vs. NY Giants
Week 9- at Atlanta
Week 10- at Philadelphia
Week 11- vs. Cleveland
Week 12- vs. Washington
Week 13- vs. Philadelphia
Week 14- at Cincinnati
Week 15- vs. Pittsburgh
Week 16- vs. New Orleans
Week 17- at Washington
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