Cowboys Aim For Bigger Goals In 2010

While Cowboys fans may take solace in the fact that their team finally won a playoff game, the fact remains that head coach Wade Phillips and company once again fell short of their ultimate goal, which is making it to the Super Bowl. A couple of wins over the division rival Philadelphia Eagles that helped Dallas earn the division title and advance to the second round after winning at home was the key to Phillips having his contract secured for a couple of more betting years in “Jerryworld”, but with the window closing it may not be long before owner Jerry Jones decides that change is required once more.

That’s not to say that Phillips didn’t do a good job as NFL betting head coach a year ago, also taking over as defensive coordinator for the better part of the season, a big part of the Cowboys’ notable success. The strong finished was proof that this group was capable of succeeding, and that with time Phillips could make the defense even better. Jason Garrett had one of his best season’s as the offensive play caller, helping quarterback Tony Romo lower his interceptions total, while doing an excellent job dividing the carries between running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones. That tandem could be even better in 2010 if they can stay healthy, and there is insurance in third-down running back Tashard Choice, who has performed well in limited snaps.

Garrett’s biggest tasks for this season will include getting consistent play from an offensive line that lost long time left tackle Flozell Adams, who may have been undervalued in Dallas, and getting more out of wide receiver Roy Williams. Jones invested a lot of money, and a lot of draft pick value when he made the trade with the Detroit Lions to acquire Williams two years ago, but has yet to see much of a return. Williams has become the third receiving option behind emerging talent Miles Austin, and tight end Jason Witten. Jones may have been sending a betting on NFL message by moving up to select wide receiver Dez Bryant in the first round, but it appears as though the hopes still are that Williams will produce.

On the defensive side of the ball, Phillips took over at midseason and it seemed like a completely different team. Now, with a full offseason to work with his players, Phillips could have his men even better prepared. Perhaps the most improved player on the defensive side of the ball last season was Anthony Spencer, who took over on the outside linebacker spot opposite of DeMarcus Ware, and registered eight sacks in his last eight games. Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins remain the keys in the secondary, and will need to be much better for a defensive unit that added little in the offseason. The same can be said about the entire roster, as offensive tackle Alex Barron was the only significant addition outside of the draft, but time will tell if perhaps Jones should have been more aggressive with no salary cap alike the bet on MLB big spending teams.