Dallas Cowboys Update: The Return of Dez Bryant

The betting world has watched as the Dallas Cowboys offense has struggled in the first three preseason games. So far in the preseason the Cowboys combined offense has been unable to put more than 16 points on the board in any of its preseason games. The worst part is that the Cowboys first-string offense has scored a total of 13 points in the first three preseason games.

The Cowboys got some good news as the wide receiver that was lighting up the college football betting boards, Dez Bryant, has been cleared to practice. Dallas head coach Wade Phillips has not indicated whether or not Bryant will play in the final preseason game, but Bryant is expected to make an impact on NFL betting in the Cowboys’ opening regular season game against the Washington Redskins.

The recent offensive woes experienced by the Cowboys first stringers has prompted the Dallas coaching staff to remain tight-lipped as to whether or not the starters will play at all in the last preseason game. The offense under quarterback Tony Romo has not looked sharp at all, and head coach Wade Phillips may want to use the last preseason game to try and get his offense tuned up for the season opener. It is expected that no one will really know until the Cowboys take the field against the Miami Dolphins on September 2 for the final preseason game.

In an interesting story that may not affect NFL football betting lines but still may be of interest to some Dallas fans is the release of free agent wide receiver Terrell Hudgins and tight end Scott Sicko. Hudgins played his college ball at Elon and was a long-shot to make the team, but Sicko had created a stir by releasing an Internet video that said he was more interested in staying in school than playing in the NFL. It was shortly after that announcement that Sicko was signing a free agent contract with the Cowboys.

Cowboys safety Barry Church is getting more than a little friendly ribbing about being tackled by quarterback Phillip Rivers after an interception in the Cowboys most recent preseason game. Everyone from the defensive coordinator to the head coach has indicated their displeasure with the way Church allowed Rivers to prevent an interception return for a touchdown. It is doubtful that disciplinary action will be taken, but Church has learned to step up the pace and get by the quarterback next time he is in that situation.

If the road to the Super Bowl is going to go through and then end in Dallas, then the Cowboys are going to have to step up their game right from the beginning of the season. The Cowboys first six opponents are all playoff contenders. The Cowboys open the season in Washington against the Redskins and then move on to play the Bears, Texans, Titans, Vikings and Giants. The Cowboys defense is expected to be up to the task, but without offensive points on the board the Cowboys may be watching Super Bowl XLV from the stands.