Cowboys training camp at Alamodome one week away

by Tom Orsborn

In just seven days, the Dallas Cowboys will open their first training camp in San Antonio since 2003. Back then, it cost $6 to park at the Alamodome, the site of the camp. The fee is now $10, and Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn notes the hike isn't the only change in that span.

The Quarterback

2003: Quincy Carter

2007: Tony Romo

Tom's take: Romo can run and pass. He also doesn't have a drug problem.

The Coach

2003: Bill Parcells

2007: Wade Phillips

Tom's take: Phillips won't be afraid to blitz, throw deep or say Terrell Owens' name.

The Running Backs

2003: Troy Hambrick and Richie Anderson

2007: Julius Jones and Marion Barber

Tom's take: Barber and Jones are expected to be one of the league's top combos after combining for 1,738 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Anderson and Hambrick were a feeble one-two punch, especially in the red zone.

The Star Linebacker

2003: Dexter Coakley

2007: DeMarcus Ware

Tom's take: For a guy who stood only 5-feet-11 and weighed 230 pounds, Coakley more than held his own as a Cowboy. But after recording 11.5 sacks last season, and with the aggressive Phillips calling the shots, the 6-4, 252-pound Ware could be in the running for defensive player of the year.

The Outlook

2003: .500 season

2007: Super Bowl contenders

Tom's take: The 2003 team overachieved by going 10-6 and reaching the playoffs as a wild-card entry. Anything less than a berth in the NFC title game will be a disappointment for this year's squad.