Cowboys look to heal broken hearts, avenge their lousy losing streak
by David Hicks
The 2006 NFL season for Dallas Cowboys' fans can best be compared to a romantic relationship that seemed perfect at first, peaked too early and ultimately led to a violent break-up.
The courtship began when Tony Romo took the helm at quarterback and looked more than impressive in his first start against the Carolina Panthers. The crush soon turned to love after a win against the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts and a rout on Thanksgiving Day over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cowboys' fans had images of Super Bowl rings dancing in their heads and were ready to walk down the aisle with America's Team.
Soon the flaws begin to show through. The Cowboys dropped three of the last four games of the season and lost a gut-wrenching playoff game that left many fans feeling like their heart had been ripped out.
After enough time, we have learned to forgive and forget. Following a long off-season and a good training camp, Cowboys' fans are finally feeling ready to love again.
New head coach Wade Phillips looks to bring the success to the Cowboys' defense that he was able to create in San Diego, a unit that had a league-leading 61 sacks last season.
The 2007 season, which begins Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, will rely on the performance of this highly paid defensive squad.
Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who recorded 12 sacks last year, should flourish under Phillips and will cause opposing teams to plan around him.
Look for cornerback Terrence Newman to continue his solid play and emerge as the shutdown cornerback that fans envisioned when he was drafted.
Phillips should also allow safety Roy Williams to play close to the line and instill fear into opposing quarterbacks with his highlight-reel hard hits.
On the offensive side of the ball, Romo will be successful but still has a lot to prove. He will have to stay calm in the pocket and rely more on making smart throws than scrambling around.
A player to keep an eye on is running back Julius Jones. He could be a solid option in the backfield but has to prove that he can stay healthy for a whole season. Jones has missed 13 games in the last three seasons and his durability will be under a watchful eye this year.
The Cowboys have the right pieces to compete with this year, although the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl win is still out of their reach.
The Cowboys will finish (11-5) and will sit second in the division behind the Philadelphia Eagles. After a wild-card berth, the Cowboys will end their drought of no playoff wins in over a decade with a first-round win. The run will end there, as they will lose in the second round.
Cowboys fans everywhere are still weary from last season but it will not be long before they are love-struck again.
The 2006 NFL season for Dallas Cowboys' fans can best be compared to a romantic relationship that seemed perfect at first, peaked too early and ultimately led to a violent break-up.
The courtship began when Tony Romo took the helm at quarterback and looked more than impressive in his first start against the Carolina Panthers. The crush soon turned to love after a win against the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts and a rout on Thanksgiving Day over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cowboys' fans had images of Super Bowl rings dancing in their heads and were ready to walk down the aisle with America's Team.
Soon the flaws begin to show through. The Cowboys dropped three of the last four games of the season and lost a gut-wrenching playoff game that left many fans feeling like their heart had been ripped out.
After enough time, we have learned to forgive and forget. Following a long off-season and a good training camp, Cowboys' fans are finally feeling ready to love again.
New head coach Wade Phillips looks to bring the success to the Cowboys' defense that he was able to create in San Diego, a unit that had a league-leading 61 sacks last season.
The 2007 season, which begins Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, will rely on the performance of this highly paid defensive squad.
Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who recorded 12 sacks last year, should flourish under Phillips and will cause opposing teams to plan around him.
Look for cornerback Terrence Newman to continue his solid play and emerge as the shutdown cornerback that fans envisioned when he was drafted.
Phillips should also allow safety Roy Williams to play close to the line and instill fear into opposing quarterbacks with his highlight-reel hard hits.
On the offensive side of the ball, Romo will be successful but still has a lot to prove. He will have to stay calm in the pocket and rely more on making smart throws than scrambling around.
A player to keep an eye on is running back Julius Jones. He could be a solid option in the backfield but has to prove that he can stay healthy for a whole season. Jones has missed 13 games in the last three seasons and his durability will be under a watchful eye this year.
The Cowboys have the right pieces to compete with this year, although the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl win is still out of their reach.
The Cowboys will finish (11-5) and will sit second in the division behind the Philadelphia Eagles. After a wild-card berth, the Cowboys will end their drought of no playoff wins in over a decade with a first-round win. The run will end there, as they will lose in the second round.
Cowboys fans everywhere are still weary from last season but it will not be long before they are love-struck again.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:05 AM
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