NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams
By Brad Rowland
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys could be dynamic offensively.
Tony Romo underwent back surgery in the off-season, but provided he is near-100% from a health perspective, Dallas has quite a bit of offensive talent. Romo is perpetually underrated, DeMarco Murray is one of the most talented running backs in the league (at least when healthy), and the trio of Dez Bryant, Terrence Williams and Jason Witten is more than enough to frighten opposing defensive backs. Add to that the fact that the organization has heavily invested in the offensive line and a top-5 offensive finish is not out of the question.
However, they are going to need that offense to excel, because the defense is woeful.
DeMarcus Ware vacated the premises in free agency, Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee is gone for the year with injury and Jason Hatcher is gone as well. On paper, the Cowboys are significantly worse defensively than last season, and when you consider that they finished 30th in DVOA, things are going to get ugly in a hurry.
I trust the offense, and that keeps them somewhat afloat.
The Pick: 7-9