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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) attempts a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) attempts a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

Everybody expected the Dallas Cowboys to finish with six or seven wins last year. In fact, Cowboys fans were selling tickets to home games in hope of making some money while avoiding consistent embarrassment. Instead, Dallas won the NFC East comfortably with a 12-4 record, sweeping the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants in the process.

This offseason brought about some change as the Cowboys allowed the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, to leave for the Eagles in free agency. Dallas was able to retain Dez Bryant on a five-year, $70 million contract and brought in the controversial defensive end Greg Hardy, who will be suspended the first four games of the season. In the draft, Dallas added outside linebacker Randy Gregory and cornerback Byron Jones.

Major Battle

Who starts at running back? Jerry Jones signed Darren McFadden to a two-year deal in the offseason despite the former Arkansas star having a knack for injuries. McFadden will be competing against Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar, both backs who have been in the system. Randle has shown explosiveness in limited time, perhaps giving him the leg up.

Expectations

Dallas should be in the running for another Lombardi Trophy. The defense is not great, but it proved last year it was good enough to win 12 games and bring the Green Bay Packers to the brink at Lambeau Field. With Tony Romo, Jason Witten and Dez Bryant playing around that incredible offensive line, the Cowboys have realistic dreams of a Super Bowl.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles

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