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2008 Dallas Cowboys NFL Predictions

The Cowboys went 13-3 last season, sent 13 players to the Pro Bowl, and secured home field advantage throughout the postseason, however, it was one and done for Dallas in the playoffs. In fact, America's Team has not won a playoff game since 1996. The only thing that matters is winning a Super Bowl this season. Any other accomplishments will not satisfy owner Jerry Jones. Find out if Dallas can win the NFC East again and make a Super Bowl run in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Dallas Cowboys predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Tony Romo has made two Pro Bowls in just two seasons as the QB of America's Team, but he has also made two early exits from the postseason. If Romo wants to follow in the footsteps of Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, he's going to have to find a way to play better late in the season. The past two seasons, Romo is just 4-7 in December and January games with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

The Cowboys paid running back Marion Barber like an All-Pro and now he's going to have to prove he's worth it. He'll team up with rookie's Felix Jones and Tashard Choice to form a formidable three-headed monster at the tailback position. Jones will bring the speed, Choice can do a little bit of everything, and Barber is a barbaric workhorse.

Terrell Owens will turn 35 in December, but he is yet to show his age. He caught 81 passes in 2007 for 1,355 yards and 15 touchdowns. It was the eighth time in his career he has totaled over 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Tight end Jason Witten exploded last season with 96 grabs and made his fourth straight Pro Bowl trip. Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd, and Terry Glenn give Romo three more solid options.

With three Pro Bowlers on the offensive front, the Cowboys offense should operate on all cylinders this season. Center Andre Hurode, tackle Flozell Adams, and guard Leonard Davis lead the charge.

Defense

The Cowboys defensive front is solid, but certainly not dominant. Jay Ratliff plays nose, Tank Johnson also plays the interior, and Marcus Spears and Chris Canty play the ends. Depth and versatility someone compensates for a lack of superstars on the front.

DeMarcus Ware was special in Wade Phillips' aggressive 3-4 defense last season. He posted 80 stops, 14 sacks, and 27 QB hurries at the linebacker spot. Greg Ellis added 12.5 sacks and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. Inside linebacker Bradie James led the team in tackles and is the QB of the defense. Free agent signee Zack Johnson will play the weak side inside linebacker spot and give the Cowboys some added experience.

If Pacman Jones is reinstated by the league, the Cowboys will get a big upgrade at the corner spot, but isn't is really only a matter of time before he screws up off the field again. T.O.'s behavior has was better last season, but if he is getting upstaged by a new circus clown, he could be back with some new antics. Rookie draft picks Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick will add depth at the corner spot behind Terence Newman and Anthony Henry for now. Free safety Ken Hamlin is coming off a Pro Bowl season. Pro Bowl strong safety Roy Williams remains one of the hardest hitters in the game but the guy has become an increasing weakness in pass coverage.

Special Teams

Pro Bowl punter Mat McBriar and Pro Bowl kicker Nick Folk return. With the kicking game in great shape, Dallas will now look to build a high-caliber return game. Rookie draft picks Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins as well as Pacman Jones all have game-breaking speed.

Prediction – 2nd in NFC East

The Giants beat the Cowboys last season on the way to the Super Bowl and I look for that win to be a big confidence booster for the Giants this season and a big reason why Dallas won't finish ahead of New York. With the Redskins coming off a playoff season and a talented Eagles team healthy and ready to bounce back, wins will not be as easy to come by in the NFC East this season. Still, Dallas is talented and should be playoff bound. Perhaps, with a bit lower expectations in the playoffs, the Cowboys can do more damage this time around.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy's NFL predictions to get the inside scoop on one of the best divisions in the NFL in 2008. And make sure you do your pro football betting with Jimmy B. all season long for the most winning NFL picks in the industry.

June 25th, 2008