2009 Dallas Cowboys NFL Predictions

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cowboys 8509Following a 13-win season that resulted in a NFC East title in 2007, expectations were sky high for the Cowboys in 2008.  But America’s Team could not deliver. Jerry Jones has got rid of his talent-first approach by getting rid of Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones, and Tank Johnson. 2009 is all about change for the Boys as they step into a new $1.1 billion stadium with five new projected starters. But if Jones’ changes don’t pay off this season, the Cowboys 12-year drought without a playoff win will continue to linger over their heads and head coach Wade Phillips will almost certainly be asked to resign. The Dallas Cowboys are listed at +1600 to win Super Bowl XLIV at BetUS.

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Offense – Dallas has shown the ability to put points on the scoreboard, especially early in the season. The Boys scored 27 or more points in four of their first five games in 2008 but managed to break that barrier only twice the rest of the way out. Quarterback Tony Romo is one of the brightest young stars in the league, but he is quickly gaining the reputation of a choke artist. He has led the Cowboys to just a 5-10 record in December and January the last two years. Without T.O. around to provide a distraction, no excuses can be made this season. In Romo’s defense, he did endure a midseason injury last year, and Brad Johnson was not able to step in and do the job. Dallas has brought in Jon Kitna to give it a much better backup if Romo were to go down again.

The Cowboys were plagued by injuries at the running back spot in 2008. If they can remain healthy, Dallas has the potential to boast one of the best running attacks in football. Marion Barber is one of the most physical runners in the league and Felix Jones is a game-breaker. And then there’s Tarshard Choice, who came off the pine to rush for 472 yards in the Cowboys’ final three games.

T.O. may be a distraction off the field, but on it, he produced three straight seasons of double-digit touchdown catches for Dallas. Roy Williams, who was picked up from Detroit last season, will be expected to fill Owens’ shoes. While it’s still to be determined if Romo and Williams can build some chemistry on the field, we know that Romo and tight end Jason Witten have jelled. The five-time Pro Bowler caught 81 passes last season and figures to be Dallas’ most dependable receiving option again in 2009.

There are questions on the left side of the line with Flozell Adams Kyle Kozier, but overall the Boys should be solid up front behind Pro Bowlers Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis.

Defense – The defensive front is led by nose tackle Jay Ratliff. Ratliff is coming off a stellar season in which he notched 7.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. The Cowboys brought in end Igor Olshansky, who played under Phillips in San Diego. He’ll be solid against the run, but he’s not an explosive pass rusher. I expect mediocrity from Dallas up front unless Marcus Spears has a breakout season in a contract year.

Plain and simple, DeMarcus Ware is one the most feared pass-rushing linebackers in the league. He delivered with 20 sacks in 2008 which makes me think that Michael Strahan’s record of 22.5 sacks in a season is far from safe. He’ll team with Bradie James, who is one of the most solid inside backers in the game, to anchor the unit. James had 206 stops in 2008 and has led Dallas in tackles each of the last four seasons.

The secondary has been a bit of a weakness for the Cowboys in recent years, but there has been nothing weak about Terence Newman. The Pro Bowl corner continues to anchor the Dallas defensive backfield as one of the best lock-down cover men in the game. Gerald Sensabaugh has been brought in to replace safety Roy Williams. Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick are expected to compete for the other corner spot. Ken Hamlin is expected to line up at free safety.

Prediction: 3rd NFC East – The distractions have been dealt with, which leaves Dallas with no excuses this season. But it never helps that the Cowboys play in the toughest division in the NFC. It’s going to be another tight race in the East, but ultimately, I have the Cowboys finishing third and still making the playoffs via a wild card spot. The Cowboys are listed at +275 to win the NFC East at BetUS.

Who did I pick ahead of the Cowboys?  Get the complete run down on the NFC East in my division predictions.

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About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!
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