2007 NFL Training Camp Preview: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys 2006 season ended abruptly when Tony Romo botched the field goal that would've put them ahead of the Seattle Seahawks late in the 4^th quarter of last years NFC wildcard game. They haven't won a playoff game since 1996 but hope to turn their fortunes around in 2007 under new head coach Wade Phillips. With the nucleus of the team will be returning and a key addition to the defense, the Cowboys will be ready to compete in the NFC East. The question is will they be able to live up to the expectations that are put on them by most of the media and owner Jerry Jones?

Quarterback
Tony Romo is the ninth quarterback since the retirement of Troy Aikman in 2000 and the Cowboys are putting all their trust into the un-drafted free agent to lead them to a championship. Romo's first game as a starter came in week 8 against the Carolina Panthers in which he led the Cowboys to a 35-14 win. He would go on to win five of his first six games in the NFL. He started to look like a first year player towards the end of the season and during the playoffs, but his potential to become a better QB is very high. The front office found a reliable backup in Brad Johnson to be a mentor to Romo.
Rating: 3.5

Running Back
A possible deadly running back duo in the NFL will be Julius Jones and Marion Barber. In 2006, the duo totaled over 1,700 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. I expect both Barber and Jones to step their game up and produce bigger and better numbers this upcoming season.
Rating: 3.5

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Terrell Owens led the league with 13 touchdowns in 2006. He also had 17 drops that was due to an injured finger that he played with for most of the season. This season, T.O. will look to have a much better year alongside Terry Glenn who is also a big time playmaker for the Cowboys. Tight end Jason Witten is a pro bowl player and a big, reliable target for Tony Romo. However, he will have to score more than the one touchdown he had in 2006.
Rating: 4.0