NFL 2010 Preview: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has tremendous talent in skill positions but potentially the most porous offensive line in the NFL. Al Dannity says poor protection could doom the Cowboys.

Off-season changes
Who would have thought Dallas would miss Flozell Adams this much? At 35 the big left tackle was long past his best but the performances of the rest of the Cowboys’ offensive line in the off-season and pre-season should be sounding alarm bells in Dallas. Adams’ departure is the only major change on the line yet what was a previously competent, if far from stellar, unit now looks like a major liability for the Cowboys.

The draft brought no short-term fix for the line. Instead Dallas traded up to get Dez Bryant in the first round. The former Oklahoma State wide receiver is a tremendous talent and looks capable of having an immediate impact.

Mark your calendar
The Cowboys meet in-state rivals Houston at Reliant Stadium in week 3, the first of four tests against AFC South opponents. Tennessee visits in week 5, with the Jaguars coming to Cowboys Stadium in week 8 before Dallas travels to Indianapolis in week 13 to battle the Colts.

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Trips to Minnesota and Green Bay in weeks 6 and 9 should also prove testing for Dallas. NFL betting fans should note that three of the Cowboys divisional games take place in the final four weeks of the season. This could prove crucial in a tight NFC East race.

The verdict
This really is an unusual situation. The Cowboys defense is loaded with top tier talent at all levels, leaving no major holes for opposing offenses to exploit. Dallas has near unmatched riches at the skill positions with Bryant joining Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Tashard Choice and Tony Romo. While Romo is good he is no Peyton Manning and it would take a player of that caliber to wholly compensate for the offensive line in its current state.

The impact of Dallas’ skill position players will be massively reduced without adequate protection. Make no mistake; this is a Super Bowl quality team except for the offensive line. Romo may not be a Brees or Manning but when he has the time he can make full use of the arsenal at his disposal. Getting him that time is going to be the tough part for Dallas. I was skeptical of this offensive line before pre-season play began, after seeing this group in action it now has the potential to ruin the Cowboys’ season. I like Dallas to go 8-8 or 9-7 in 2010. A trip to the playoffs is a possibility but only if the line steps up.