Dallas Cowboys: Can Sanity Exist?

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

You could use just about every adjective for "crazy" to describe the '08 Dallas Cowboys. At the beginning of the year, they were expected to produce, but never did. Quarterback Tony Romo struggled with injury issues and the ability to step up in big games. They still had a chance to advance to the playoffs but couldn't take down Donovan McNabb and company in the last week of the season. Oh, and Adam "Pacman" Jones and Terrell Owens were as psycho as ever. A lot needs to change in Dallas during the offseason to make the Cowboys a contender in their new stadium.

Free Agents: Miles Austin, WR (RFA), Stephen Bowen, DE (RFA), Tony Curtis, TE (RFA), Sam Hurd, WR (RFA), Cory Proctor, OL (RFA), Joe Berger, OL (UFA), Brooks Bollinger, QB (UFA), Chris Canty, DE (UFA) , Keith Davis, S (UFA), Tank Johnson, DT (UFA), Carlos Polk, LB (UFA).

Draft Picks: 2 (19), 3 (5), 4 (1, 17), 5 (21, 32), 6 (25) AND 7 (19)

Needs

1. Figure Out T.O. First -- If any team knows that distractions can take away from the goal, it is the Cowboys. Last year much was made about the feud between Owens and his teammates, and it drove Dallas fans mad (just ask my father). The team needs to figure out what to do about T.O. first before moving on, just so the headlines aren't all about him. The latest news is he is staying, and if so, it needs to be concrete before Dallas moves on with other players. Also, it wouldn't hurt to figure out a way to make Owens and Roy Williams coexist. I might be one of the few left on the planet that think those two could be scary if they ever found themselves on the same page.

2. Address the Defense -- For the first 14 weeks of the season, the defense "got by." The last two? Not so much. The Ravens and Eagles put up 77 combined points on a defense that has more holes than anyone is willing to admit. Jones didn't help an already overrated secondary, so that is a place to start. Maybe putting Wade Phillips in charge of the defense is a good move, if he could avoid the head coaching duties.

3. Get Romo Comfortable -- Last season was Romo's worst statistical year, even without the injuries. His completion percentage was down, his yards gained per pass attempt was off and his quarterback rating was low. He admitted that he needs to practice and commit more to the team, but that needs to be seen in the coming months. If Romo can find a little peace in Dallas (and maybe some tougher coaching) he might actually lead this team for the first time. If he doesn't, it could be another long year for the silver stars.

Latest Cowboys Photos

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. Jones announced that country icon George Strait will headline the first event at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington on June 6. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys shoots over NBA legend Clyde Drexler during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens;Clyde Drexler

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys holds the MVP trophy following the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Terrell Owens was named Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys dribbles against Special K Daley of the Harlem Globetrotters during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Special K Daley;Terrell Owens

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys shakes hands with actor Chris Tucker during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens;Chris Tucker

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys runs during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Former NBA legend Magic Johnson and Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys joke around during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens;Earvin Johnson

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys and former NBA player Dominique Wilkins joke around during the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dominique Wilkins;Terrell Owens

NBAE/Getty Images

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys wears a costume prior to the McDonald's All-Star Celebrity Game on center court during NBA Jam Session Presented by Adidas on February 13, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrell Owens

NBAE/Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-18-2009 @ 5:46PM

Robin said...

Hey Bacon - Just what exactly did TO do that you would say "psycho as ever." If you are referring to Ed Werder's lies, then OK. But Ed Werder lied so it looks to me that Werder is the psycho. It's quite obvious that the press and media can make or break a team by just lying and creating stories. This crap is old news but you have plenty of time to make up more lies by August. So take a break and move on!!!

2-19-2009 @ 11:54AM

Robert said...

Robin you write well enough to rebut blogs like this. When you do make sure you let us Cowboys fans know. Start that blogspot and let's see what you got.

2-19-2009 @ 12:58PM

Wish I said that!!!!!

P.S. This is a redundant comment in an attempt to reply to your #1 comment Robin, I keep making this mistake of not checking before I click add comment button.

2-18-2009 @ 6:38PM

Tammy said...

Ok...first of all, I am NOT a cowboys fan. I don't understand what all the hype is about with them? Why are they considered "America's" team? Because they sure are not my team and they never will be.
T.O. is just another overpaid, egotistical, self-absorbed, loud mouthed, all talk jack-a**. The league would be better off without the likes of him.
Say what you want...I don't care. It has nothing to do with envy, jealousy or anything that you want to throw my way.

2-18-2009 @ 7:05PM

Jaime Cadena said...

TO is the best at WR, and his stats prove it. Robin, I'm with you. These Dumb A55 mediots have nothing to wright about and it's easy pickins to barf out a turd and hope it stinks. The True Cowboys fans know their Facts, and we're not falling for the BSPN.

2-18-2009 @ 8:48PM

jackson said...

2-18-2009 @ 8:56PM

Jackie DeLeon said...

Tammy
you hate the cowboys, but it draws you to comment on them, just another reason why they are,, you know what, Americas'. The steelers, 49ers, packers, cowboys, is really what makes american football. your team can have it's own name, its ok. But you recognize who is considered America's Team.
Where would you like T.O. to play. he just gets your attention. all players are like that, Study your nfl history. fool

2-18-2009 @ 9:00PM

Redskins0492 said...

Cowboys would be scary good with Ray Lewis and his leadership. Its a good thing the Ravens are committed to him.

2-18-2009 @ 11:35PM

Bill said...

Why do you read stories about a team you are not a fan of?

2-19-2009 @ 11:24AM

Brenda said...

Robin, very well said !!!!!
The media is all over my 'Boys because any news sells and gets them more viewership!! Even people who are not fans comment on a Cowboys' story ;) ;)......and people wonder why they are called America's Team!!!!
"Psycho" is an inaccurate adjective to use when referring to TO. TO has a fire and passion to win, and he tells it like it is, like it or not!! I wish 1/2 our team had that same passion and work ethic, and we would have been at the "big game" this year!!!!! There is always next year.
Have a great day,
Brenda.. always for the 'Boys through good & bad

2-19-2009 @ 11:55AM

I concur...

2-19-2009 @ 11:40AM

Robbo24 said...

Sic em, Robin I couldn't have said it better if I tried. The comment directly after yours has a valid point also. The fact remains The Dallas Cowboys have fans, and detractors.

Let's face it Shane Bacon falls into the mold of a Ed Werder. Throwing out negative key words propagating bad press as the sports media tends to do.

With alleged comments of Julius Peppers, and Ray Lewis seems The Dallas Cowboys have a significant amount support among players. Like I say negative pundits bring out the true side of Cowboys supporters

2-19-2009 @ 11:43AM

Wish I said that!!!!!

2-19-2009 @ 12:47PM

Brenda McConnell said...

I have a wonderful idea! What don't we Cowboy fans start a petition to have Michael David Smith cover the NFC east next season???? LOL
Wilson is admittedly not a 'Boys fan and is far worse than Bacon in his reporting. Bacon must be best buds with Werder and his cohorts. But, Smith has won awards for his articles; thus, being the best to write factual articles on our 'Boys ;)
What do you think??
Brenda ;)

2-19-2009 @ 1:15PM

Would be nice, but not as nice as reading comments of fans who have nothing to gain but satisfaction from supporting their teams.

The first amendment is a beautiful thing when done right. So, to be clear I'd rather read your responsive content, clean from underlying corporate influences.

2-19-2009 @ 5:58PM

Pimp Daddy said...

When will the media realize T.O is not the problem,but Jerry Jones,Wade Phillips,and T.Romo is?How can you have a player like T.O,and bring in a player like Roy Williams,and your tightend is the leading receiver on the team.Jerry is stupid for letting Wade sit Roy on the bench,and when he played him he didn't throw to him to get the doubleteam off T.O.Romo is a problem because he don't have the arm strength to hit T.O on the fly.T.O is one of the best in the league and has been for a while.There's not but a few DBs in the league that can match up with his strength and size.With a QB like Drew Brees who reads the defense and has accuracy and likes to spread the ball around and loves throwing the deep ball,everybody would have a different opinion in the media.Romo can't and will not win the big game.Each year his play has gotten weaker and weaker.He's a backup and not a starter.

2-20-2009 @ 11:17PM

Pimp Daddy, you're the man. Romo is full of himself and cannot gun the ball for T.O. to catch it in stride.

2-25-2009 @ 1:28PM

chabata said...

Shane you ought to change your name to Shame. You just show us that you are indeed a racist and you have to live with the fact that TO is black and is one of the best receivers in the league. If Dallas Cowboys was to address the problems of last year, they would be looking for a QB who won't try to beat them every game. TO played his heart out everyday. I really wonder who your so called sources especially about the locker room you are never in. We are tired of racist press and are ready to bring it on if it calls for that. Respect this man's contributions to the game and to the fans. We are so aware how even on drafts you guys try to push useless white players over deserving good players of color