PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 12

DALLAS COWBOYS

There is a ton of optimism in Dallas about the 2007 edition of the Cowboys.  Much of it is justified.  Much of it, well, isn't.

Quarterback Tony Romo took the league by storm last season, but after five great games the star faded a bit.  With seven months for opposing defenses to break down game film, look for a lot more of what was effective in stopping Romo to be done against him this year.

Running back Julius Jones had a ton of promise as a rookie, but has never really gotten to that next level.  He is in his contract year, and should be motivated to perform at a high level.

The starting receivers are both a year older, and could be starting to break down physically.  The biggest addition on the line is Leonard "Big" Davis, who arguably was a big bust in Arizona before somehow finagling a big payday.

The Cowboys defense should be solid if not dominant, but will it be enough to make up for an offense that might not score points in droves?  And, more importantly, can the laid-back style of new coach Wade Phillips get the players sufficiently motivated to do what needs to be done?  Or will a post-Tuna complacency infect this team, causing them to take a year off after several seasons of being subjected to an old-school taskmaster?

Because the NFC is so depleted, we expect the Cowboys to get to the postseason.  But we see another early exit for the Cowboys.

Key departures:  DE Kenyon Coleman, LB Ryan Fowler.

Key arrivals:  OL Leonard Davis, S Ken Hamlin.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  LB Anthony Spencer.

Coach's current job security:  Year-to-year.