[Lefty Noob]

You know, when the Super Bowl XLI odds first came out and the Cowboys were 10:1 to win it all this season, I was kind of left scratching my head. But you know what, this is a team with a lot of talent [although some holes on defense]. And take a look at their schedule.

2006 Dallas Cowboys Football Schedule
Home - N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Washington, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Houston, Indianapolis, Detroit
Road - N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Carolina, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona

Pretty favorable, if you ask me. The Saints, Texans, Lions, Titans and Cardinals are teams they should be able to beat, and they certainly also have a chance to pick up wins over the Eagles, Skins, Gints, Bucs, Falcons and Jags. Really, the only games that look like they'll be uphill battles are the Colts and Panthers.

Well, I doubt they'll actually go 14-2 or anything, but don't you think that the schedule gives this Cowboys squad a good chance of taking the NFC East title in 2006?

[TerriStL]

I actually do think the Cowboys will take the NFC East this season. They should have last year. Thetalent was there, but they couldn't put it together. The 14-13 loss to Washington was a tragedy. The guys gave the game to the Seahawks. Bledsoe is a big question mark for me. He just can't be trusted and come up big and play mistake-free when called upon.

Parcells needs to be more willing and open to change as well. The smartest thing he could have done was give up all the control and gone after Mike Martz for his offensive coordinator. That would have been a forward-thinking, bold move on his part. The defense is there - but the offense is still a bit suspect.

Having said that, the Giants were a sham and fell apart down the stretch. Philadelphia is definitely in a rebuilding stage and after the last season of turmoil and injury, won't have it together enough to compete.

Washington proved itself to be a hot team to close out the season. I actually thought they would knock off Seattle in the playoffs. However, they cannot win without some sort of productive offense. Brunell at times played well and has a great target in Santana Moss, but unless they were playing teams on the decline, they didn't put up points consistently. (I know they scored 52 against the 49er's,but come on, that doesn't count.)

Washington will provide the biggest challenge to the Cowboys for the 2006 season. I like the Cowboys' talent on defense; I'm hoping they will land a reliable kicker and sharpen up offensive side of the ball as well.

[rmjvol]

Hi TerriStL, welcome to GoTeamsGo

I won't be surprised if the Boys do win the NFC East. Parcells is obviously a pretty dang good coach and knows how to get the job done. maybe this will be the year he can pull it all together.

[Lefty Noob]

Hi, TerriStL, and let me also extend a hearty welcome to you. Thanks for joining us!

I agree completely with you about Parcells, but to open it up he's going to need a young, talented QB. Someone who can throw the ball downfield. As you astutely point out, Bledsoe ain't that guy. I've heard Brees' name thrown around, but with his injury problems, I'm not certain he's right either. Who do you think they ought to go after?

[TerriStL]

I think Drew Brees would be a great choice. He has certainly proven himself over the past two seasons. The guy is pretty tough with what he's been through and I think he'd definitely add a pretty potent dimension to the Cowboys' offense. They already have a tough running game with some depth, the threat of a passing attack would definitely pay off.

Bledsoe is such a heartbreaker. He will just let that team down over and over. He'll come out one week - play great, be the offensive player of the week, then throw a stupid interception and lose the game.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

[Mid-depth_Reporter]

I think people forget that Joe Gibbs is coaching the Redskins. They aren't exactly a pushover team. The offense didn't score many touchdowns, but they sure didn't turn the ball over much either. They win the turnover ratio most of the time, and that helps them out. Mark Brunell is a little questionable, but he's still got some left in the tank.

I think the Redskins are still the team to beat. Why? Because a lot of the games Washington lost last year, were very close games.

Losses:

Week 5: 19-21 @ Denver Broncos
Week 6: 21-28 @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 8: 0-36 @ New York Giants (Not so close...)
Week 10: 35-36 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 11: 13-16 VS. Oakland Raiders
Week 12: 17-23 (OT) VS. San Diego Chargers

That means, that with a little bit of tweaking, Gibbs has himself a nice Gibbs easily has himself a 13-3 capable team. The Cowboys will have to play that well, too.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by TerriStL

Washington will provide the biggest challenge to the Cowboys for the 2006 season. I like the Cowboys' talent on defense; I'm hoping they will land a reliable kicker and sharpen up offensive side of the ball as well.

Land a kicker as in sign what's out there?...or land as in draft one?...and if so how high should they draft one?

[TerriStL]

One that's out there- they lost a few games due to the lack of a dependable, capable kicker. How many times has that end of the game field goal won games? I think every NFL team should make it a HIGH priority to sign a consistent kicker with nerves of steel.

It hurt the Cowboys quite a few times not to have a guy of that level.

[Lefty Noob]

Anyone in particular in mind, Terri? Vinatieri or Vanderjagt, perhaps?

[TerriStL]

Ryan Longwell!

[CRMartin]

I know it's easy to point towards Bledsoe, and he is aging, but the offensive line did them NO favors last season ( nor did the kicking game). But the Boys do need to start looking for a long time starter at the QB position. I miss the days of the marquee quarterback, the offensive general. Can Bledsoe still be productive? As long as the O-line is healthy and protective. Once that pressure comes, it's lights out.

The lights fade. A hazy fog appears. Walking through the mist is a dark outline of a chisled athlete. Briefly, we catch a glimpse of something. An emblem, blazened burnt orange in the shape of a longhorn, appears suddenly but then quickly flickers out, fast as a thought.

[Lefty Noob]

CR, I agree that you always need a strong O-line, especially when you have an aging QB like Bledsoe. What would you like to see them do to give ol' Drew (or whoever's under center) a little better protection in '06?

[CRMartin]

Well, if they are going to keep Bledsoe under center ( and with Parcells there is no reason to believe otherwise) then they need to shore up the O-line and put some depth in there. Bledsoe proved that when given time, he can throw any pass and make plays. The pressure is what kills him, as it does any pocket passer. I also think they need to make the offense a little less predictable. It's hard to go against your nature, but when you have talent on the offensive side of the ball you must find ways to use it.