FanPost

My gut predictions for the team in 2014

It's that time of year again when I am getting ridiculously anxious for the new Cowboys season (as we all are). I've been reading a lot during this offseason, and I'd be lying if I didn't feel a little different about the team this year - in a good way. Of course there is always that kool-aid inspired optimism around this time, but I think the team had a very smart and safe offseason, and I'd like to talk a bit about how I think it will impact certain players and positions this coming year.

OFFENSE

In general, I think Linehan's biggest contribution to the team is going to be playcalling creativity. This team has become horribly predictable with their playcalling over the past few seasons, and I think something you see with Linehan's teams in the past is a diversity in plays that keeps the defense on their toes. I'm also excited to see what he can do with these running backs, both in the run and pass game.

Tony Romo

I think if Tony stays healthy for the whole season that he is going to have a Pro Bowl year. With a minimal offseason last year and a less stable line, he still managed to put up one of his best seasons statistically. With an even better line, and a full training camp under his belt I think he puts up big numbers.

DeMarco Murray

Like Romo, if Murray can stay healthy for all 16 games I say he hits the Pro Bowl again this year. If he hadn't missed two games last year he would have come very close to leading the league in rushing yards. The Cowboys are undefeated when Murray carries the ball at least 20 times. I think the coaching staff is aware of this, and will try to get him the rock more often.

Dez Bryant

I think Dez has very similar production to last year - not as many yards as in 2012, but he will get his TDs because he is practically un-coverable in the endzone. Even with all of the offensive weapons we have, Dez is still going to be gameplanned for and will be doubled as often as possible. This of course won't take him out of games, he will still beat those double teams often and put up big plays, but with the slew of weapons at his disposal, I think Tony doesn't try to force it to Dez unless he has to. I expect a big year for Terrance Williams on the opposite side in single coverage, as well as good contributions from Escobar, Beasley, and even Street.

DEFENSE

D-Line

I expect this defensive line unit to be serviceable, with the chance to become above average by the last part of the season. The key here is health. Last year the D-line was decimated with injury to the point of recruiting guys off the street to fill in more than they probably should have. The only exception being George Selvie, whom I expect to build off of his good year. I think this year they realized that downfall and have planned ahead by bringing in a stable of seemingly capable lineman to rotate and keep fresh so that they don't wear down as much. Unlike last year, if a starter goes down this year I feel very confident in someone like Crawford, Bishops, Gardener, Coleman, or Bass jumping in and getting some pressure. Marinelli is going to push these guys to be their best, and if Spencer is returning sooner than expected (which has recently been reported), that's even better. Side note: I expect a big year from Lawrence. I think this kid is going to turn a lot of heads. It seems that everyone has had good things to say about him, including the fact that he has won some battles one-on-one w/ Tyron Smith, which is no small feat.

Linebackers

This is possibly the biggest question mark for me on the team. I really do believe that Bruce Carter is going to have a good year. He has to. I think knowing that Lee is already gone for the season will actually help him get focused and know that he has to step it up. I think Wilber will man the SAM effectively, but I'm unsure about the MLB. I know Durant can be sturdy and do an okay job, but I'd love to see Holloman or McClain get a fire lit under themselves and really take that job over.

Secondary

This is unit gets my "most likely to improve" vote for the season. Brandon Carr seems mad, in a good way. I think he is tired of people doubting the contract he received and is ready to prove some people wrong. I think a lot of folks forget that in 2012 he had two game winning interceptions for us. If he doesn't make those two plays, we lose two more games that year. The talent is there, he just needs to play to his skill set, which I think Marinelli is doing this year. Same goes for Claiborne. He has a chip on his shoulder as well. I think they are both going to play their best seasons, barring injury, and we will finally know what we really have in both of them. Scandrick is the rock here, we can depend on him to be solid in coverage. Church needs to stay healthy, especially with Lee out, he needs to make the calls and be the leader of the defense. The safety opposite him is the big question, but I think we are in a good spot because last year Heath started most of the year, and this year he should be fourth on the depth chart behind Wilcox, Johnson, and Hamilton. I think Wilcox will take the starting job based on sheer talent alone. The kid has crazy football instincts, he just needs to learn his reads and coverage schemes a little better and then he'll be ready to roll. I'm also of the "Matt Johnson can be really good if he is on the field" camp. I think he is a serviceable fill in this year, and maybe takes over for Church down the road as the starter.

There it is. Sorry to be so longwinded, but I'm very stoked about this season and these are just my observations so far. I cannot wait for camp to get a better picture of how the team is progressing! Thanks for reading, and GO COWBOYS!!

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