Expectations are high every year for the Dallas Cowboys. As “America’s team”, the Cowboys are expected to make the postseason and challenge for the Super Bowl almost every season. Last year the Cowboys started slow, fired coach Wade Phillips and had one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory. Jerry Jones wanted and expected his team to contend to play in the Super Bowl in their home stadium in 2010 but missed the playoffs altogether. Cowboys fans enter 2011 expecting much more from the team. Three major factors will determine their success in 2011.
Offense
On paper the Cowboys feature one of the most explosive offenses in all of football. After injuries in 2010 to quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant, the offense is immediately improved by their returns this season. Add offensive weapons Felix Jones, Miles Austin and Jason Witten to Bryant and Romo and the Cowboys are as capable as anyone in football of scoring points quickly. Fans are excited for the enormous talent on the offensive side of the ball this season. Questions always arise and health is important, but this could be the year the Cowboys put it all together. If they remain healthy, fans will expect one of the most entertaining and highest scoring offenses in football. If the offense has the success that fans expect, the Cowboys will likely enter the postseason as one of the favorites in the NFC this season.
Defense
The defense will likely be the key to the Cowboys success in the 2011 season. Many players underperformed last season and will need to perform at a high level for the defense to play well this season. A new defensive coordinator is in place and will look to solidify the defensive side of the ball. Most of all the Cowboys will need a strong pass rush that was missing throughout much of last season and improved secondary play. Demarcus Ware is always dependable but the Cowboys will need strong seasons from Terance Newman, Bradie James and Jay Ratliff amongst others in 2011.
Coaching
Wade Phillips did not have the success that Jerry Jones anticipated him having with the Cowboys. New head coach Jason Garrett had the team headed in the right direction towards the end of 2010 and returns for his first full season in 2011. Cowboys fans are behind Garrett and believe in the strides he made after taking over the job. New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan also has a proven track record as one of the top defensive minds in football. The coaching staff appears improved and leaves fans more optimistic heading into the 2011 season.
If all three factors perform well and have success this season the Cowboys will likely be one of the top teams in the NFL in 2011. While anything can happen in the playoffs, the factors listed above make fans optimistic about the Cowboys chances in 2011.