Coming off a disappointing 2011-2012 campaign, the Dallas Cowboys begin yet another season with Super Bowl aspirations. Prior to the start of training camp, both owner Jerry Jones and quarterback Tony Romo have told the media “the window of opportunity is closing” and the Cowboys must win now. This sense of urgency may be the motivation the Cowboys need to raise the Lombardi Trophy for a sixth time.
This offseason, the Cowboys made key additions to their secondary through both the draft and free agency. First, the ‘Boys were able to sign Brandon Carr, who was arguably the best free agent corner on the market. So far, signing Carr is looking like a wise decision. The team is one week into training camp and Carr has already made a great impression on Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan.
“This guy has been everything we expected,” … “He’s a leader, he helps the other guys around him and the other thing is he’s a tough kid. He’s given us everything we wanted as a team. We need smart and tough, and that’s exactly what he is, and he’s competitive. You see him knocking receivers off the line of scrimmage.
The Cowboys second key defensive addition, rookie and 6th overall pick Morris Claiborne (LSU), will start opposite Carr at cornerback. Click here for our exclusive interview with Claiborne. The addition of both Carr and Claiborne makes the Cowboys secondary one of the more feared in all of the NFL. Claiborne possesses big play ability. While at LSU, Claiborne won the Jim Thorpe Award and was a unanimous All-American selection. Currently, Claiborne is battling an MCL sprain; however Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones has been on the record saying, “he is not concerned about it.” Claiborne should be ready to go week 1 in the Meadowlands.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cowboys need 3rd year wide receiver Dez Bryant to play like the stud everyone knows he is. Despite his off the field trouble, Bryant seems focused and ready to go. Rumor has it Bryant is tearing it up at training camp. According to Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas.com, Dez Bryant is “simply fantastic out there”… “He is beating up corners for deep and short passes.” If Bryant can continue his dominance throughout the season, look for the Cowboys offense to be one of the more efficient offenses in the league.
All in all, the Cowboys are heading into the season with a sense of urgency and motivation. Two characteristics that many believe can propel this historic franchise back atop of the NFL.
Look to catch the Cowboys 1st preseason game, Monday August 13th @ 8pm vs. The Oakland Raiders.
By James Grecco
