2012 NFL Preview: Doomsday in Dallas

Visit "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Weekly-

Doomsday's will be every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the Dallas Cowboys in 2012 action. Dallas fans can always hope for the best - smart one's already preparing for the worst.

Dallas was 7-4 last season before losing 4 of their final 5 games including two to divisional rival and eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. I hope New York players sent thank you notes to Dallas - maybe even kick in some championship gear/merchandise in apppreciation. 2012 says all signs point to Dallas continuing where they left off - losing.

The Cowboys offensive line is dreadful. It will be very hard for these guys to create running lanes for DeMarco Murray and protection for QB Tony Romo. Believe it or not, Romo still hasn't developed into Dallas' team leader after 6 years as starting quarterback! They have key weapons with Romo, Murray and speedsters Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Big loss during pre-season action is TE Jason Witten. Witten is supposed to be ready to go by their regular season opener - just not at 100%. Losing Witten for any extended time or playing less than 100% will hurt. Romo's offense lacks rythm & consistency. It's hard to do with defenders racing thru one of the leagues worst offensive lines. Stat-wise, Romo's great for fantasy football coaches. As a player, it might be time for a blockbuster trade. Fans patience has worn thin and he probably won't be missed after another lackluster season.

Defense has strengths and weaknesses. Top draft pick in Big D is LSU's cornerback Morris Claiborne. This unit is the key if the 'Boys are to have any success this season. It won't be pretty. A maturing group will get better - it's just not their time yet. 3-4 scheme isn't doing this team any favors either. I'm not a fan of 3-4 defenses as running games can roam wild and passers get all day to pick apart secondaries. Not a good mixture. Defense must set up offense with short field opportunities. If pre-season offensive struggles carry over into regular season action then defense will be gassed early and often.

Projection: A tough season to be a Cowboys fan. Perhaps Texas Rangers playoff success can mask over the coming football season. Doom & gloom. Crystal ball says 6 wins if they're lucky.