Dan Pompei

By almost any measure except postseason play, the Cowboys were the best team in the NFC last season. But because they weren't good enough to beat the Giants in the playoffs at home, we must ask how the Cowboys will be better in '08.

Team owner Jerry Jones fulfilled his stated desire of adding some playmakers by drafting running back Felix Jones in the first round and trading for controversial cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.

Felix Jones will take the place of Julius Jones, who signed with the Seahawks, and be the complementary runner to Marion Barber. Jones has serious big play ability, 7.6 yards per carry at Arkansas attest. That average was the second highest in NCAA history.

Adam Jones, meanwhile, has the capability to provide game changing interceptions assuming he stays on the good side of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. He also can provide big plays as a punt returner and kick returner. And the Cowboys are even dabbling with the idea of playing Pacman at wide receiver on occasion.

Jerry Jones still wanted more in the playmaking department. The Cowboys attempted to acquire a veteran wide receiver, and made inquiries about Chad Johnson, Roy Williams and others.

Even without a big name addition at wide receiver, the Cowboys should have an explosive offense. Last season they led the NFL with 68 plays of 20 yards or more and 20 touchdowns of 20 yards or more. They were third in the league in yards per play (6.0).

Quarterback Tony Romo is in his third season as a starter and still is improving. Other young players such as wide receivers Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin, defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears and linebacker Anthony Spencer also could improve. Even without any additions, the Cowboys have the capacity to be a better team this season.

Hot seat
How would you like to be Cowboys coach Wade Phillips? Everyone knows offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has an excellent chance of becoming the team's next head coach. It's just a matter of when.

Garrett turned down an offer to be the Ravens' head coach and probably could have offers from the Falcons and Redskins if he had been more receptive.

If the Cowboys play below expectations, Jerry Jones could decide that promoting Garrett could help turn the team around and give the franchise a marketing boost as the Cowboys head into their new stadium in 2009.

Overheard at camp
It will be interesting to see how the role of safety Roy Williams develops. Williams has squawked some about how he has been used, and there was some speculation that the team could be on the verge of parting ways with the Pro Bowler.

Williams may be a one-dimensional safety, but he still has a value to the Cowboys. Given their lack of depth at the position, they need Williams to be happy and productive. Don't be surprised to see Cowboys coaches throw Williams a bone or two.

Comings and goings
Most of the Miami-Dallas highway has been one way. The Dolphins got poobah Bill Parcells, general manager Jeff Ireland, head coach Tony Sparano, assistant director of player personnel Brian Gaine, defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, assistant head coach/secondary Todd Bowles, linebacker Akin Ayodele, safety Keith Davis, tight end Anthony Fasano, defensive tackle Jason Ferguson and cornerback Nathan Jones.

But one Dolphin headed to Dallas — linebacker Zach Thomas. After the new Miami braintrust decided it no longer needed Thomas, the Cowboys pounced on the native Texan. Now the 34-year old, 12-season veteran will have to prove he is not washed up playing in a 3-4 defense.

Prediction
If not for the way the Giants came together in January so unexpectedly, the Cowboys might have spent the offseason celebrating an NFC championship, if not more. Nothing has happened since last season to diminish the star, so expectations are high, and rightfully so.

The defense has been fortified and Romo remains one of the three or four best quarterbacks in football. The Cowboys won 13 a year ago, and they are capable of playing to a similar level again this year.

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