Sure, Dallas Cowboys fans are happy with the team's 12-4 season last year. And yes, obviously owner Jerry Jones has to be pleased with a playoff victory. But Dallas has always had loftier goals then just being an also-ran. They want to hoist a Lombardi trophy and they want it badly. But, the question is, are they Super Bowl material?
"It is early and we don't know how the rest of the offseason and training camp will go as far as injuries and things like that, but I do think the Cowboys can be contenders, yes," ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer wrote. "Right now I'd put the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks above them in the NFC and that's it. So if you're in the top three, you're a contender. Again, it's early. I think Joseph Randle will be fine at running back. I think the defense will be better. I think a lot of things, but the schedule will be more difficult. But I also think the Cowboys remain the best team in the NFC East even if there seems to be a lot of love for the Philadelphia Eagles at the moment."
Although Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden have been mentioned as candidates to be the lead back in Dallas, Randle is the best bet to be the true No. 1. But even though he has impressed in limited playing time (507 yards, 4.8 YPC, five touchdowns), he is still a bit of an unknown with just 105 career carries.
The defense hopes to get a boost from first-round defensive back Byron Jones and second-round pass-rusher Randy Gregory. Jones is a versatile player who could see time at both cornerback and safety. The Cowboys desperately need him to succeed after a dismal year in the secondary. Gregory, along with Greg Hardy, should help Dallas' sack numbers when both are finally on the field together.
Given all of the personnel changes in Philly and the addition of first-round talent La'El Collins to an already stellar offensive line, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Cowboys repeat as NFC East champs. But do they have enough to make it to the Super Bowl? That's the fun part to watch play out.
