Dallas Cowboys

If there is a football season in 2011, the Dallas Cowboys hope it will be a bounce-back season. After falling woefully short of their goal of playing in the Super Bowl in their home stadium in 2010, 2011 is a season of new beginnings.

Jason Garrett has been promoted to head coach after wearing the interim tag for eight games last season. Garrett rallied the Cowboys for a 5-3 finish after the team started 1-7 under deposed coach Wade Phillips. Garrett has revamped the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, most notably bringing in former Cleveland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Garrett's success at the end of last year plus Ryan's aggressive defensive style have Cowboys fans optimistic heading into the 2011 campaign.

The Dallas Cowboys defense was a major problem in 2010, but the team chose to concentrate on offense in the 2011 draft. They selected three offensive lineman, including their first round pick at No. 9, offensive tackle Tyron Smith out of USC. Smith is expected to immediately start at right tackle, likely signaling the end of Marc Colombo's time manning the position for the Cowboys. In the second round, the Cowboys picked up linebacker Bruce Carter from North Carolina who was a great value after falling down draft boards because of a knee injury. In round three, the Cowboys selected running back DeMarco Murray from Oklahoma, who will likely see playing time in the Dallas backfield with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Veteran running back Marion Barber will probably be released. Rounding out the draft class are lineman David Arkin, cornerback Josh Thomas, receiver Dwayne Harris, fullback Shaun Chapas and lineman Bill Nagy.

Since the lockout has wiped out the regular team activities including mini-camps and off season training activities (OTAs), the Cowboys have been holding player-led workouts on a regular basis. Quarterback Tony Romo has been the driving force organizing these workouts and has also been acting as the de facto coach, making sure the practices are run crisply and moving the players through the drills. On defense, there's a lot to learn about Rob Ryan's new defensive scheme. Linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking have been helping that process move ahead, with the Cowboys using cards representing the different schemes and learning the new terminology. Dallas has had excellent participation in these workouts, with more than forty players attending them at different times.

After suffering through the 2010 season, there is plenty of new hope in Dallas. With a new head coach, a new coaching staff, and high participation in the offseason player-led workouts, the Dallas Cowboys should be back on their way to contending in 2011.