Seems every team, in addition to talent and chemistry, finds that extra spark from a guy that captures magic in a bottle.  Bill Bates comes to mind as one of those players capable of motivating the entire team with one solid HIT.  The Cowboys' roster seems to be overflowing with guys poised for break-out seasons, but who will be the MAN that stands out as giving the Boys that extra spark in 2009? 

1. MBIII - The 2007 spark epitomized by his run against the Patriots, shoving aside tacklers, avoiding a safety and gaining a few yards.

2. Felix - The 2008 phenom potential, only to be lost early to injury, Jones has the tools.

3. Austin - Mere flashes last year left Cowboys fans wanting more.

4. Romo - From his first start - the nationally televised Sunday Night game against the Panthers - he's shown the talent it takes to win big... and thus single-handedly upped all Cowboys fans' expectations.

5. Sensabaugh - There's a reason Jags fans are sorry to say good-bye to their 2008 defensive spark ... given his surrounding talent, he may prove even better in big D.

6. Demarcus Ware / Anthony Spencer - It's easy to pick Ware as the guy; we practically expect it from him.  But what if he were to take his already dominant game to an even higher level?   With Ware garnering attention, don't be surprised if Spencer takes full advantage of the starting role he's assuming... If he gets double-digit sacks, this team will thrive.

7. The Rookies - Hodge, Williams, Hamlin, Bueller, etc... any one of the rookies could put the "special" into our kicking game.  I must admit, I've only watched limited footage of these guys (mostly on Draft weekend), so I cannot pick one guy... but the expectations for this rookie group are already raising at BTB and throughout Cowboy land.

Who's your choice?  Who would you add to the list?

Anyone impressed with the performance of Montrae Holland yesterday has to offer yet another tip of the hat to the GM behind the move.

Jerry Jones has had an intriguing career in the NFL.  As an owner, his rather dubious entry left a bad taste in people's mouth (myself included).  But with time he's won over most, including myself.  How can you not like an owner that has three Super Bowl wins? 

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As recently as six days ago, at some point in the Washington game, every Cowboys fan had to at least consider the prospect of this team missing the playoffs. Contrast that with talk of an undefeated season most fans were discussing before the first Redskins clash... Being a Cowboy fan is nothing if not entertaining!

So now, on the eve of what should be a Cowboy gimme, indulge me as I dream. This dream includes running the table, and getting some help along the way. It includes bye weeks and maybe even home-field advantage in the NFC Championship game.

And it ends up with a Super-Bowl victory. Perhaps knocking off another undefeated AFC foe? Yes, I dare to dream.

Let's start with some simple math:

Giants 9-1 ... Panthers 8-2 ... Arizona 7-3

For the Cowboys to get a bye week means they must pass both the Giants and another of these three. It's not impossible. The Giants still play both these teams, and we get the them on our home turf. Finding a way to get past both Carolina and Arizona might be trickier... but again, can't I dream?

Here are the schedules: (forget looking at our schedule, everyone here knows who we play, and anyway, we're running the tables, right?!)

Giants: @Arizona, @Washington, Philly, @Dallas, Carolina, @Minnesota

Carolina: @Atlanta, @GreenBay, TampaBay, Denver, @Giants, @Saints

Arizona: Giants, @Philly, Rams, Vikings, @Patriots, Seattle

If the Giants lose to Arizona, suddenly Philly, Washington and even Minnesota are not gimmees. Who wouldn't LOVE to see a late season swoon from Eli and company. Giants fans don't deserve this sudden success. A year ago, NY fans were trying to run Eli, Coughlin and Co. out of town... maybe their fears will come true a little late?

Giants go 2-4 down the stretch, end 11-5 ... get a wild card berth, lose and go out with a whimper. Better yet, they win first round and we get to exact revenge. Brandon Jacobs is hurt, Eli is over-rated, and I'm a Cowboys fan, can you tell?

Carolina goes 3-3 down the stretch, losing at frigid Lambeau, then losing one of two on the road against the Saints and Atlanta, and punting one of two against TB and Denver at home. Hey, it's possible... this is a team that couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag last year.

Arizona goes 3-2 after beating the Giants... just because they're the Cardinals. The Patriots and Philly make this more than possible.

So there, I said it. Now Wade and the Boys need to take care of their end of the bargain. In this roller-coaster of a season, I dare to dream we've crested and it's smooth sailing from here.

Today's post about the Patriot beat writers liking the Cowboys brings up an interesting question:  What teams will challenge the Cowboys for NFC supremacy?

Contenders... Giants, Eagles, Packers, Vikings, Saints, Seahawks

Surprises?... Redskins, Lions, Panthers, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams

Pretenders... Bears, Falcons, 49ers

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