Redskins Vs. Saints 2012: Can RG3 Become An Elite QB?

The final post in a series breaking down the most important and interesting questions about the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL headed into the 2012 season.

He definitely has the tools to do so. The kid seems so well-prepared to handle anything that is put in his path that it's difficult to bet against him. The physical toolset is there, the built in rivalry with Luck to push him to great levels is there. The competition every day in practice should be there with the selection of Kirk Cousins (whom I wanted Dallas to draft as the successor to Romo).

The question I have is in regards to his tutor. I think Mike Shanahan is an overrated coach and Kyle Shanahan a questionable coordinator. Do they survive the next two seasons as Washington will most likely remain in the cellar of the division? What happens if Washington changes direction in a year or two; how much will that set him back? My guess is that Bob Griffin will carry the torch for many years to come.

For more season preview coverage, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas StoryStream while Blogging The Boys has 24/7 updates on America's Team.

Who Is The Team To Beat In The NFC?

The fourth in a series of posts breaking down the most important and interesting questions about the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL headed into the 2012 season.

In my estimation, the NFC is clearly the superior conference again (as it should be). You could make a case for nine legitimate Super Bowl caliber teams in 2012. Of course, all have some flaws or question marks.

I think you still have to look at Green Bay as the class of the conference. Super Bowl win a year ago and 15-1 last year. They could lose three more games and still sit at the top of the NFC. Was that defense an anomaly? Probably; and if it was, watchout.

San Francisco is a close second, as much as I hate the team they have made some great moves in bolstering their offense in the offseason. If Alex Smith continues what he showed against the Saints when he only had one viable receiving threat?

I really like Chicago now that they've gotten away from the mad scientist Mike Martz and his silly, screw the tight end and protecting the QB offensive scheme. Brandon Marshall was a great addition.

Those are my top three, but would anyone really be surprised if Atlanta, New Orleans, Detroit, Dallas, Philly or the Giants escaped the conference? Fun times.

For more season preview coverage, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas StoryStream while Blogging The Boys has 24/7 updates on America's Team.

What Happens To Vince Young?

The third in a series of posts breaking down the most important and interesting questions about the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL headed into the 2012 season.

Canadian Football League superstardom? Not sure, really. You'd imagine that some NFL team at least investigates bringing him in for a workout after Week One when his contract wouldn't be guaranteed for an entire season. It's such a strange ordeal to see how far he's gone after being such a winner in his entire career.

Can he survive in an offense not built to his strengths? That's what it seems he would need as opposed to being square-pegged into a quarterback competition where everyone is running a similar offense.

From Jeff Fisher (who I feel is one of the most overrated coaches in NFL history) having no faith in him to the suicide concern; he seems to carry with him an air of distrust. Of course this is all from an armchair psychologist observing from a distance, but I don't know if he'll ever shake that.

For more season preview coverage, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas StoryStream while Blogging The Boys has 24/7 updates on America's Team.

Dallas Cowboys 2012: Season Preview Roundtable

An in-depth breakdown of all the pressing issues, key storylines and players to watch as America's Team begins the 2012 season.

2012 NFL Season Preview

Jonathan Tjarks, John Stathas and JP Starkey sit down and preview the upcoming NFL season, which kicks off Wednesday in New Jersey.

NFL Preview 2012: What Separates The Giants And The Cowboys?

The second in a series of posts breaking down the most important and interesting questions about the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL headed into the 2012 season.

That's a tough question to answer since there has been very little difference between the two teams in the regular season. Over the last five years, the Giants have 49 wins, Dallas 47. But while you can make an argument for playoff success not being the sole determining factor for rating quarterbacks; it's all that matters when it comes to team success. So in that regard, you have to look at roster management as the key.

The Giants have focused on one aspect of their team and remained committed to improving it. They continually throw draft picks and free agent money at their defensive line; year after year. It's a passing league and the Giants have constantly done everything they can to get to the quarterback. Has Dallas? They've had DeMarcus Ware and drafted Spencer in the first round, but what else have they invested in their "pressure five" (OLBs, DEs, NT)? Fourth rounders and later?

Also, New York has systematically been able to produce in-house talent at a higher rate than the Cowboys. Pedigree isn't everything, but it does matter. Due to the fact that the Cowboys are led by an undrafted quarterback, fans want to believe that it's not as important as it is.

Review the draft classes for each team. '07-09 yielded Anthony Spencer, Doug Free, Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick and Victor Butler for Dallas; Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kenny Phillips, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks for the Giants. Phillips, Nicks and Smith have all spent time being considered as Top 10 at their respective positions. Does anyone for Dallas fit that bill? I think you'd have to say that the Giants have the advantage there. Things have turned the corner for Dallas in recent years, so there is hope in the drafting realm.

For more season preview coverage, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas StoryStream while Blogging The Boys has 24/7 updates on America's Team.

NFL 2012 Preview: Is Tony Romo A Top 5 QB?

The first in a series of posts breaking down the most important and interesting questions about the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL headed into the 2012 season.

It's always difficult to rank NFL quarterbacks because you have to weigh statistics, accomplishments and potential in order to find the right balance. There are approximately 2,000 plays in an season for each NFL team. Quarterbacks average around 500 passing attempts. Statistically, they are only responsible for one fourth of the plays, yet they are married to the overall performance of the team regardless of their surroundings.

Tony Romo has great statistics. 4,000+ yards, 30+ touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He has countless clutch performances and miraculous plays that most other quarterbacks can't make. He doesn't have a good win/loss record in December and January, but the Cowboys consistently have a daunting schedule in December/January. He's also made several highly publicized mistakes late in games and has only generaled one playoff victory.

All that is to say Romo is better than most, but probably not in the elite category. Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Bress sit atop the list. That's who I consider elite. Peyton Manning was, but is such a question mark with his injury. Ben Roethlisberger and Eli have the rings, so they are in the second tier with Peyton. Then I'd put Romo slightly ahead of Phillip Rivers and Cam Newton with a larger lead on Matt Stafford and Matt Ryan. Long story long, Romo's seventh.

For more season preview coverage, stay tuned to the SB Nation Dallas StoryStream while Blogging The Boys has 24/7 updates on America's Team.

Dallas Cowboys Roster Cuts: Breaking Down The 53

There were some pleasant surprises, as well as some head-scratchers, when the Cowboys announced who made the cut on Friday night.

Three Keys To A Cowboys Playoff Berth

A closer look at three key elements that will decide if the Cowboys make a run at a playoff birth or even an NFC East title in 2012.