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Analyzing the dallas cowboys

With most NFL training camps set to open in late July, it's time to begin looking at some of the interesting questions that teams must answer in the 2007 pre-season. End Zone Buzz begins its analysis of various teams with the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise with the most promise and also the most unanswered questions.

The Cowboys have a new coaching staff, headed by Wade Phillips, who replaces the departed Bill Parcells, who brought success back to Dallas but didn't reach the excellence the organization is used to having.

Jason Garrett, a former Cowboys quarterback, takes over as offensive coordinator.

New coaches bring new systems, which can sometimes lead to early struggles. With the talent the Cowboys possess, there won't be much room for error.

Quarterback Tony Romo has superstar etched on his forehead, but he has just one full season -- 10 games as a starter -- in five years of NFL play. So, one Texas-sized question is can Romo repeat his tremendous 2006 season?

Romo dazzled everyone last year, completing over 65 percent of his passes, while tossing 19 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. We wonder, is there even better football awaiting Romo, or is a "sophomore" slump ahead?

Phillips wants to play ball-control football, which could help Romo, but it might irritate irascible wide receiver Terrell Owens, whose production could drop, if Dallas grinds it out on the ground.

Plus, it's been said that Phillips prefers the flashy style of tailback Julius Jones over the straight-ahead running of Marion Barber, who was brilliant in 2006. Will there be more of a run-by-committee approach to Dallas' ground game, and if so, will this hurt both backs?

Gigantic Leonard Davis has been brought in at offensive tackle, which could help both Romo and the running attack. Davis has never really lived up to the hype, when he was drafted by Arizona, though. Will a change of venue make him the superior lineman he's supposed to be?

Other than Davis, no major off-season acquisitions were made. Is Dallas still lacking a shut-down corner, which has been a problem in recent years?

In 2006, Dallas appeared ready for a championship run, before losing a devastating game to Detroit in week 16, then getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

The questions need positive answers, if Dallas is to get back to the playoffs.

New coaches, a flourishing young quarterback, an enigmatic, yet superb, wide receiver, and a powerful one-two-punch at running back may be what finally gets Dallas back on a Super Bowl Run.

Training camp may tell us more, but the 2007 season will hold the real answers.