The Dallas Cowboys had a mediocre season last year after finishing 8-8 and losing the final game of the regular season to lose out on the division title to the Washington Redskins, but after some solid draft picks and a new contract to quarterback Tony Romo, the team may be moving in the right direction.
Owner Jerry Jones and the team finally worked out a lengthy extension for the quarterback worth nearly $120 million over six years and this season will be an important one for the near future of the franchise, as Romo is getting older and the window of opportunity could be closing. Wideout Dez Bryant had a breakout season last year and the work between him and Romo will only improve as they play together more. One thing that could have a significant impact on the success of the team this season is who head coach Jason Garrett selects to call the plays, as the position is still unfilled.
Last season the team ranked near the bottom in the league in rushing yards per game and had issues with consistency on offense and this season Jones has high expectations. Garrett said to ESPN Dallas that he hasn't yet made a decision on who will call the plays, with options being Garrett himself, Bill Callahan, as well as input from quarterback Tony Romo. The team held rookie camp workouts this past weekend like many teams and while Callahan was a likely possibility earlier, it seems that more and more the signs point to the head coach making the decisions.
Romo had one of the best seasons of his career in 2012 and threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 28 touchdowns along with 19 interceptions as the Cowboys went 8-8. He played in all 16 games over the past two seasons after playing in just six in 2010 and Jones is confident in his abilities to lead the team over the next six seasons if he plays out the entire contract.
Last season the Cowboys ranked third in the league in passing yards per game with nearly 300, but they were ranked 31st in the league in rushing with just 79 yards per game while dealing with injuries at the position. Romo has some solid weapons in Bryant and tight end Jason Witten, who combined for over 2,100 yards receiving and 202 receptions with 15 touchdowns last year.
