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Dallas Cowboys Statistics from NFL.com
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NFL NFC East 2005 Dallas Cowboys
Published: 2005-08-31
2004 record: 7-9
Offense:
Running back Julius Jones missed the first half of the season to injury(leg) but still finished with over 900 total yards and 7 touchdowns. The Cowboys’ offense is all about the run and Jones will be the focal point of it all. The left side of the offensive line with tackle Flozell Adams and all-pro guard Larry Allen dominate in run schemes and the right side has added all-pro guard Marco Rivera (Green Bay Packers) who instantly improves the line in run and pass schemes. However, there is a big hole at right tackle with Jacob Rogers out for the season (knee) leaving Rob Petitti (Pittsburgh), a 6th round rookie, to start. Petitti has issues with pass protection, especially in picking up stunts. This is a bad match up with new veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe (Buffalo Bills) who lacks mobility, holds on to the ball too long, and already takes a lot of sacks. The Cowboys’ top receiver, all-pro tight end Jason Witten, should continue this trend with Bledsoe. With Jones carrying the load, Bledsoe will only need to contain mistakes despite pressure on the right side and should be an improvement over Vinny Testaverde.
Defense:
The defensive line is the deepest unit which should be solid in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Defensive end Greg Ellis led the team in sacks (9) and with all-pro defensive tackle La’Roi Glover, will now be joined by solid nose tackle Jason Ferguson (NY Jets) and 1st round pick defensive end Marcus Spears. The linebacker unit also looks to be improved. The Cowboys lost Dexter Coakley (St. Louis Rams) to free agency but with the 11th pick of the draft, Demarcus Ware (Troy) was selected and will start at outside linebacker and should provide an immediate impact playmaker. Ware is fast, solid against the run, a pass rush threat, and solid in pass coverage. Ware can be an every down playmaker and has pro bowl written all over him as a rookie. A big addition to the secondary was the free agency acquisition of cornerback Anthony Henry (Cleveland Browns) who’ll start with Terence Newman (led team with 4 interceptions). Free agent cornerback Aaron Glenn (NY Jets) fills in at nickel. Free safety Darren Woodson
retired, leaving Keith Davis to fill in. All-pro strong safety Roy Williams leads this improved secondary unit. Although the Roy Williams rule (horse collar) has been implemented this year, if he has to collar T.O. and break his leg again to save a touchdown, Williams may be able to live with the 15 yards. The defense on all units have made some improvements which may be enough to contend in the playoffs.
Overall:
Head Coach Bill Parcells has never had consecutive losing years, and with a veteran laden team, he is looking to win now. The Cowboys face a tougher schedule than last season but a 9-7 record should be good enough to get them a wildcard spot. Prediction: 2nd in NFC East.
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Betting Odds
| Odds to Win: | |
Open | |
Line | |
Bet365 | |
VipSports | |
BetCris | |
Bodog | |
| Super Bowl XL | |
30/1 | |
20/1 | |
41/1 | |
30/1 | |
35/1 | |
20/1 | |
| NFC Conference | |
15/1 | |
10/1 | |
21/1 | |
14/1 | |
12/1 | |
10/1 | |
| NFC East | |
4/1 | |
4/1 | |
6.5/1 | |
5/1 | |
5.25/1 | |
4/1 | |
(as of 8/31/05)
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2005 Dallas Cowboys Schedule
Preseason
Sat, Aug 13 at Arizona, L11-13
Mon, Aug 22 at Seattle, W18-10
Sat, Aug 27 Houston, W21-9
Thu, Sep 1 Jacksonville
Regular Season
Sun, Sep 11 at San Diego 4:15 PM
Mon, Sep 19 Washington 9:00 PM
Sun, Sep 25 at San Francisco 4:05 PM
Sun, Oct 2 at Oakland 4:15 PM
Sun, Oct 9 Philadelphia 4:15 PM
Sun, Oct 16 NY Giants 1:00 PM
Sun, Oct 23 at Seattle 4:05 PM
Sun, Oct 30 at Denver 4:15 PM
BYE WEEK
Mon, Nov 14 at Philadelphia 9:00 PM
Sun, Nov 20 Detroit 1:00 PM
Thu, Nov 24 Denver 4:15 PM
Sun, Dec 4 at NY Giants 1:00 PM
Sun, Dec 11 Kansas City 4:15 PM
Sun, Dec 18 at Washington 1:00 PM
Sat, Dec 24 at Carolina 1:00 PM
Sun, Jan 1 St. Louis 8:30 PM
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