Dallas Cowboys: Hopes and Challenges for the 2016 Season

In 2015, the Dallas Cowboys had one of their worst seasons in recent years, finishing with a 4-12 record. This was largely due to the clavicle injury sustained by their quarterback Tony Romo, which kept him off the field for 12 weeks.

In his absence, quarterbacks Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden, and Kellen Moore attempted to lead the offense, but without success.

Now, 20 years after their last Super Bowl, coach Jason Garrett, entering his sixth season with the team, puts his trust in Romo to reach the playoffs. The pressure falls on number nine, who at 36 years old could be facing his last opportunity to lead the franchise deep into the postseason.

To achieve this, Romo will have the return of Dez Bryant, a speedy receiver who missed half of the season due to a fractured right foot. If he stays healthy, Bryant can be a dangerous threat to opposing defenses.

Another key player on the Cowboys offense is tight end Jason Witten, who enters his 14th season with the team. Witten led the team in receptions with 77 and is also a strong blocker in running plays.

In the running game, Dallas will rely on rookie Ezekiel Elliott, selected with the fourth overall pick in the Draft and considered a future star. He will have Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris as mentors.

The performance of Romo and Elliott will depend on their offensive line, which is considered one of the best in the League. They have Pro Bowl quality players like tackle Tyron Smith, guard Zack Martin, and center Travis Frederick, who have what it takes to protect the quarterback and create openings in running plays.

However, it is on the defensive side where the biggest concerns lie for Garrett, as discipline has been an issue. Although they got rid of troubled player Greg Hardy, the Texans will have to deal with the absences of DeMarcus Lawrence (four weeks) and Rolando McClain (ten). Additionally, Randy Gregory was suspended for four games, but the suspension could increase to ten due to substance abuse.

Linebacker Sean Lee, the team's leading tackler, will lead the defense. He was one of the few bright spots in the previous season, with only an injury preventing him from playing in the Pro Bowl.

The secondary is another area that needs improvement if the team wants to make it to the postseason. Despite being ranked fifth in the League, they only intercepted eight passes, the second lowest in the League.

On special teams, they have Dan Bailey, one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL. In his five years with the team, Bailey has only missed 15 of his 159 attempts and has a perfect record in extra points, with 204.

If Tony Romo can stay healthy throughout the entire season and the defense can overcome the absence of key players, the Dallas Cowboys should have no problem winning the division and making a return to the playoffs.