First we take a look at quarterback.  The players are the same with Tony Romo headlining.  Romo had an outstanding season in 2009.  He threw 26 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and was sacked 34 times.  The presumption is that Romo elected to hold the ball and accept an 8 yard sack rather than to throw the ball up for grabs which could lead to an interception.   Strangely enough, simply throwing the ball out of bounds/away was never really discussed.  Romo turns 30 in 2010.  He is certainly capable of duplicating and improving upon the statistics of 2009; however, for the sake of argument, I will be a bit pessimistic.  With an aging offensive line, a less than stellar running game (based upon the Cowboys performance in the pre-season), as well as the initial health of the offensive line for the first few games (Colombo and Kosier), the presumption is that Romo will have a worse year in 2010 than 2009.  As a counterpoint, Romo has stated that he likes to focus on one area each year and improve upon the same during the off season.  Prior to 2009, he worked on fumbling less and holding onto the ball with two hands while scrambling.  His fumbles decreased from 13 in 2008 to 6 in 2009.  He has refrained from tipping his hand as to what he has worked on this off-season, but I believe it is the back shoulder throw.  He demonstrated the same in a few pre-season games.  The back shoulder throw (as EVERY TV analyst will tell you) is not defensible.  So on paper, I’m going to say this is a push.  Romo will do well, but not better or worse.

Now we turn our attention to the offensive line (the main reason Romo will not do better than 2009).  Doug Free has played as well as could be expected during the pre-season.  He practices against two of the best pass rushers in the league and has been giving a passing grade by the coaching staff.  At left tackle, Free in 2010 is better than Flozell Adams in 2009 and ABSOLUTELY better than Adams in 2010.  However, continuity on the entire offensive line is important.  Silent communication and having a feel for the player(s) next to you is often overlooked and undervalued.  Free will eventually play next to Kyle Kosier; however, as Kosier rehabbs from his knee injury, they will miss too much time to develop the silent chemistry.  That should not be a problem between Kosier and Andre Gurode as they have played next to each other for the past 4 years.  Colombo will return to the field for the first game of 2010.  The 2010 version of the Cowboys offensive line will be one year older coming into the season dinged up.  Despite Free being an upgrade at left tackle, I simply do not believe the offensive line’s performance will be improved over 2009.  So on paper, the nod goes to 2009.

The wide receiving corp changed by only one player.  Patrick Crayton out, Dez Bryant in.  Advantage 2010.  There’s more to it than that.  Originally in 2009, Miles Austin was the 3rd WR and Roy Williams was the #1.  Obviously as the season shook out, Austin became the de facto #1 WR and Williams the #2.  In 2010, you may again see the 3rd WR push Williams further down the depth chart.  It is unlikely that Bryant will be an immediate factor as the transition to NFL regular season game speed requires a period of acclimation.  With Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree manning the bottom of the WR’ing corp, it is undeniable that the athleticism of the WR’s has improved, though it remains to be seen whether the reliability and comfortability with Romo remains unchanged.  Ergo, advantage 2010.

The injury to John Phillips has really shaken up how the Cowboys planned on using their tight ends.  It was expected that the Cowboys would utilize a variety of three tight end sets with Phillips playing as an H-back on running downs.  With Phillips on injured reserve, the Cowboys were unable to find a suitable replacement and have elected to keep only two tight ends on the roster (Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett).  Witten’s production may improve if Romo has limited protection.  As for Bennett, he did suffer a sophomore slump.  Recently I heard a quote that if you can get a 2nd year player to play at the level they did in their first year, you have done a good job (it may have been Joe Gibbs who said it).  Without a doubt, Bennett did not play at the level he did in his first year; however, he has seemed more focused during the pre-season and practices.  If Bennett improves upon his rookie campaign, the nod goes to the 2010 season.  However, if the Cowboys sustain one injury to either Bennett or Witten, they will inevitable sign Martin Rucker or Scott Chandler off the practice squad, and the nod goes to 2009.

Running backs are a push, though Marion Barber sustained a deep thigh bruise early in the 2009 season which affected his play.  If he is able to return to form, the advantage is 2010.

Why is special teams always relegated to the end of any article.  Special teams can determine the outcome of a game and consequently determine whether a team will go to the playoffs (think 2008 with Bruce Read).  Matt McBriar has been incredible and barring injury, will continue to astound.  2009 was not as steady for placekicking.  Nick Folk was coming off hip surgery and developed a case of the yips.  The once confident kicker struggled to split the uprights on a consistent basis, regardless of distance.  Enter Shawn Suisham.  4 for 5 in the first three games, however, he was only 1 for 3 against the Minnesota Vikings in Dallas’s final game.  For 2010, David Buehler will handle kickoffs and field goals.  Despite having one errant kick against the Bengals, he has been highly effective (10 out of 11).  In fact, confidence in the kicking game is at an all time high since the start of the 2008 season.  Advantage 2010.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are few changes.  Bobby Carpenter out, one of the Williams boys in.  Ken Hamlin out, Ball in.  The Cowboys defense was predominantly young to begin with, so one additional year in the system will allow the players to be more confident in their assignments.  If there is a valid point of concern, it is veteran depth.  The Cowboys have elected to replace Junior Siavii with Josh Brent and Sean Lissemore, both rookies.  If Ware or Spencer are injured, Victor Butler (2nd year player) will replace them.  If James or Brooking are hurt, they will be replaced by Sean Lee (rookie) or one of the Williams (2nd year for Jason W.).  The biggest question is if there is an injury at cornerback as there are only three corners presently on the roster (Newman, Jenkins, and Scandrick).  Certainly Ball could return to that role, but then who is next in line to play free safety?  Advantage 2010.

So on paper, the 2010 Cowboys win 4-1-2 over the 2009 Cowboys.  Throw in a Madden simulation and the 2010 Cowboys win 24 to 21 in overtime (after Folk misses a 24 yard kick for the win and Buehler hits a 64 yarder which splits the uprights).  Unfortunately, where they are vulnerable affects the entirety of the offense, but we’re going to overlook that for right now.  The Cowboys should be better in 2010, and this should be reflected in their record.

This will read like a love song to Patrick Crayton.  Crayton has been a consumate professional during his tenure with Dallas.  While he may have opened his mouth at times, I never objected to his statements.  Crayton was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2004.  He has been remarkably productive for a late round pick, especially since he has been demoted at every opportunity.

Crayton has limited value in regards to trade value.  It’s not outside the rhealm of possibility, however.  He has a managable contract, and can play a variety of positions, from punt returner, slot receiver, and #2 WR.  A team won’t trade for him since he will probably be cut (barring injury to the other WR’s on the staff).  Why pay for something that you can otherwise get free.

Crayton isn’t the fastest, biggest, tallest, nor most talented player on the field (unless he’s coaching pee-wee football).  He has good hands, and runs solid routes.  He doesn’t give up on plays (regardless of the counter argument that he gave up on the route against the Giants in the playoffs).  He is a solid veteran who has several years of productivity remaining.

Crayton is not participating in organized team activities.  This is a benefit for him as he will avoid injury.  It’s a benefit to the Cowboys who will be able to funnel additional repetitions to younger players.  Some may view Crayton as throwing a tantrum, but this is as far from the truth as possible.

Ideally for Crayton, he will land with a competitive team in need of depth at the WR position.  Barring injury to starting players, I actually see him landing with a team with young WR’s where Crayton will act as a mentor while providing production on the field.  The following are potential landing spots for Crayton based upon the above criteria.

Bengals:  Cincy added Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant.  The Bengals have been a repository for former Cowboys.  With the two WR’s that were added, Crayton would certainly be a stabilizing force.  At least he would be eligible to play throughout the entire year.  I doubt Cincy is an option.

Browns:  The Browns have Cribbs as their return man.  While the Browns have purged their talent (Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow) recently, they have drafted several young players, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, etc.  This wouldn’t be a perfect fit for Crayton, but I certainly could see him being productive for several years while mentoring the Browns young talent.  Robiskie is the son of former Redskins Head Coach, Terry Robiskie.  He is fundamentally sound, but lacked production.  I think this would be an ideal landing for Crayton.  The quarterback situation in Cleveland is less than desirable.  Crayton is a veteran WR, 31 years old, and he may not have enough time left in his career to wait for Colt McCoy to become a competent QB.

Steelers:  The Steelers fans hate the Cowboys and their fans.  Those who are ignorant of this fact and root for the Steelers are excused.  Now that you know, you have to decide on the Cowboys or the Steelers.  You can’t be fans of both teams (you hear that Sean Lee, Lee’s family and my brother).  Otherwise, the Steelers have shipped out a Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes, and Limas Sweed suffered an achilles injury.   Certainly the Steelers now have a void.  They presently have ten WR’s on their roster, so it is not an imperative that they add additional talent.  Crayton would certainly prefer moving to a championship caliber team, but I doubt the the Steelers have a significant interest in Crayton.

Texans:  The Texans only have 7 listed WR’s, though Dorin Dickerson is a TE.  Considering that, they only have 6 WR’s, of which Andre Johnson is the only feared WR.  Jacoby Jones is a talented speedster that has minimal production over the past three years.  He may be on the verge of a breakout like Miles Austin had last year, but this may be a good landing spot for Crayton.  Houston is close to Dallas (if he elected to commute), and they have a good QB.

Jaguars:  The Jaguars have several no name WR’s (as they cut Torry Holt).  The Jags best WR, Mike Sims-Walker, was equally as productive as Crayton in 2009.  I think Crayton would be a good addition to the Jags roster, though I  believe the Jags are more interested in developing their young talent like Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard.  If they wanted a veteran presence on the team, they would have kept Holt who had a sub-par year.

Bills:  Terrell Owens found refuge in Buffalo last year.  Crayton won’t be as lucky.  The Bills don’t have a dynamic passing game, and he would be buried on the play progression.  Running game would be pre-dominant, then the first look to Evans, then Reed, and then the QB is sacked.

Dolphins:  Both Parcells and Sparano are familiar with Crayton.  The Dolphins traded for Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess had a breakout season (76 receptions, 758 yards).  There may be room for Crayton as a slot WR, but I think the Dolphins would consider bring Crayton in if they were competing for a Super Bowl.  I think they are a few years away from competing at a high level.

Patriots:  Crayton would be an upgrade over Julian Edelman as a slot WR.  Wes Welker will be rehabbing for much of the season from his knee injury.  While Crayton wouldn’t be expensive, I don’t see the Patriots paying three players for one position on the team.  Most may see depth, though I think the Patriots see redundancy.  As a side note, I was pleased that Isaiah Stanback only had 3 receptions last year with the Patriots.  That’s not sour grapes towards Stanback, but it would have killed me a little if this was a repeat of Jimmy Smith.

Raiders:  The Raiders would be well served to have someone on their team who can find the holes in zone coverage and can catch the ball.  I hear Crayton runs a 4.5 forty time, which is about .2 seconds too long for the Raiders.

Bears:  Crayton would be a welcome addition to a team with questionable talent at the WR position.  Knox is a speedster; Hester is productive; but two of their top three receivers were a TE and RB.  If Favre doesn’t return to the Vikings, the division will be up for grabs, and Chicago could compete with for the division.

Panthers: The Panthers have a mix of youth and veterans to mentor the former.  Crayton will not be singing Sweet Caroline, unless he goes to a Pitt game.

Buccaneers:  The Bucs drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams.  With Antonio Bryant not being signed, their remaining WRing crew totaled 47 receptions.  Crayton would be a welcome addition the Buc’s QB, Josh Freeman.  One questions for the Bucs, why would you take a WR who quit on his team in the 3rd round.  He may have been the most talented player to come out of Buffalo in a long time, but isn’t that like being the prettiest leper?

Redskins:  If the Redskins were to sign both Crayton and Terrell Owens, they would certainly look for revenge against the organization who choose ROY WILLIAMS over both of them.  The Redskins have young WR’s (Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas), but they aren’t feared.  They have old WR’s (Joey Galloway, Santana Moss), but they aren’t feared.  Crayton would certainly receive some playing time considering that group.  I could see Crayton in a Redskin uniform, though it would break my heart just a bit.  I feel no pity for McNabb, but I almost hope (almost), that he has at least one target besides Cooley who will catch the ball.

Rams:  Crayton would be a solid #2 WR across from Donnie Avery.  Danny Amendola (43 receptions, 326 yards) would stay in the slot.  This would be a god awful situation for Crayton considering a rookie QB and a losing franchise.

And the least likely option is:

Cowboys: Presently on the Cowboys roster are Miles Austin (who has a history of injuries), Roy Williams (who has a history of underachieving),  Dez Bryant (who has no history at the pro-level), Sam Hurd (top special teamer with limited offensive production), Kevin Ogletree (impressive 2nd year player with quickness and body control), Jesse Holley (Larry Fitzgerald hair twin), Manuel Johnson (7th round selection and practice squad member in 2009), and Ryan Titus (undrafted free agent in 2007).  With the Cowboys having Super Bowl aspirations, parading Roy Williams and Jesse Holley in a division match-up late in the season does not sound appealing at all.  Ogletree can play the slot if called upon.  He is quick and fast and has developed a rapport with Romo in a short period of time.  Depth is not a problem for the Cowboys, so it is unlikely Crayton will be retained.