Pride: Normally when teams get beat badly, they come out the following week and play with purpose.  I haven’t seen this from the Cowboys in many years.  You could say that it is because they are in close games.  They did beat the Eagles 3 times last year washing the taste of the the 2008 season finale from their mouth.  That first game against Philly was a close win, 20-16.  The Cowboys were beaten, battered, and embarrased last year.  They were even belittled this year.  If they are unable to find motivation to play hard against the Vikings, you can call the time of death of the Cowboys 2010 season at 4p.m. eastern time.

Penalties:  This is common sense.  Penalties prevent positive plays.  The Cowboys haven’t simply been penalized, they have had big plays taken off the board.  They have had winning plays taken off the board.  Games can hinge on one or two plays in the NFL.  If one of those plays is negated by a penalty, you are simply asking a good team to make one more miraculous play.  That is too much to ask of any team, let alone an immature team like the Cowboys.

Protection:  Romo had good protection against the Texans.  Cowboys win.  Romo had spotty protection against the Bears and Redskins.  He was sacked only once, but was running around for his life most of the afternoon.  Cowboys loses.  Romo was harrassed on nearly every dropback against the Titans.  Cowboys loss.  When Romo has time, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  When Romo is under pressure, he has the innate ability to move and make things happen.  When Romo is beaten and battered, he is average at best.  He is in good company, however.  Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are the exact same way.  If Romo has time, the Cowboys will win.  It’s up to 5 players to carry this team to victory.  Anyone who has played offensive line knows this to be true and relishes the opportunity.

Perseverance:  I don’t want to watch this game.  It may be a close game coming down to who has the ball last.  It’s like looking at a train wreck through a small crack in your fingers.  It’s awful but you just can’t turn away.  Despite being 1-3, the team that perseveres and keeps fighting the longest will win.  I hope that team is Dallas, but I’m concerned they simply don’t have enough fight in them.  They better prove me wrong.

Mark Sanchez will be entering his second year as starting QB for the NY Jets.  Sanchez lead his team to the AFC championship game as a rookie which is a feat accomplished by Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco.  Not surprisingly, both quarterbacks heavily relied on a solid running game and an outstanding defense, just like Sanchez.  Roethlisberger followed up his rookie season with the worst winning quarterback performance in Super Bowl history; Flacco’s sophomore season he lead his team to a 2nd round defeat against the Indianapolis Colts.

Considering the above, it is not outside the realm of reason for Coach Ryan to have faith in the 2nd year quarterback.  I am not a believer, however.  Actually I am a firm believer that they are the third best team in their division and are deeply flawed.

While a teams previous year rarely has a definitive impact upon the outcome of the following season (e.g. the Titans going from 13-3 to starting the season 0-6), it is not impossible to divine whether a teams success was related to their schedule or whether they indeed had a breakthrough.

Only considering the Jet’s final 8 regular season games (as the defense would have an understanding of the new system installed and Sanchez would be comfortable in the system), the Jets beat Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.  They lost to Jacksonville, New England, and Atlanta.  Everyone remembers that Indianapolis elected to rest their starters mid-way through the game while they were nursing a thin lead.  Shortly after replacing Peyton Manning, Curtis Painter literally threw away the game when he was intercepted by Dwight Lowery for a touchdown.  The following week, the Jets played a lame duck Cincinnati team who rested their starters with the intent of not showing any of their game plan for the playoff game against the Jets the following week.

The team won 5 games at the end of the season and two of them were literally gimmes.  The remaining three games were against world beaters like Carolina (8-8), Buffalo (6-10), and Tampa Bay (3-13).  There is the argument that it wasn’t what the Jets did in the regular season, which is why prognosticators and Ryan are so high on the Jets.  It was the post-season.

The Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Diego Chargers in successive weeks.  Darrelle Revis’s star had never shown brighter.  Is all this hype really based upon two wins?  Or is it based upon their 4-1 record in their final five games?  Afterall, the Jets beat a Bengals team with a quarterback nursing a sore arm, their 2nd WR playing in Seattle, and their 3rd WR resting in peace.  The Chargers lost by 3 points after Nate Kaeding missed a 40 yard field goal which kept the margin at 10 points at the time.  The Jets won those games, but it does not suggest they would win even one playoff game in January 2011.  When the Colts actually played to win (prior to Manning being benched and during the AFC Championship game) they outscored the Jets 45 to 27.

More important than what the Jets did in the 2009 season and playoffs is what the Jets have done during their off-season to prepare for the 2010 season.  The Jets signed LaDanian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, Laveranues Coles, Brodney Pool, and Mark Brunell.  They also brought in Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie via trade.  Certainly it could be said that the Jets in an uncapped 2010 season have elected to bring in veteran talent to backup their front line players.  It could also be said that most of the new players are well past their prime and they simply collected a number of players who will be dominated by their opponent if they ever hit the field.

Tomlinson and Cromartie will receive a majority of the playing time out of the free agent pool along with Holmes after returning from his 4 game suspension.  Tomlinson replaces an incredibly popular Thomas Jones.  Jones wasn’t simply popular among the Jets fanbase, but he was a leader in the Jets locker room.  When Jones was cut, there was an inordinate amount of grumbling from the players who believed it was unfair and unjust of Jets management to release Jones for what appeared to be trivial financial reasons.  Especially considering that Jones had one of the best seasons of his career in 2009.  At this point, it can be assumed Jones will be nearing the end of his career partly due to age, and mostly due to playing in Kansas City.  The question is whether the 2010 version of Tomlinson can be as productive as the 2009 version of Jones.

Tomlinson is inarguably the best running back in the game… 5 years ago.  When the wheels fall off on a running back, they come off quickly.  Towards the latter years of his career, Emmith Smith was a shadow of his earlier self.  The vision, speed, quickness, and desire had dissipated.  If the Cowboys were a playoff contender during the early 00′s, Smith would have been the weak link.  As it was, Smith was still a star on a team that was bereft of talent.  A fading Tomlinson is going to a talented team with high expectations.  If the Jets expect to improve upon their 2009 season, they will have to rely on Shonn Greene or Joe McKnight.  Leon Washington is in Seattle and as previously indicated, Jones is in KC.  What the Jets may be missing is the explosiveness of Washington (when healthy), and the heart of Jones.

For Tomlinson, it may be unfair to say that many of his Charger teammates do not miss him.  Tomlinson and Philip Rivers have acknowledged that it was the right time for him to leave San Diego, and other teammates stated Tomlinson wasn’t a team first player.  What should concern Jets fans is that they not only lost an offensive leader, but swapped for a selfish player who sucks energy from a team.  This storyline will play out over the season.

Cromartie will play well in 2010.  He is in the last year of his contract and is looking to be paid commensurate with his hype.  He was perceived to be a lazy player in San Diego.  While this may or may not be the case, he should have a good 2010 season.  As for Holmes, he was a Super Bowl MVP.  He’s a good WR, and the best WR on the Jets squad.  I have also believed him to be a very good #2 WR.  Unfortunately for the Jets, I believe Braylon Edwards is also a very good #2 WR.  Tom Brady won several Super Bowls with #2 and #3 WR’s, so it can be done, though Sanchez has quite a way before he can spoken of in the same sentence as Brady.

As for the Jets’s 2010 draft class, they selected Kyle Wilson, CB, Vladamir Ducasse, OL (a very raw prospect from a small school who won’t contribute immediately), Joe McKnight, RB, and John Conner, FB.  The players may contribute on the field, but it would be surprising if the players have big rookie seasons.  There does not appear to be a Percy Harvin or Brian Cushing who will contribute immediately and impressively.  With the Tomlinson situations illustrated above, certainly McKnight may have the best opportunity to contribute.  Wilson should not have to start unless there is an injury to Cromartie or Revis.  Revis will be resigned and there will be smiles and glad-handing, until the season starts.

The Jets do have a good defense with a defensive minded head coach.  Beware those who are prone to hyperbole.  This is not the second coming of the ’86 Bears, and there is a chance the defense will regress.  The Jets do share a similarity to the Cowboys.  When the Jets do anything, the media covers it (because of the size of the New York market).  When Dallas does anything, people hear about it (because of the large national following for the Cowboys).  Players receive more recognition and consequently, more fame.  Recognition and fame does not automatically translate into improved talent though it may perceived as such.  Kenny Gant is one of the most famous Cowboys of the 90′s, but there are 15+ better special teamers than Gant in the league today who live in anonymity.

To surmise, the Jets were a 7-7 team before beating two teams who stopped caring.  They beat one wounded team, barely beat a good team who’s kicker missed what should be a gimme at the NFL level, and they have questionably better talent than the year prior.  On “paper”, the Jets play 10 games where their opponent is either as good or better than the Jets (Ravens, Patriots, Dolphins, Broncos, Packers, Texans, & Steelers).  If they sweep the 6 games where they are better than their opponent (Bills, Lions, Browns, Bengals, & Bears), they only have to win four of the more difficult games to have a playoff spot.  I don’t think they will get those four wins.  They won’t be awful, but they won’t be in Dallas in early February celebrating.

On the NFL Network you can watch week by week analysis of each team’s schedule.  Additionally, you can find the scheduled released on NFL.com.  The entire schedule was released concurrently by both media at 7p.m. est.

Week 1: Cowboys @ Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 12, 8:20 p.m. on NBC

Cowboys get a break by playing in DC early in the season.  They avoid what could be horrible weather conditions (sleet, snow, etc.).  Additionally, the Cowboys should get a break playing against a team installing a new defense (from the 4-3 to the 3-4).  McNabb’s familiarity with the Cowboys system should make the game competitive, however.  Presuming the Redskins draft either Okung or Williams as their left tackle of the future, Ware certainly should have an advantage against a rookie playing his first game in prime-time.

Week 2: Bears @ Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 19, 1:00 p.m. on FOX

Will the Bears off-season spending spree provide them the desired results?  The Redskins have historically won the Super Bowl every off-season.  Chester Taylor and Julius Peppers will provide a boost, but they have yet to provide Cutler with an offensive line or quality wide receiver.

Week 3:  Cowboys @ Texans, Sunday, September 26, 1:00 p.m. on FOX

Houston fans I have been in contact with have nothing but distaste for the Cowboys.  Their loathing rivals that of Steelers fans.  Houston has been on the cusp the last few years, but expect pleasant weather and an open roof.  Why does the roof matter?  Sound will be able to escape through the roof and it will be substantially less noisy.

Week 4: Bye

Week 5: Titans @ Cowboys, Sunday, October 10, 4:15 p.m. on CBS

The Cowboys are 3-0 after byes with Wade Phillips as head coach with two of the games ending in blowouts.

Week 6: Cowboys @ Vikings, Sunday, October 17, 4:15 p.m. on FOX

The Cowboys will have a four week stretch prior to this game where they will not wander far from home.  Two home games, one bye, and a 1 hour flight to Houston should have the Cowboys relatively rested for an early season big game.  I elect to ignore their QB situation.

Week 7:  Giants @ Cowboys, Monday, October 25, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

This is the only Monday Night game on the schedule for the Cowboys.  The only real question is, “Who will Gruden gush over more, Romo or Eli?”

Week 8:  Jaguars @ Cowboys, Sunday, October 31, 1:00 p.m. on CBS

The Jags have a late bye, week 9.  While there is no guarantee, the Jaguars may have a few more dings and bruises that would have been eliminated by an earlier bye.

Week 9:  Cowboys @ Packers, Sunday, November 7, 8:20 p.m. on NBC

Cowboys dodge two bullets here.  First they are playing in Green Bay in November which is preferable to a December or January visit to Lambo Field.  Secondly, the Packers also have  a late bye, week 10.  Again, they may be suffering from dings and bruises.  Cowboys fans will of course be subjected to hearing that the Cowboys have a poor record at Lambo, though they are 1-1 in the past 2 years.

Week 10:  Cowboys @ Giants, Sunday, November 14, 4:15 p.m. on FOX

The Cowboys travel to the new Giants Stadium in week 10.  It seemed like a perfect storyline to have the Cowboys play the Giants in their home opener.  The Giants in the previous two years played the Cowboys in Dallas for the home opener.  Strangely enough, the Panthers will open Giants stadium in week one which seems like such a wasted opportunity.

Week 11: Lions @ Cowboys, Sunday, November 21, 1:00 p.m. on FOX

The Lions were improved in 2010 over their 2009 effort.  They are a team that appears to be trending in the right direction.  This game is sandwiched between two big games and very well could be a trap game for the Cowboys.

Week 12: Saints @ Cowboys, Thursday, November 25, 4:15p.m. on FOX

Revenge is a dish best served cold, like gazpacho or Jello.  I’m certainly OK with the Saints ruining the Cowboys shot at a perfect season as that would mean the Cowboys were 10-0 at this point in the season.  If the Cowboys were to win, don’t be surprised to hear that a case of fine wine was charged to Sean Payton’s room service tab.

Week 13:  Cowboys @ Colts, Sunday, December 5, 4:15 p.m. on FOX

Will the Colts suffer from a Super Bowl hangover?  Undoubtedly this will be a difficult match-up for the Cowboys.   Many did not give the Cowboys a chance against the Saints in a loud setting against a dynamic offense.

Week 14: Eagles @ Cowboys, Sunday, December 12, 8:20 p.m. on NBC

No Westbrook, no McNabb, no Jim Johnson (RIP), no Dawkins.  Maybe, just maybe the Eagles enter into a rebuilding phase.  If so, I hope Andy Reid doesn’t survive the 3-13 seasons ahead (only because I have such respect for him as a head coach and talent evaluator).

Week 15:  Redskins @ Cowboys, Sunday, December 19, 1:00 p.m. on FOX

This should be a tougher match-up than in week one.  I see the Redskins improving due to a more stable work environment and an improved offense due to a quality veteran QB.  As this game is in Dallas, maybe the Cowboys can run their record to 5-0 against the Redskins in their last five games.

Week 16:  Cowboys @ Cardinals, Saturday, December 25, 7:30 p.m. on NFL Network

The Cardinals have the easiest 2010 schedule based upon last year’s team records.  They will be in contention for a playoff spot despite losing Warner, Boldin, and Dansby.  Fortunately for the Cowboys, this should severely weaken the quality of their team.  Unfortunately for the Cowboys, their replacements will have nearly a full season under their belt.

Week 17:  Cowboys @ Eagles, Sunday, January 2, 1:00 p.m. on FOX

Weather is mostly negated with this schedule.  While we may have lucked out by going to Washington early in the season, it is negated by potentially frigid temperatures in Philly.  As Cowboys fans, we hope for another shutout of the Eagles, though I would prefer if we rest our starters and the Eagles push their record to 4-12.

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The Cowboys have the maximum number of prime-time games, five.  One on the NFL Network, one on ESPN, and three on NBC.  Adding the annual Thanksgiving game, the number rises to 6.  In December and January, the Cowboys play 4 playoff teams from last year.  Does it seem like the league loves all this talk about a December swoon?

Interesting fact about the Cowboys 2010 schedule.  We do not play a team coming off of a bye.  Consequently, we don’t have to worry about a team having fresh legs and coaches having two weeks to prepare against our scheme.  If you don’t think this matters, ask a fan of the Falcons.  They played four teams last year right after that team’s bye.  The Falcons were an 11-5 team in 2008 and a 9-7 team in 2009.  It wasn’t a huge difference, but they 2-2 against teams coming off a bye.