D A L L A S   C O W B O Y S
Go-To Guy | Weakest Link | Burning Question | Offseason Movement

Glance Head coach: Dave Campo 2001: Results 2002: Draft picks Training camp: July 26 at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas  2002 Schedule Date  Vs.  Time  Sept. 8  at Hou.  8:30 p.m.  Sept. 15  TEN.  1 p.m.  Sept. 22  at Phi.  1 p.m.  Sept. 29  at StL.  1 p.m.  Oct. 6  NYG  1 p.m.  Oct. 13  CAR.  1 p.m.  Oct. 20  at Ari.  4:15 p.m.  Oct. 27  SEA.  1 p.m.  Nov. 3  at Det.  1 p.m.  Nov. 10  Open     Nov. 17  at Ind.  1 p.m.  Nov. 24  JAC.  1 p.m.  Nov. 28  WAS.  4:05 p.m.  Dec. 8  S.F.  1 p.m.  Dec. 15  at NYG  4:15 p.m.  Dec. 21  PHI.  8:30 p.m.  Dec. 29  at Was.  1 p.m.

By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com

Taking a page from Baltimore's title-winning playbook, Dallas looks to a promising defense in its effort to improve on a 5-11 finish -- which was about half the wins that owner Jerry Jones predicted the Cowboys would chalk up last season.

To improve the NFL's fourth-ranked defense, Dallas signed free agents La'Roi Glover, Kevin Hardy and Bryant Westbrook. And the Cowboys took Roy Williams and Derek Ross in April's draft. They join a group that already includes Ebenezer Ekuban (who missed 15 games last season because of a disc problem), Greg Ellis, Michael Myers, Brandon Noble, Dexter Coakley, Dat Nguyen and Darren Woodson.

Following the opening of minicamp in April, head coach Dave Campo said there was light at the end of the tunnel following back-to-back 5-11 seasons. "It's kind of like the day after Christmas," he said. "I'm excited about this group."

And, like last year's Ravens, Dallas will give fans a behind-the-scenes look. The Cowboys have agreed to let NFL Films go behind-the-scenes for a full-access look at this year's training camp in Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Dallas Cowboys, a six-part series that will air weekly on HBO.

The first show will debut at 11 p.m. EDT on July 31, then continue on a weekly basis until just before the start of the regular season. HBO, which has about 26 million subscribers, attracted an average of 1.2 million households for the six shows.

However, if Dallas is to compete its offensive line must play to expectations. The Cowboys were the third-ranked rushing team, but had only eight rushing touchdowns and gave up 34 sacks. Guard Larry Allen arguably is the league's best offensive lineman. Kelvin Garmon has started a full season at right guard. Flozell Adams, with four seasons under his belt -- and a franchise-designation salary in his wallet -- must prove he is worth $5 million a season. Solomon Page has now started a full season at right tackle. Only center is a position of question; either rookie Andre Gurode or converted guard Matt Lehr will replace Mark Stepnoski.

For his part, Jones can see the light, too: "The last two years have been a real uphill battle. All of a sudden I feel like we're looking downhill."

Fact After averaging 14.7 TDs per year in his first 10 seasons, Emmitt Smith has scored 12 TDs -- combined -- in the past two seasons.

Emmitt Smith, RB -- While Bruce Coslet was brought on board to rev up the offense, it still revolves around Smith, who will be playing in his 12th season.

"We wanted somebody that has exhibited a creative mind, who could create a scheme around his personnel," Jones said. "I believe we've been able to bring in a man [Coslet] who will take our offense to the next level, where it needs to be."

Barring injury, Smith figures to scrawl his name -- again -- in NFL history by passing Walter Payton as the league's all-time leading rusher. Smith needs just 540 yards to eclipse Payton's mark of 16,726 yards. Smith already owns the NFL mark with 11th consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season.

Last season, Smith had his share of differences with former offensive coordinator Jack Reilly, wanting more carries, especially late in games. But so far Smith seems to be on board with Coslet, who understands Smith's chase for the record and the need for the Cowboys to be successful running the ball. That should translate in carries for Smith.

Smith will enter the season with consecutive seasons scoring single-digit touchdowns -- a career first, including a career-low three last season -- and averaging only 3.9 yards per carry, second-worst in his career.

Still, Smith isn't taking the all-time rushing record for granted. "That's a long way to go. You don't realize how hard it is to get 100 yards a game," he said. "Think about it. You have to average 25 yards a quarter. Think about it. You've got 15 minutes. Think about it. You don't always have the ball. Think about it. You're facing eight-man fronts ..."

Fact Quincy Carter was Dallas' first draft choice in 2001 (second round). It was the first time since 1989 that the Cowboys had used a draft pick on a QB since 1989, when Troy Aikman was selected No. 1 overall.

Quarterback -- If Dallas is to improve this season, second-year quarterback Quincy Carter will have to elevate his game -- just to stave off competition from a high-dollar offseason acquisition. A year ago, there wasn't much controversy at QB. Tony Banks was the starter, while Carter, Anthony Wright, and Clint Stoerner fell somewhere there after in the pecking order.

This season, it's not so clear-cut. Jones snapped up rookie free-agent Chad Hutchinson with a seven-year deal that includes a $3.1 million signing bonus. A former Stanford QB, Hutchinson decided to quit baseball after pitching four seasons in the St. Louis organization. He hasn't played in a football game since 1997, and even then he never considered football his full-time commitment, missing every spring practice because of baseball.

"He [Hutchinson] needs as many snaps as he can get as fast as he can get them, while we are still trying to get Quincy ready to start," said Bruce Coslet, who was hired as offensive coordinator. "He needs his snaps, too. We are going to walk that rope."

Carter has been working with Coslet this offseason and showed up at minicamp about 13 pounds lighter than his playing weight of 230 last season. "I'm ecstatic about what's been going on," said Carter, who was limited to eight games last season because of thumb and hamstring injuries. "I'm glad to see some of these new guys."

Is there a go-to receiver on the roster?

Fact Joey Galloway, who led Dallas with three touchdown receptions last season, averages a TD every 8.2 catches (339 receptions, 41 TDs).

For the third consecutive year, Dallas enters a season optimistic about its wide receivers. Maybe third time is the charm.

Last season, Raghib Ismail had 53 catches and Joey Galloway added 52. But the two combined for only five TDs. The year before, Galloway missed 15 games and Ismail eight, both suffering torn anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees that required reconstructive surgeries.

The Cowboys were 30th in passing last year, averaging just 138.6 yards a game, and their 2,218 yards were the fewest net yards passing in a 16-game season.

Coslet's "West Coast" offense could be just what the doctor ordered. His system is designed to spread out defenses and create mismatches with a variety of receivers, which includes rookie Antonio Bryant.

Jones describes Bryant's personality as "infectious," and said the Cowboys got the "steal of the draft" by grabbing Bryant with the 63rd pick. "Some of the things Antonio have been criticized for will be a plus (in the pros)," Jones said. "There were times when he was negative about not getting the ball. We've all seen that from great competitors. Show me a great competitor who isn't selfish sometimes."

The Cowboys also like the progress of second-year receivers Ken-Yon Rambo and Reggie Swinton.