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While the Dallas Cowboys were banished to their 3 seasons of 5-11 purgatory, and even last year’s playoff season, one thing was certain about this team. NO OFFENSE. They couldn’t run the ball. They couldn’t convert 3rd downs. They couldn’t score in the red zone. They averaged 18.3 ppg in 2000, 15.3 ppg in 2001, 13.5 ppg in 2002 and 18 ppg last season, and only managed 10 points in their lone playoff game in that span.

If the 2004 preseason is any indication, the offensive woes that have plagued this team seem to be righting themselves with the simple math that Bill Parcells has done this off-season. He subtracted Quincy Carter. He added Vinny Testeverde. He subtracted Troy Hambrick. He added Julius Jones. He subtracted Joey Galloway. He added Keyshawn Johnson. Now while 2 out of 3 of these additions won’t be the long term solutions for this team, at least it appears that Cowboys’ fans won’t be throwing their chips across the living room every time the offense is faced with 3rd and 4 or take a trip inside their opponent’s 20 yard line. Vinny might be 40 but his arm isn’t. Keyshawn is beating guys 10 years younger than him to the middle. Julius Jones is reminiscent of a guy who used to wear No. 22. The offensive line is much stronger. Larry Allen apparently wants to play some football this year. And Jason Whitten is maturing into the kind of tight end that can flourish in a Bill Parcells’ offense.

The only problem with the offense getting better is the fact that the defense seems to be getting worse. It’s no secret that any success this team had last year could be credited to the defensive effort and the coordination of Mike Zimmer. And once again, if the 2004 preseason is any indication, the defense will need A LOT more help from the offense if this team is even going to sniff the post season. It doesn’t appear that scoring a touchdown and kicking a few field goals will be enough cushion for this defense. Of course, there are some guys who will once again be stand outs. Terrence Newman is growing into the shut down corner he was expected to be when he was drafted last year. Roy Williams already has a reputation of being a guy who can alter a game with one hit. With Chad Eaton and Marcellus Wiley joining the defensive front, the opposing QB might feel from pressure without the blitz. However, what about right corner? What about slot corner? What about the other safety position while Darren Woodson recovers from back surgery. Very little scheming goes into pre-season games but already offenses are ignoring the strengths and attacking the weaknesses of this defense. Newman can pack a sack lunch for all the attention he’ll be getting. If you’re Daunte Culpepper approaching the line of scrimmage and you see Terrence Newman on one side and Pete Hunter/Jameel Powell/Bruce Thornton on the other, where would YOU throw?

Don’t misunderstand. The three headed monster at right corner is just as good as what was there last year. The Bucs can have Mario Edwards. One of these guys has to step up quickly, and the front four MUST get to the QB or the defense will need the offense to score about 30 points a game to have a chance. So while we’ve spent the last few seasons pulling out our collective hairs over the offense, here’s hoping you still have a few left. You’ll need them for the defense