Dallas faced low expectations heading into 2014, but the Cowboys made in-depthclear from the outset that they planned to exceed them. The ‘Boys started 6-1 and dominated the NFC East, claiming a playoff spot for the first time since 2009. They finished the season by scoring 165 points in the final four regular season games, won a matchup against Detroit in round one of the playoffs and played right with Green Bay before bowing out in controversial fashion in the division round.

In order to repeat, the 2015 Cowboys will have to do so without 2014 All-World RB DeMarco Murray. The team let him go in free agency, going instead – at least to this point – with Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and a collection of backups who to this point in their careers have not shown a lot. So the team is banking on an also All-World offensive line to prove the offense can stay as real this year as it was last year.

Dallas also could use continued improvement from a defense that picked up the pace in 2014 with a group built more on enthusiasm and chips-on-the-shoulder rather than talent.

So can this bunch stage a repeat or take it a step further? Or was 2014 the mirage to be followed by a disappearing act in 2015? Steven Mullenax, editor of The Landry Hat, returns to share some insights.

Zoneblitz: Well, with expectations relatively low in 2014, Dallas went 12-4, then won a playoff game and was narrowly and controversially knocked off in a second. What brought on the turnaround and how would you assess the season?

Mullenax: I’m not sure you can look at a 12-4 regular season record as anything other than a success. I believe the drafting of guard Zack Martin in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft helped solidify the Cowboys offensive line. That fact combined with Dallas making a huge commitment to running the football in 2014 and running back DeMarco Murray finally playing a full 16-game season all were factors in helping the Cowboys breach the 8-8 wall.

Zoneblitz: Dallas lost DeMarco Murray, a huge factor in the success a year ago and has not added a high profile RB. Do you expect a move yet or is this the crew we’ll see heading into the preseason?

Mullenax: Right now, I believe the plan is to ride Darren McFadden. I could see Joseph Randle playing larger role than last season, but the team seems to have pulled away from endorsing him as of late. Ryan Williams is the dark horse and could supplant any of the current running backs on the depth chart. Training camp will be the proving ground. If none of these backs impress during camp, expect Dallas to make a major trade for a more established name.

Zoneblitz: Any update on the long-term contract situation for Dez Bryant?

Mullenax: No real updates other than no one seems very worried about it. From the executives to the coaches and the players; all fully expect Dez Bryant to be a Dallas Cowboy for a very long time.

Zoneblitz: The Cowboys already had a great offensive line and then added a couple more draft picks and the undrafted La’el Collins – how much playing time will Collins have and how does that unit play out this season?

Mullenax: The buzz is La’el Collins could replace guard Ronald Leary on the offensive line when the season starts. Leary is in his final contract year and is arguably the weakest link on this line. But the veteran will be fighting for his next big pay day and will not give up his spot easily. Obviously, the development of Collins is key here. But Leary could also be part of some sort of trade if Dallas decides it needs running back help later this offseason.

Zoneblitz: The window would appear to be wide open this season for Dallas but Tony Romo is aging and has had some injuries in recent years – how much longer can he stick around and what’s the succession plan, both this year and down the line?

Mullenax: There is no succession plan right now. There were hints of one before the draft, but Dallas opted to address other areas. They really like second-year quarterback Dustin Vaughan. But the 2014 undrafted rookie out of West Texas A&M is still a developmental player and hasn’t proven he’s ready for anything more than preseason relief so far. The Cowboys seem to honestly believe Romo can play another four or five years. Obviously, every NFL player is one hit away from retirement. But if Romo can stay relatively healthy, playing near age 40 isn’t completely inconceivable.

Zoneblitz: Defensively Dallas made huge strides toward the upper half of the league in 2014n. What caused the turnaround?

Mullenax: Most contribute their elevated defensive play to the motivational skills of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. The old ball coach was able to get maximum effort out of some very average players. He also simplified the defense, which helped with communication. But ultimately, the Cowboys need to combine that effort with talent in order to get to the next level. The recent draft illustrated that point.

Zoneblitz: Furthering that, the draft netted CB Byron Jones and DE Randy Gregory early – how does the Cowboys defense this year compare with last year?

Mullenax: I believe the overall depth is better. And the additions of Gregory and the free agent acquisition of defensive end Greg Hardy should bolster the Cowboys pass rush, which was their biggest issue in 2014. All signs of a massive jump talent-wise in 2015. But rookie pass rushers and cornerbacks are notorious for having lackluster during their first seasons. Although the talent is there, I’m not sure Dallas will reap those rewards immediately. There is always a learning curve.

Zoneblitz: The draft consisted of a CB, two O-linemen, two d-linemen, two LBs and a TE – not the sexiest draft, much like 2014 when the team passed on QB Johnny Manziel for G Zack Martin. Is the philosophy changed in the draft room?

Mullenax: In some ways, yes. But Jerry Jones has always been known for making splashy moves. And the drafting of Gregory and the signing of Collins could certainly be considered “Jerry Jones-type” moves. I really think the difference is the trust level between Jones and his staff. I think the Martin selection from last year solidified in Jones’ mind that he could really trust his advisers more about controversial decisions.

Zoneblitz: Collectively, what are your thoughts on the offseason to date and what would you like to see the team do through the rest of the offseason?

Mullenax: I think there were some solid decisions made by this franchise in free agency, the main one being not overpaying an injury-prone DeMarco Murray for one good season. And the Cowboys draft, outside of third round selection of tackle Chaz Green, was above average. The signing of Collins was the icing on the cake. As for the rest of the offseason, I’d like to see Dallas solidify the starter at running back, either in-house or via a trade. I’d also like to see the Cowboys find a kick returner to replace Dwayne Harris. Finally, I want to see the front office finalize a contract with cornerback Brandon Carr (pay cut) and lock-up wide out Dez Bryant long term.

Zoneblitz: What Cowboys players have a chance to break out in 2015?

Mullenax: I think the top candidate is defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. With his rookie season cut in half last year due to a foot injury, the young pass rusher really didn’t start to shine until the playoffs. If he can continue to build on those performances, Lawrence could be the Cowboys answer for getting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2015. Another obvious answer is whichever running back Dallas decides to let run behind this talented offensive line. Likely Darren McFadden, that player has a good chance of becoming a huge sleeper in fantasy. Other names I could throw in are linebacker Sean Lee, who is now switching positions from mike to weak side linebacker, and wide out Cole Beasley, who could be the most lethal slot receiver in the league.

Zoneblitz: The schedule isn’t overly daunting – only five games against teams with 2014 winning records – what are your expectations as far as another deep playoff run?

Mullenax: The problem with trying to predict season ending records based on schedule is that teams change too much from season-to-season. A franchise who was in the basement one year could be a playoff contender the next. Dallas faces both of the Super Bowl participants from last season as well as the team that knocked them out of the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers…at home…in December. But the NFC East still seems winnable to me, which means a likely playoff bid again for Dallas. I think not making the postseason would be a major disappointment for this club right now.

Follow Steven Mullenax on Twitter at: @StevenMullenax
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