NFL team, Dallas CowboysThere are some that say the Dallas Cowboys have seen their best days. True, the NFL team only managed to squeak by with a 9-7 record that placed them 3rd in the League for 2008. And yes, they could have done a better job and turned at least two of those losses into wins.

But there is still some life left in the Cowboys.

Keep in mind this NFL team made it to #1 in the 2007 season, the first time since 1998. While no one doubts that the glory days of the 1990’s are over, it is important to note that since 2000, the Dallas Cowboys have never finished below the # 5 slot (in 2001) and made it to #2 in 2003 and 2006. If we were talking about some of the other teams out there, the Cowboys’ record would be cause for celebration, not hammering nails in their coffin one more time.

So what do the Dallas Cowboys of 2009 have going for them? They still have Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton. Some think Crayton and Witten may shine this year, now that Terrill Owens has been released. Reports from training indicate the team is dedicated to putting last year behind them, plugging the holes in the team strategies and looking forward to a power year.

There is also that incredible fan base which seems to stay with this NFL team no matter what happens on the field or in the private lives of the players. Not every sports team can boast the same degree of loyalty that is there for the Dallas Cowboys from one season to the next.

On the other side of the coin, quite a few people see the ejection of Owens as being one of the worst mistakes the NFL team could make. They don’t think that Roy Williams can take over duties all that easily or with the same degree of success. And some fans are still upset about Crayton’s performance against the Giants last year. This means they will have to be convinced that this new lineup is going to come together before they give it their usual support.

As always, the Dallas Cowboys will get a lot of attention and sell a lot of tickets and newspapers. But don’t make the mistake of thinking they don’t still have what it takes. This may be the year that this NFL team surprises everybody, one more time.