When the columnist sign-up sheet was being passed around our office this morning, I volunteered to share my predictions for the Cowboys' season. The only problem with making predictions is that, occasionally, readers forget to throw them away.
From time to time, some of you have offered helpful reminders such as, "How do you feel now, [expletive]?"
This year, I've decided to take a different approach. Unless my editors think of something creative, let's call this Matt's Top Five Guarantees for the Cowboys' 2006 Season.
Folks, it's time to put your game faces on.
No. 5: T.O. will be the best No. 2 receiver in football.
Jerry Jones signed the most notorious receiver in the league because he couldn't imagine this offense without him. Jones has a history of signing players other organizations wouldn't touch (see Charles Haley). In fact, Jones seems drawn to players searching for second – and in this case – third chances.
The presence of Owens will not allow opposing teams to focus on Terry Glenn and Jason Witten. He won't thrill fantasy owners, but as long as he stays on the field, Owens will make this a better offense.
The question remains whether Owens can accept a role in which he won't catch 80 passes. Jones sounded like a marriage counselor when he said Bill Parcells and Owens won't be "careless with their relationship."
Owens will finish with 65 catches, 11 touchdowns and two sideline meltdowns.
No. 4: Terence Newman will be the best player on the team.
IRWIN THOMPSON / DMN
Matt Mosley is expecting big things out of cornerback Terence Newman (above).
Though we've spent most of our time focusing on another player, cornerback Terence Newman has become the leader of what appears to be a pretty stout defense. After struggling through his second season in 2004, Newman was solid last season. He's one of the most gifted players on the team, but more importantly, he's the hardest worker.
Strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek had to keep a close eye on Newman because he kept trying to stay up with the linemen during the off-season.
He's earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, and this is the year the rest of the league will take notice. Newman won't have six or seven interceptions because teams won't throw to his side.
A trip to Hawaii will interrupt his off-season program.
No. 3: DeMarcus Ware will have 11 sacks.
Ware will pick up where he left off last season, when he had four sacks and three forced fumbles over the last two games. He's added power without losing any speed. Ware's also added some spin moves to his arsenal. The fact that opposing offensive coordinators will spend so much time accounting for him should open things up for Greg Ellis on the other side.
One of the coaches told me during training camp that the Cowboys didn't have a single player capable of blocking Ware one-on-one. That may worry some of you, but it bodes well for the Cowboys' defense.
No. 2: Pat McQuistan will finish the season as the starting left tackle.
I realize this is a sobering guarantee, but bear with me. The coaches and personnel department have fallen in love with this kid's athleticism. The thought of putting your quarterback's blindside in the hands of a seventh-round draft choice is ridiculous, but Flozell Adams doesn't look like the type of player who's going to make it through an entire season.
I remember standing near Adams' locker when Parcells told him after a game that he could become one of the best tackles in the league. I also know how quickly Parcells can change his mind. Heading into 2004, he was planning to start rookie Jacob Rogers at left tackle and move Adams to the right side.
This is a strange way to treat the anchor of your offensive line, and it's one of the reasons I don't think Parcells will hesitate to insert McQuistan if things don't go well for Adams.
OK, take some time to recover before continuing.
No. 1: The Cowboys will finally win a playoff game.
The defense will carry this team to a 10-6 record and an NFC East division crown. The Redskins will not be able to capitalize on another off-season title and will miss the playoffs.
The Cowboys will overcome the Chris Simms-led Buccaneers with a 21-20 victory at Texas Stadium, but the season – and Bill Parcells' career – will end the following week in Chicago.
If any or all of these guarantees fail to come to fruition, remember that I was just kidding.
E-mail mmosley@dallasnews.com
