2014 Review

While much should be made about the tremendous turnaround from the Cowboys' defense last season, not enough was made about just how great Tony Romo was. He led the NFL with a 69.9 percent completion percentage, the highest in the NFL since Drew Brees 71.2 mark in 2011. It wasn't just dink-and-dunk passes either, Romo's 50.8 accuracy percentage on deep passes was the fourth-highest in the NFL and he attempted deep throws on 14 percent of his drop backs, the sixth-most in the NFL. Romo was without a doubt a top-five quarterback last season and he wasn't the only premium player.

There just can't be enough raving about the offensive line protecting Romo and that opened up lanes for DeMarco Murray. While the Cowboys have been criticized plenty for some of their decisions, spending first-round picks on Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin have resulted in sensational results. The backbone of Cowboys' breakthrough season was their offensive line and it's frightening to think how much better it will be this year with the addition of La'el Collins.

Everything was clicking last year for the Cowboys when everyone was healthy. If you take away Bryant's two-catch, 15-yard performance with Brandon Weeden at quarterback, he finished with 86 receptions for 1,305 yards and 15 touchdowns. In his second season, Terrance Williams finished with 621 yards and eight touchdowns on just 37 receptions. 33-year-old Jason Witten had the worst season since he became the Cowboys starter back in 2004, finishing with 64 receptions for 703 yards and five touchdowns.

At wide receiver, the big question is whether or not Dez Bryant will be on the field for Week 1 as he awaits a contract extension. Mike Fisher reported that a new contract could be reached early next week, which would erase any concerns about missed games. As long as Bryant and Romo are on the field, big things will happen once again.

Veteran Additions

Darren McFadden

Aaah Jerry Jones, looking to a fellow Arkansas' alumnus to solve the Cowboys' question marks at running back. By now, fantasy owners should be well aware of McFadden. The fifth-overall pick in 2008, McFadden struggled to stay on the field, racking up more injuries than touchdowns early in his career.

It all came together for McFadden in 2010. While he only played in 13 games, he set a career-high in rushing yards (1,157), touchdowns (seven) and carries (223). Yet injuries limited him from being a workhorse in the backfield, but he still excelled with fewer than 225 carries. That progress carried over into the 2011 season with 614 yards in his first seven games and a career-high 5.4 yards per carry, but a lips franc injury ended his season.

That has been the high point of McFadden's career, as his last three seasons he has been limited to 485 carries in 38 games. A career filled with foot, ankle and hamstring injuries have ripped away at what used to be a great running back. He hasn't cracked 3.5 yards per carry since 2011. 

While the Cowboys might be hoping for McFadden to become a home-run hitter, those doys are likely long gone. He is working behind Joseph Randle at camp after returning from a hamstring injury, but will certainly see a share of carries. There is no denying the Cowboys have a phenomenal offensive line and McFadden will have some success, but if he averages over four yards per carry this season, it will all be due to the offensive line creating grand canyon-sized holes.

Potential Breakout Star

Joseph Randle

With the departure of Murray, someone has to step up in Dallas as the top dog for carries. One thing Randle certainly doesn't lack is confidence; telling the Dallas Morning News that he felt Murray "left a lot of meat on the bone." It's a bold statement coming from a running back that rarely saw the field, and we won't even get into his off-the-field issues.

We know Randle can rip off some big runs, but it's the other 15 carries a game that leave reason for concern. Can he consistently find holes, react quickly and have the ability to pick up chunks of yards. The big thing he has going for his fantasy stock is the Cowboys' offensive line, which was otherworldly last season. Yet as dominant as the Cowboys offensive line was, it's going to be better with the addition of Collins. If Randle can stay healthy and get out of his own way, he could have a nice RB2 season for fantasy owners.

Potential Disappointment

Joseph Randle

As crazy as this sounds, Randle could easily be the biggest disappointment fantasy-wise from this team. While he holds the reigns as the lead back entering camp and I doubt McFadden will surpass him, it's also possible Randle just isn't that great of a player. But the hype surrounding Randle is real, with some even believing he could be a top-12 fantasy running back this season.

This is where the disappointment factor comes in, as Randle serves as one of the biggest high-risk/high-reward options out there. While the offensive line in front of him will always be there, Randle may not fare well with 18-plus carries a game, failing to show a consistent ability to pick up yards. He will also likely more than quadruple his carries from last season, leaving even more risk for him to either get hurt, fail to produce or just get word down.