I will analyze the Cowboys season to this point. I will also grade each area of their team.

*This article is soley the opinion of the author.

Dallas Cowboys 26 - Kansas City Chiefs 20....... Miles Austin should receive quite a few, "Thank you for saving my job" cards this week.

The 3-2 Cowboys are heading into a bye week, with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. As a former athlete, I know that you take your victories however you get them. I understand that you are not going to "blow" every team away...... With that being said, the Cowboys need to enjoy this victory (for about an hour) and go right back to the drawing board and erase the whole thing. Before anyone gets the wrong idea and think that I am just bashing the Cowboys, let me say that I am a "true" Cowboys fan. Every since I was a little boy, I would write 44 on the front of my t-shirt, representing Robert Newhouse. I would write 33 on the back of my t-shirt, representing Tony Dorsett. But, I am a believer of "telling-it-like-it-is"!! The Cowboys have done nothing to prove that they are a contending team this season.

It all started during their training camp. Living in San Antonio, I had the opportunity to attend a few of their practices. I remember sitting there thinking this team does not have an identity. The atmosphere was so "casual", if you will. Nothing really stood out. When the offense would get on the field, it seemed to relaxed. After leaving one of their practices, I remember calling my big brother (a die-hard Cowboys fan), and telling him that Roy Williams is not ready to assume the role of our big play receiver. It seemed that his effort was sub-par when attempting to catch a pass.....The one thing that was for sure after seeing a few practices, was that we could run the ball. But, without any type of passing game, the offense would definitely struggle. Something that concerned me even more was that I didn't see any real leadership. Ok, with the exception of Jerry Jones.

Offense

The offense has showed signs, but mostly it has struggled. The running game is strong. Even with injuries to the first and second string backs, it has still produced good numbers, thanks to third stringer, Tashard Choice. Although Miles Austin set a receiving record against the Chiefs, the passing game has been sparatic. Tony Romo has missed too many receivers running open. Receivers have missed too many passes. No one is getting open. Then there is the problem of not having any true deep threats, so they can't stretch the defense. The offensive line is doing a good job, if you take away all the penalties that Flozell Adams have continued to acrue. Romo,has decided that he would rather sit in the pocket, and take a sack or make a bad throw, rather than scramble. His ability to scramble and create on the run is what drove defenses crazy the past few years. Roy Williams is not as great at running routes as some would have you to believe. His main problem is that he is slow out of his cuts, which does not allow him to get seperation from the defender. The O-line could provide just a little more pass protection. They need to start taking more shots down the field. They also need to work on their audibles. Jason Garrett's play calling is becoming to predictable. The offense is putting alot of pressure on the defense.

Offense-Overall Grade: C-

DEFENSE

The defense started off a little slow, but, they have picked it up over the last few games. They still are not getting a big enough pass rush. Without Greg Ellis (Raiders) at the other defensive end, teams are able to double Andre Ware. Although they have given up some late drives, that can be accredited to the fact that the offense is not producing any points, so eventually the defense will be break. There are also a lot of overthrown and tipped passes that are just falling to the ground in the secondary. Other teams are turning those into turnovers. The linebackers are playing great, making a lot of big tackles underneath. The secondary seems to want it at times, and other times they seem to be confused. Especially when they go into that soft cushion zone.The defense needs to continue to get better and hope that the offense can drive and produce points. This will give them a cushion to take chances and blitz.

Defense-Overall Grade: B-

Special Teams

The special teams have been average. Other than the blocked field goal against the Chiefs, they have played fairly. We don't have that "game changing" guy on our special teams. Our kicking game, punting included, is outstanding. The special teams need to produce some big plays.

Special Teams - Overall Grade: B-

Coaching

The coaching staff is a reflection of the Head Coach. There just doesn't seem to be any discipline. The theory of a player friendly coach, only seems to make players feel more comfortable with making mistakes. Instead of someone holding you accountable for your mistakes, they are assisting in your excuses. Leadership starts with the head coach, then everyone will follow accordingly. On that same note, the players who are leading the team, also need to step up and be more vocal.

Coaching-Overall Grade: C-

Team Overall Grade: C

Overall View

Some teams peak to early, some teams peak right on time and some teams never peak at all. The Cowboys have some work to do, but they could possibly be one of the teams that peak right on time. After all of the bad things that have been said about them after 5 games, they are 3-2. They are going into a bye week, that should allow Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Roy Williams some extra time to heel. The offense needs to focus on revamping their passing game and working on their audibles. They will not get 250 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns out of Austin every week. Hopefully, Barber will get better. He just can't get into that other gear with that quad injury. If he can't go, they need to get Choice more carries. The defense needs to continue to improve. Hopefully the offense can put together some drives and some points to keep them off the field and give them some cushion. Someone on that team needs to stand up and be a leader. As far as the coaching go, I will leave them with this: " No one has to like you to lead them in the right direction, they just need to respect you."