Record: 2-1, T-2nd in NFC East

This is the season that Jerry Jones has been waiting for. After over a decade of planning and three years of construction, the enormous $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium made its grand opening on September 20 – a 33-31 Cowboys loss to the Giants. But even the loss was a victory for Jones because the Cowboys set an NFL regular season attendance record of 105,121 people. On the field, the three-headed running back beast of Marion Barber III, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice forms one of the more dangerous backfields in the league. The Cowboys lead the league in rushing with 193.7 yards per game, over 20 yards ahead of the second-place team. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback. Jason Witten is a formidable weapon at tight end, sure-handed and always willing to do whatever it takes to get the extra yard.

Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Cowboys is how they'll replace the production of the departed Terrell Owens. Roy Williams is the No. 1 receiver, but he has yet to prove he can separate from cornerbacks on a consistent basis since arriving in Dallas. Much like their new stadium, the Cowboys will attract attention for their style, but it remains to be seen whether they have the substance to stick around for the long haul.

Difference Maker: Entering his fourth season as the Cowboys' starting quarterback, it's put-up or shut-up time for Tony Romo. He has proven in his time under center for the Cowboys that he's capable of providing the big play at any given moment. However, he's still hampered by questions about limiting mistakes and showing up in big games. His performance in the Cowboys' loss to the Giants didn't help – he threw three interceptions and was outplayed by Manning. If the Cowboys are to make a playoff run this year, they'll need Romo to be a more reliable passer

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 8:18 p.m., October 2