The Cowboys cleaned house a little this offseason. Their most notable release was receiver Terrell Owens. The Cowboys hope the release of Owens makes for a more pleasant locker room. Dallas also let go some other fairly big names, including linebacker Zach Thomas, tackle Tank Thomas, cornerback Anthony Henry, safety Roy Williams and cornerback Adam Jones. This leaves a few holes for the Cowboys to fill.

Linebacker Keith Brooking was added to give the team another veteran presence at linebacker. He should fill Thomas' shoes just fine. And the Cowboys picked up a new backup quarterback, getting Jon Kitna. He is an upgrade over the aging Brad Johnson, who was let go. Safety Gerald Sensabaugh was brought in to start at safety, replacing Williams. Sensabaugh is probably an upgrade over Williams, who has been hit or miss in recent seasons.

The passing game gets a lot of the headlines, but we think the Cowboys running game could be a force this season. The Cowboys will have three more than capable backs getting carries this season - Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Barber will start but the other two will get their chances. Barber is a great between the tackle runner and top goal-line back. Jones is a big-time home run threat. And choice proved to be a versatile back last season, moving the pile while showing some speed to the outside. The Cowboys could be a lot more run heavy this season.

The Cowboys boast one of the top pass rushes in all the game. They collected 59 sacks last season. DeMarcus Ware had an amazing 20 sacks last season and proved to be one of the top defenders in the game. The Cowboys also get production up the middle from tackle Jay Ratliff and Greg Ellis also provides a top speed rush on the outside. The Cowboys won't give opposing quarterbacks much time to throw this season.

The Cowboys have to be somewhat concerned with their receivers this season. T.O. is gone, leaving Roy Williams as their No. 1 guy. But Williams has just one 1,000-yard season in his career and is no sure thing to produce big numbers in a featured role. And outside of Williams, the Cowboys have little. Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd will compete for playing time. They could surprise, but none are a sure bet to excel in an expanded role. Tight end Jason Witten is about the only sure thing in the Cowboys passing attack.

Even with T.O. gone, the Cowboys still have a ton of talent, enough talent to win the NFC. Their defense made strides last season and the rushing game will be tough to stop this season. If Romo doesn't have any meltdowns, the Cowboys should win a lot of games and make a run in the playoffs.