IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones says the team has a better offense than it did a year ago.
The Cowboys finished 16th in total offense (341 yards per game) and fifth in points scored (27.4 per game).
Why is Jones optimistic?
He gave several reasons on Wednesday.
First, Dallas used its top draft pick to upgrade an offensive line that already has some impressive pieces in Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith and second-year center Travis Frederick. Second, Jones likes the depth at running back with Lance Dunbar healthy and Joseph Randle having another year under his belt.
Mix that together with a healthy Tony Romo and outstanding skill position players like Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray and Jason Witten, and Jones sees a lot of potential with new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan calling plays.
"I really think it can [be great]," Jones said. "Obviously we believe Tony is an elite quarterback and you put the supporting cast with him, that's why we picked Zack Martin. I think we're better in the offensive line and you'd hope so if you spent the 16th pick in the draft on one of the better offensive linemen in the draft. You'd like to hope you're better.
"We were pretty good last year and I think we'll move that up to where you say, âHey, we've got a chance to have an elite offense.'"
Dallas finished sixth in total offense in 2012, 11th in 2011, seventh in 2010 and second in 2009.
