Ex-coach says Cowboys will make playoffs

Published Jan. 22, 2013 3:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

Earlier this month former NFL head coach Herm Edwards wrote that he expects the Cowboys to make the playoffs next season.

During a recent television segment, the ESPN analyst shared a few more thoughts on the Cowboys being his breakout team for the 2013 season.

"When you look at this football team, they lost six defensive starters. (Those players) will be back next year," Edwards said. "They got to get a solid running game along with some replacements on that offensive line. If they're able to do that, these Dallas Cowboys have a chance to compete in this division and get their self finally a playoff spot."

The Cowboys actually only lost five defensive starters during the season: linebackers Sean Lee (toe) and Bruce Carter (elbow), defensive linemen Jay Ratliff (groin) and Kenyon Coleman (triceps muscle) and safety Barry Church (torn Achilles tendon). However, reserve cornerback Orlando Scandrick suffered a season-ending fractured left hand and starting outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware battled right shoulder and right elbow injuries throughout the season.

In regards to upgrading the offensive line, it would be surprising if the Cowboys didn't spend a couple draft picks in April on upgrading one of the worst offensive fronts in the league.

Before becoming a TV analyst, Edwards spent three seasons coaching the Kansas City Chiefs and five seasons before that coaching the New York Jets.