The 2016 football season begins today, as Vanderbilt is set to kick off spring practice. The Black & Gold Spring Game will take place next month, March 25, and feature a “Friday Night Lights” theme, according to head coach Derek Mason. Over the next month, Vanderbilt will look to retool on both sides of the ball in preparation for the exhibition game.

The Black & Gold Spring Game will help give us a better idea of what to expect once the regular season kicks off next fall. With that in mind, here are the five storylines that you need to follow during spring practice.

Simplified Defense In The Spring

Expect to see Mason trim down the defensive playbook for the spring so that he can see his players’ raw abilities at full speed. Within the 3-4 scheme, Mason will only have four base calls and four more calls in a nickel package. “We are going to recalibrate, bring this thing right back to ground zero,” said Mason, whose defense was among the best in the SEC last season. “We have tweaked this defense a little bit, so you are going to see some guys in different positions. There will be more speed on the field and a more athletic look.”

Same OC and Quarterback

Vanderbilt will most likely be sticking with their starting Quarterback, Kyle Shurmur, who started five games at the end of his 2015 freshman campaign. Shurmur passed for 503 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions last season. Offensive Coordinator, Andy Ludwig, is back as well, giving the Commodores more stability on the offensive end this spring. Strong quarterback play will be the most important factor for Vanderbilt if they hope to see improvement this season.

Spring Game Standouts

A good spring practice does not necessarily translate into a successful season. However, there is no question that some individual breakouts begin in the spring. Look no further than Ralph Webb, who had a big performance in the spring game two years ago before going on to break Vanderbilt’s freshman rushing record that fall. Mason hopes to see some running backs and wide receivers show promise during this spring game so that the team can really open up the offense.

Aggressive Up Front

The new offensive line coach, Cameron Norcross, will make his on-field debut with the Commodores this spring. He was hired just last month, previously serving as the Nevada/Fresno State assistant coach. Norcross shared his aggressive philosophy with his new players heading into spring practice. “The big thing with him is that we’re going to be aggressive in everything we do,” said offensive lineman Andrew Jelks, who returns from a 2015 torn ACL. “He wants us up front to be labeled as aggressive types that will hit you in the mouth every play.”

Who Will Be The Go-To Players

Mason stated that is the overall goal for the spring is to get a “true understanding of exactly what our personnel is because you want to design scheme around your best players.” This means that Mason will be moving around players on the defense to try and find the best fit. Norcross will try to get his offensive line solidified, so we can expect some experimentation as he looks to find a group that works best together. Lastly, Shurmur is hopeful to find some new targets in the passing game in the second year of Ludwig’s offense.

Number 5: Class of 2003

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 5: Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State.

Round 2, pick 38: Al Johnson, C, Wisconsin.

Round 3, pick 69: Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee.

Round 4, pick 103: Bradie James, LB, LSU.

Round 6, pick 178: B.J. Tucker, CB, Wisconsin.

Round 6, pick 186: Zuriel Smith, WR, Hampton.

Round 7, pick 219: Justin Bates, G, Colorado.

What Makes Them Special?

Following the 2002 season, the 5-11 Dallas Cowboys were desperate for a shutdown corner. Terence Newman stepped in and made significant contributions for the better part of nine years. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009, intercepting at least three passes in all but one season (2006). Bradie James was one of the most consistent players for the Cowboys in recent memory. He recorded at least 100 tackles in five straight seasons and led the Cowboys in tackles six times. Jason Witten has been a rock for the organization to this day. He has earned 10 trips to the Pro Bowl and will certainly be considered for the Ring of Honor some day.

Number 4: Class of 2005

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 11: DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Troy State.

Round 1, pick 20: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU.

Round 2, pick 42: Kevin Burnett, LB, Tennessee.

Round 4, pick 132: Chris Canty, DE, Virginia.

Round 6, pick 208: Justin Beriault, DB, Ball State.

Round 6, pick 209: Rob Petitti, T, Pittsburgh.

Round 7, pick 224: Jay Ratliff, DE, Auburn.

What Makes Them Special?

On his own, DeMarcus Ware makes for a spectacular draft class. Since his rookie year began, Ware has been one of the top pass rushers in the National Football League, recording 134.5 sacks during those 11 seasons and being selected to nine Pro Bowls. The last draft selection by the Cowboys in 2005, Jay Ratliff, proved to be a stellar defensive player as well. Marion Barber provided several quality years for the team, while Spears, Burnett, and Canty all proved to be great value picks as well.

Number 3: Class of 1990

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 17: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida.

Round 2, pick 26: Alexander Wright, WR, Auburn.

Round 3, pick 64: Jimmie Jones, DT, Miami (Fla.).

Round 9, pick 221: Kenneth Gant, DB, Albany State (Ga.).

Round 11, pick 277: Dave Harper, LB, Humboldt State.

What Makes Them Special?

Although Emmitt Smith is the only notable name from the 1990 draft class, he stand alone as one of the greatest Cowboys of all time. If a team lands a running back that becomes the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and helps the team win three Super Bowls in four year, then that is good enough to put the 1990 class on the list. Let’s be honest, not many general managers would pass up the opportunity to land one of the greatest running backs in NFL history if it meant forgoing the rest of their draft picks.

Number 2: Class of 1991

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 1: Russell Maryland , DT, Miami (Fla.).

Round 1, pick 12: Alvin Harper, WR, Tennessee.

Round 1, pick 20: Kelvin Pritchett, DT, Mississippi.

Round 2, pick 37: Dixon Edwards, LB, Michigan State.

Round 3, pick 62: Godfrey Myles, LB, Florida.

Round 3, pick 64: James Richards, G, California.

Round 3, pick 70: Erik Williams , T, Central State (Ohio).

Round 4, pick 97: Curvin Richards, RB, Pittsburgh.

Round 4, pick 106: Bill Musgrave, QB, Oregon.

Round 4, pick 108: Tony Hill , DE, Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Round 4, pick 110: Kevin Harris, DE, Texas Southern.

Round 5, pick 132: Darrick Brownlow, LB, Illinois.

Round 6, pick 153: Mike Sullivan, G, Miami (Fla.).

Round 7, pick 173: Leon Lett, DE, Emporia State.

Round 9, pick 235: Damon Mays, WR, Missouri.

Round 10, pick 264: Sean Love, G, Penn State.

Round 11, pick 291: Tony Boles, RB, Michigan.

Round 12, pick 320: Larry Brown, CB, TCU.

What Makes Them Special?

The NFL draft is an exciting time of the year for any team, but it is especially special when you have 18 picks. The draft began with Jimmy Johnson grabbing one of his former Miami Players, Russell Maryland. He was one of the foundational pieces that helped the team win three Super Bowls. Lining up next to Maryland during the height of the Cowboys success was Leon Lett. The Defensive End was an absolute steal in the seventh round. Another steal for Dallas came when the landed Larry Brown in the 12th round. Brown was the starting corner for all three Super Bowls and was one of only four defensive players to win Super Bowl MVP since 1987. On offense, Erik WIlliams was one of the best pickups. He started at right tackle for one of the best offensive lines in NFL history.

Number 1: Class of 1989

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 1: Troy Aikman, UCLA

Round 2, pick 39: Daryl Johnston, Syracuse

Round 3, pick 57: Mark Stepnoski, Pittsburgh

Round 3, pick 68: Rhondy Weston, Florida

Round 4, pick 85: Tony Tolbert, UTEP

Round 5, pick 113: Keith Jennings, Clemson

Round 5, pick 119: Willis Crockett, Georgia Tech

Round 5, pick 125: Jeff Roth, Florida

Round 7, pick 168: Kevin Peterson, Northwestern

Round 8, pick 196: Charvez Foger, Nevada

Round 9, pick 224: Tim Jackson, Nebraska

Round 10, pick 252: Rod Carter, Miami (FL)

Round 11, pick 280: Randy Shannon, Miami (FL)

Round 12, pick 308: Scott Ankrom, TCU

What Makes Them Special?

Troy Aikman certainly was the crown jewel of the 1989 draft class, as a Hall of Fame quarterback who led the franchise to three Super Bowl victories. But the Cowboys did not stop there, they hit on a number of other picks as well. Johnston was a two-time Pro Bowl fullback who helped the team for 11 years. Stepnoski had a six-year stint with the Cowboys, making it to three Super Bowls during this time. The 1989 class does not get enough credit for its help as the core of the Cowboys dynasty during the 1990s. The Dallas Cowboys secured three offensive cornerstones, including their leader.

The 2015-16 football season will be one to forget for the Dallas Cowboys. The team has struggled to produce in the absence of Tony Romo. For the fourth time this season, the Cowboys failed to score an offensive touchdown in their 16-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

It did not matter whether it was Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel or Kellen Moore starting in place of Tony Romo this season, the offense simply could not get anything going.

To make matters worse, Cowboys fans had to watch Weeden complete 15 of 24 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Houston Texans in a 24-8 win against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Cowboys cut Weeden on November 17th.

This season was the first time the Cowboys have had four games without an offensive touchdown since the 2001. The 2001 season was also the last time the Cowboys started four different quarterbacks in one season: Quincy Carter, Anthony Wright, Ryan Leaf and Clint Stoerner.

“It’s certainly been one of the bigger disappointments this year. … Points on the board have to be made through touchdowns first,” said Coordinator Scott Linehan. “Field goals aren’t going to cut it. So it’s been an Achilles heel of ours this year and there’s going to be a time for that evaluation and talking about what we do and what the reasons are and all of that stuff. Last year, we made a really big gain in that area and this year has obviously been the flip side of it. Not going to win enough games if you don’t put enough points on the board on offense, that’s for sure.”

Interestingly, the Cowboys have scored on eight opening possessions this season, including yesterday against the Bills. But the Cowboys were forced to settle for a field goal, a common story this season.

“For whatever the reason, we can’t make a play when we need to make it,” stated Stephen Jones, the Cowboys chief operating officer. “We come out, we drive the ball well, but then we can’t get it in the end zone so it’s settle for a field goal. Then for whatever reason, it deteriorates from there. I feel like we’ve played that game every year this year. It feels like the same game.”

The only good news that you can take away from this season is that the Cowboys will now be in a great position for a top pick in the 2016 draft.

If the draft were to happen today, the Cowboys would have the 5th selection. A top 5 pick would help the Cowboys get a impact player that could truly help their team. According to Stephen Jones, their top need is for a quarterback.

“We probably should have done what we’ve historically done, which is go with the Kitnas, go with the Ortons, go with that type of proven backup in case something does happen to Tony,” Jones explained on DallasCowboys.com.

Unfortunately the did not have a proven backup in place this season, and once Romo went down they were forced to pay for their mistake. “That’s going to be No. 1 on our list, how do we do that better in the future,” continued Jones.

There will be a number of back-up quarterbacks available in the free-agent market this offseason. There are also two highly coveted college quarterbacks on the Cowboys radar, including Jared Goff from California and Paxton Lynch from Memphis. This will give Dallas a lot of flexibility to address their quarterback concerns, in addition to their concerns at running back, defensive tackle and linebacker.

“The rules call for you if you’ve had the season we’ve had to get an advantage in talent coming up for the next year,” stated Cowboys owner Jerry Jones after last Saturday’s 19-16 loss to the New York Jets, “and so we do have an advantage in talent to couple with a roster of really outstanding relatively young players as well as players as the right time in their careers and the right place for us on the cap, so there is a lot to do.”

Source: ESPN

The Dallas Cowboys are arguably the greatest franchise to ever set foot on a football field. While the Packers may boast more NFL championships and the Steelers more Super Bowls, the Cowboys are America’s Team. They have managed to be competitive in every single era and have several Super Bowl wins as well. The Dallas Cowboys have had some incredible teams with some very impressive players. Here are some of the greatest players to ever put on a Cowboys uniform.

1) Roger Staubach (QB, 1969-1979)

His legacy has lived on well past his time on the field. Roger Staubach has remained the face and embodiment of the Cowboys for the last 40-plus years. As a 10th-round draft pick in the 1965 draft, Staubach may be the smartest draft pick in franchise history. He led the Cowboys to four Super Bowls, claiming victory in two of them, and defined leadership for the organization that became “America’s Team.”

2) Emmitt Smith (RB, 1990-2002)

Smith was the anchor for the Cowboys during their three Super Bowl wins in four years in the 1990s. Although he was considered to be too small and too slow, Emmitt Smith retired as one of the most accomplished runners in league history. He was a regular-season and Super Bowl MVP and went on to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He even holds the record for most postseason rushing yards as well.

3) Bob Lilly (DT, 1961-1974)

Bob Lilly, or “Mr. Cowboy”, was the first player drafted by the franchise in 1961 and became the foundation of Tom Landry’s “Doomsday Defense,” locking down at the defensive tackle for 14 years. Towards the end of his career, Lilly and the Cowboys reached two Super Bowls, winning one of them. Bob Lilly was known for his non-traditional pre-snap stance, in which he lined up with both hands on the ground.

4) Troy Aikman (QB, 1989-2000)

Troy Aikman was the quarterback throughout the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, although he does not remember playing in Super Bowl XXVIII. On top of the Super Bowl rings, Aikman was voted into six straight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

5) Tony Dorsett (RB, 1977-1987)

Dorsett ran his way into four Pro Bowls and an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Heisman Trophy winner rushed for 12,739 yards during his professional career. Tony Dorsett us a winner in every sense of the word: he is the only football player to win the college championship (NCAA title at Pittsburgh) and pro championship (Super Bowl XII) in back-to-back years.

6) Michael Irvin (WR, 1988-1999)

Michael Irvin talked as good a game as he played. His physical play actually forced the NFL to adjust the rulebook to prevent physical wide receivers from pushing off helpless cornerbacks. Irvin was voted into five-straight Pro Bowls and the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well. He tallied up a total of 11,904 receiving yards throughout his career and was was a member of the Cowboys trio of Super Bowl triumphs.

7) Larry Allen (OG, 1994-2005)

Larry Allen (along with number 8 on the list, Rayfield Wright) was one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time. Allen was the rock that protected Aikman and blocked for smith, allowing the explosive offense to fire on all cylinders. He was asked to slide all over the line, however, guard is the position for which he will be remembered most. Allen may have been the strongest man in NFL history as well: he recorded a bench press of a whopping 692 pounds.

8) Rayfield Wright (OT, 1967-1979)

Rayfield Wright played all over the field, including tight end, defensive end, and tackle. In addition to his six straight Pro Bowls, Wright played a vital role during the Cowboy’s two Super Bowl titles. He protected Staubach and opened up holes for Dorsett against some of the best defenses in NFL history, such as the Steel Curtain, the Purple People Eaters, and the Orange Crush.

9) Randy White (DT, 1975-1988)

White played on the Dallas Cowboys’ Doomsday defense that led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl XII victory. He was MVP in the Super Bowl win over Denver in the 1977-78 season. Randy White was a member of nine straight Pro Bowls and was elected into the Hall of Fame. White was incredibly strong for his size and extremely quick for his position.

10) Mel Renfro (DB, 1964-1977)

Renfro’s career included 52 interceptions and 10 straight Pro Bowl visits. He was later elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played on four Cowboy Super Bowl teams (winning two), including the last game he ever played against Denver in Super Bowl XII.

The 2015-16 season for the Dallas Cowboys will be one that many fans hope to forget. The team currently sits in last place in the NFC East, with a 3-8 record. However, the team and fans are not suffering because they their playoff hopes are dead, it is actually the opposite.

The Dallas Cowboys remain just two games out of first place in the division. The Washington Redskins beat the New York Giants on Sunday, giving both squads a record of 5-6. With five games left in the season, the Cowboys are still actually in contention to win the division.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys are once again Romo-less. The quarterback suffered a hairline fracture in his left collarbone in the vicinity of the previous break. The team will not be forced to finish the season with Romo on the sidelines.

This is a devastating blow for a team that is has endured a painful 0-8 record in his absence. Matt Cassel will now be thrusted back into the spotlight, with everyone wondering if he can lead the Cowboys to even one win this season, let alone enough wins to secure the division.

“We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and take full responsibility for it,” Garrett said after the loss to the Panthers. “We have to decide over the next few days what we want to be; what we want to be individually; what we want to be collectively. When we get back together again, early next week to recommit and be the type of team we’re capable of being. There’s nothing we can do to what’s happened up to this point. What we have to do if focus on going forward, learn from the experience we’ve had and be hardened by the experience we’ve had and move forward, take it day by day, game by game.”

Until the Cowboys can prove they are capable of winning a game without Romo, there is no use going through the calculations to see how the Cowboys can make the playoffs. This is a tough pill to swallow for a team with so much promise and a huge opportunity right within their grasp.

Cassel will get his second run as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback after posting four touchdown passes and five interceptions in his previous four starts.

The Cowboys will play a pivotal division game against the NFC East leading Redskins next Monday night. If the Cowboys wish to remain in contention for the playoffs, they will need to secure a victory. The Cowboys still remain confident and ready to reverse the current trends this season.

“We’re still trying to battle,” safety Barry Church said. “It’s definitely going to be hard. We put ourselves in a huge hole right now. We definitely got to battle. There’s no conceding anything. Hopefully the rest of the team feels that way.”

Tony Romo made his long

The star quarterback did not necessarily have a great game in his return, but he provided just enough of a spark to lift the team to a 24-14 victory. Romo finished with 227 yards passing, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Romo’s presence in the pocket was exactly what the team has been missing. With the passing game more of a threat, the ground attack opened up for an impressive 166 yards. Darren McFadden accounted for 129 yards alone

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense, which found itself on the field far too often during Romo’s absence, benefited from Romo’s return as well. His command of the offense helped the Cowboys dominate  the time of possession, 28:50 to 21:20.

The Cowboys entered the season as the favorites to win the division, but after Romo broke his left clavicle in a Week 2 win, the team struggled to move the ball. Their 0-7 record in his absence was the team’s longest losing streak since 1989.

Following the win Sunday, the Cowboys now find themselves at 3-7. Despite their record, the Cowboys remain only two games back in the N.F.C. East. The New York Giants currently sit at the top of the division with a record of 5-5.

The Cowboys will have their work cut out for them this week with the undefeated Carolina Panthers coming into town on Thursday. Each game will be a must-win should they want any chance of making the playoffs this season.

The Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys officials announced that they were still determining what to do with their quarterback depth, but it appears the team will look to finish out the season with just Romo and Matt Cassel at the position.

The news to release Brandon Weeden does not come as much as a surprise. Weeden started in three games for the Cowboys this season, failing to win a single one of them. The Cowboys signed Weeden to the veteran minimum deal during the 2014 offseason, after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. During his stint in Dallas, he filled in admirably, helping lead the teams to wins against Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Washington in 2014, in addition to helping the team close out a Week 2 win in Philadelphia this year.

Weeden was eventually replaced by Matt Cassel as the starting quarterback during the Week 6 bye, however, Cassel has been unable to get the job done either. Following their loss to Tampa Bay over the weekend, the Cowboys record has now fallen to 2-7.

Tony Romo fractured his left collarbone back in Week 2 and has missed every game ever since. Romo is expected to return to the field this week against the Miami Dolphins. He was placed on short-term injured reserve after the injury, making this week (Week 11), the earliest that he could return.

In two games this season, Romo has thrown for 551 yards and three touchdowns with a 98.8 passer rating. Romo has a career record of 77-48.

While Romo’s return to the field may be too late to help push the Cowboys into the playoff race, nonetheless, his return to the field will provide some much needed excitement and firepower to the offense.

After taking over quarterback responsibilities for Brandon Weeden in Week 6, Matt Cassel has done a solid job. Last night was definitely his best performance thus far.

Cassel led the team on three scoring drives in the fourth quarter to force overtime. He finished the game a passer rating of 105.0, which included 299 yards on 25 of 28 passing, along with three touchdowns and one interception.

Most importantly, Cassel understands the urgency to keep the Cowboys competitive. This was evident after his 18-yard lob into the end zone, intended for none other than Dez Bryant.

“I was exactly throwing it to Dez, There’s no doubt about that,” Cassel said post-game. “That’s where I wanted to throw it.”

Unfortunately, the desperation plays that kept the Cowboys in the game, were accompanied by some painful mistakes. On a short pass to Darren McFadden on the previous drive, Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks was able to jump the route and return the interception 67 yards for a touchdown.

Eagles vs. Cowboys | Week 9 Highlights | NFL

“Every week that you are in this offense and every week that I am here, I feel better and better and more confident in the huddle,” Cassel said. “I feel more confidence understanding the plays and the premise of the plays, where we are supposed to be going with the ball and also understanding our personnel.”

Although he played a great game, Dallas, yet again, found themselves on the losing end.

The Cowboys have been plagued by injuries this season, most notably losing pro-bowlers Dez Bryant and Tony Romo for much of the season. Thankfully Dez Bryant has returned to the field, but after 6 consecutive losses, the Cowboys appear desperate to get Romo back as well.

Romo is eligible to return November 22 at Miami. Assuming that he is healthy enough to play, Cassel would have one more start against Tampa Bay next Sunday. The team needs a win to get their season back on track and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2015 season as the reigning NFC East champions. Despite the loss of DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys still have their sights on a Super Bowl appearance. With the best offensive line in the NFL, a Pro Bowl quarterback in Tony Romo, an elite receiver and an improved Defense, the Cowboys appear to be well positioned to live up to the high expectations. Here is a breakdown of the upcoming season for the Dallas Cowboys:

Schedule:

Week 1: vs. New York Giants, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13

Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles, 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons, noon Sept. 27

Week 4: at New Orleans Saints, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Week 5: vs. New England Patriots, 3:25 p.m. Oct. 11

Week 6: Bye week

Week 7: at New York Giants, 3:25 p.m. Oct. 25

Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 3:25 p.m. Nov. 1

Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8

Week 10: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noon Nov. 15

Week 11: at Miami Dolphins, noon Nov. 22

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 26 (Thursday)

Week 13: at Washington Redskins, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 (Monday)

Week 14: at Green Bay Packers, 3:25 p.m. Dec. 13

Week 15: vs. New York Jets, 7:25 p.m. Dec. 19 (Saturday)

Week 16: at Buffalo Bills, noon Dec. 27

Week 17: vs. Washington Redskins, noon Jan. 3

Depth Chart:

Offense Depth Chart

Photo: ESPN

Defense Depth Chart

Photo: ESPN

Special Teams Depth Chart

Photo: ESPN

Key Departures:

• DeMarco Murray (RB)
• Bruce Carter (LB)
• Henry Melton (DT)
• Justin Durant (LB)
• Sterling Moore (CB)
• George Selvie (DE)
• Dwayne Harris (WR)

Key Additions:

• Greg Hardy (DE)
• Byron Jones (CB)
• Darren McFadden (RB)
• Randy Gregory (DE)
• Corey WHite (CB)
• La’el Collins (T/G)

Predictions:

NFL picks: Local experts predict Cowboys record, playoff teams, Super Bowl champion

2015 Dallas Cowboys game-by-game Predictions

2015 NFC East preview and predictions

Learn more about the 2015 Roster:

Rookies, Running Backs, and Defense

Roster Breakdown

A Closer Look At The 53-Man Roster