The Dallas Cowboys are a team that is considered an annual threat regardless of the fact that they have not tasted postseason success since the mid 90s. It seems that the star power in Big D is enough to get them by on most counts. Having a quarterback that dates Jessica Simpson, and a moniker like “America’s Team” can do that for a football franchise. Still, are the Cowboys truly a threat in the powerhouse NFC East? Here are the five keys to the Dallas Cowboys success in 2009:

1. Adjusting to life without Terrell Owens - While this may not seem like a negative, you can not expect to subtract Owen’s numbers without noticing it somewhere. Romo simply does not have the wide out weapons that he had when Owens was around. Owens certainly will not be missed in the Dallas locker room, however. Wide outs Roy Williams, and Patrick Crayton are going to have to truly step up their production for the Owens departure to be considered a great move. Also, the Cowboys need a big season from young receiver Miles Austin. He is fast enough to get behind the defense and truly make a difference.

2. Romo must win in December and beyond - Tony Romo is one of the premiere quarterbacks in the league. He is a gifted player from top to bottom. The problem is, he can not seem to win late in the season. Not only have the Cowboys lost in the first round twice under Tony Romo, but he also has a terrible record in late season games. This trend must change in 2009 if the Cowboys are to have any chance to make noise.

3. Can the Cowboys keep all three running backs happy? - This is one area in which the Cowboys have a great problem. Tashard Choice, Felix Jones, and Marion Barber are all starters waiting to happen. While Barber has the job to lose, the Cowboys have made no secret that they want the ball in Felix Jones’ hands as much as possible. To further complicate things, Tashard Choice started the last few games in 08 and went bonkers running the football. He is quite possibly the best of the three overall. Can the Cowboys keep all three men happy?

4. Does Keith Brooking still have enough in the tank? - The Cowboys replaced one aging star with yet another aging star at inside linebacker. Out is Zach Thomas, and in is Keith Brooking. Brooking can be quite good at the inside position, and should at least maintain the status quo. If they can get an upgrade out of him, then the Cowboy defense will be that much better.

5. Can the Cowboys patch together a secondary? Regardless of how good the Cowboys linebackers are, they are only as good on defense as the secondary will allow. Things got so bad here that Jerry Jones is rumored to be considering bringing back PacMan. (no kidding) If the Cowboys are planning to make any headway in the 2009 NFL season, they must find a group that can stop the long range passing game.