It’s Officially Football Season

Today is a great day. Because this season’s Cowboys disappointment officially becomes last season’s memory. And next season? It’s now this season.

As for 2008, the Cowboys are again heating up trade talks for Pacman Jones (but really, how could they get any hotter?). They are licking their chops at the 22nd and 29th picks in the upcoming draft, bringing in the likes of USC TE Fred Davis, Texas A&M TE Martellus Bennett, Texas RB Jamaal Charles, Arkansas RB Felix Jones, Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly, Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart and Texas WR Limas Sweed for workouts at Valley Ranch tomorrow. They are the oddsmakers’ favorites (at 10-to-1) to win the NFC and play in Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009, in Tampa.

And, as of right about now, they know their regular-season schedule. The highlights:

The Cowboys open Sunday, September 7, at the Cleveland Browns … Open at home Monday night, September 15, against the Philadelphia Eagles … And conclude their final season at Texas Stadium on Saturday night, December 20, against the Baltimore Ravens. Huh, I figured the stadium finale would at least be a Monday-nighter against the Giants or Redskins.

And no official date on when owner Jerry Jones will induct himself into the joint’s Ring of Honor. But it’s just gotta happen, right?

Of course, evaluating NFL schedules in April is like plotting American Airlines schedules. Last April, who knew the season’s biggest game would be against Green Bay and a visit to Chicago would be a laugher? Still, Dallas’ road sure looks like 11-5 don’t it? --Richie Whitt

Sun., Sept. 7 at Cleveland (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 15 PHILADELPHIA (ESPN) 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 21 at Green Bay (NBC) 7:15 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 28 WASHINGTON (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 5 CINCINNATI (CBS) 3:15 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 12 at Arizona (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 19 at St. Louis (FOX) Noon
Sun., Oct. 26 TAMPA BAY (FOX) Noon
Sun., Nov. 2 at New York Giants (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 9 BYE
Sun., Nov. 16 at Washington (NBC) 7:15 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 23 SAN FRANCISCO (FOX) Noon
Thurs., Nov. 27 SEATTLE (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 7 at Pittsburgh (FOX) 3:15 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 14 NEW YORK GIANTS (NBC) 7:15 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 20 BALTIMORE (NFLN) 7:15 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 28 at Philadelphia (FOX) Noon