The Cowboys opened the season with high hopes for finally becoming Super Bowl-bound again.
They had not been to the big game since the 1995 season, and they had not won a playoff game since the 1996 season.
But they went 13-3 in 2007 and were bringing back 13 Pro Bowl players, so this was supposed to be the year.
Owner Jerry Jones spent more than $135 million on bonuses and guaranteed money on contract extensions to ensure a Super Bowl run. He doubled down by giving offensive coordinator Jason Garrett a $3 million annually salary to shun a head-coaching opportunity in Baltimore and stay with the Cowboys.
He further bolstered the squad by trading for Detroit receiver Roy Williams in exchange for three draft picks and a $45 million contract.
But what Jones got was the most disappointing and underachieving season in franchise history.
The Cowboys entered the season boldly talking about Super Bowl or bust, and they ended not making the playoffs.
They went from 13-3 to 9-7.
They cratered when it counted the most, going 1-3 in December, when one more win could have put them in the playoffs.
Blame part of the failure on injuries. Quarterback Tony Romo was lost for three games with a broken finger. The Cowboys lost two of those games.
But also blame a lack of discipline on the part of coach Wade Phillips.
The Cowboys were one of the league's most turnover-prone and penalty-plagued teams. They also suffered from poor team chemistry. Dallas has already gotten rid of cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and likely will part ways with defensive tackle Tank Johnson.
The team is considering getting rid of receiver Terrell Owens because of his position as a clubhouse lawyer.
The Cowboys are not making any huge changes in the coaching staff, as Phillips will return for another season, but he said he would be tougher and more demanding in 2009.
The question is whether the players will buy it after getting used to Phillips' laid-back ways.
Personnel-wise, the Cowboys need to shore up safety, defensive line and inside linebacker.
They also need a credible backup quarterback to replace Brad Johnson, who will not be back.
The Cowboys are moving into a $1.2 billion stadium in Arlington this year, and Jerry Jones needs to do something to generate excitement.
