DALLAS — A year ago, the Cowboys entered training camp with what appeared to be a stacked lineup.

They had Pro Bowl players at every position, supposedly upgraded the talent base and were looked at as a Super Bowl favorite.
By the end of 2008, they had missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
The Cowboys enter 2009 minus their leading receiver, their second-best pass rusher, their two best special teamers, a former Pro Bowl safety and their second-leading tackler. Expectations are less lofty.
More issues seem to surround the Cowboys as they enter training camp this year with Wednesday’s first practice at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Here are the top issues that need to be resolved:
A chemistry lesson
In many ways, a successful season will come down to how Tony Romo and Roy Williams jell in their first full season together. They started working out together in early March. They used the organized team activities and minicamp to get their timing down.
In San Antonio, they must take the next step.
Since 2006, no quarterback-wide receiver duo has connected for more touchdowns than Romo and Terrell Owens (34). Williams does not have to be Owens in order for the offense to produce, but his performance needs to be more “Romo-friendly” than it was last season, when he had 16 catches, 160 yards and no touchdowns in his eight games with Romo.
Williams has been bothered by the remarks made by former players and media this off-season about his ability. Romo has taken similar shots.
They have something to prove, and that should be a good thing for the Cowboys.
Prime-time player?
A first-round pick in 2007, Anthony Spencer could be the key to the Cowboys’ defense. With the release of Greg Ellis, who had 20› sacks the last two seasons, the Cowboys must have production from Spencer.
He showed potential despite being limited with injuries in his first two seasons, but he has to turn that potential into production. The better Spencer plays, the better it will be for DeMarcus Ware, who led the NFL with 20 sacks in 2008. Ware will see more double-teams until Spencer proves he can be a dangerous pass-rusher, too.
Owner Jerry Jones and the coaches said Spencer was having the best training camp of any linebacker in 2008 before a knee injury sidelined him. He played OK in his return but had just 1› sacks. With untested rookies Victor Butler and Brandon Williams as the top backups, Spencer must live up to the first-round tag.
Three-headed monster
Assistant head coach Jason Garrett will be watched closely as he tries to replace Terrell Owens’ stats. He will also have to figure out the best way to use running backs Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.
Barber, who was slowed late last season by a toe injury, will be the workhorse of the trio, but the question is whether he will be a starter or closer or both.
His rugged style makes him the ultimate fourth-quarter closer, but he is also valuable as a receiver.
Jones’ rookie season was cut short by a toe injury suffered while he was recovering from a hamstring injury. His absence had a profound effect on the offense. He has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. In off-season workouts, he looked fully recovered.
Choice used the injuries to Barber and Jones to show he can be an effective between-the-tackles rusher.
The New York Giants had success using three runners, keeping pressure off quarterback Eli Manning by controlling the ball. If the Cowboys can do something similar, Tony Romo’s life will be easier, as well.
A change in approach
A day after the embarrassing 44-6 loss to Philadelphia, Wade Phillips promised change. An NFL lifer, Phillips, 62, is not going to change his personality and how he deals with players.
But he promises to be more demanding. During off-season workouts, Phillips and the coaching staff were sticklers. If a player had a false start, he would sit out a play. Phillips said players would be fined the maximum allowed for each pound they were overweight.
The mantra has been to do things “exactly” right, which begs the question, “Why wasn’t that the case before?” But recognizing things had to change is a start. Now it comes down to executing the tougher approach.
Settling positions
Despite the changes in the off-season, there are not many starting positions up for grabs. The biggest battle will be at right cornerback.
The Cowboys traded Anthony Henry because of their belief in Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick.
Jenkins, a No. 1 pick last year, worked with the first team more during workouts and will get the first chance. He changed his number, from No. 31 to No. 21, and hopes to change the team’s impression of him, too. For now he is remembered more for avoiding a tackle than anything else. Scandrick, a fifth-round pick, exceeded expectations last season and is savvy beyond his years.
Regardless of who starts, the Cowboys will need both to excel to help their pass rush. The better the coverage, the better the rush.