Heading into the 2007 season I was expecting the Cowboys defense to become a dominate unit,  but with injuries to Terence Newman and Anthony Henry that never happened.

Now as we enter the 2008 season the expectation level for me is ever higher because of the additions of Zach Thomas, Pacman Jones and Mike Jenkins.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart is also looking forward to seeing what this defense can do this season, read here.

Although he is confident his defense has improved, he realizes there is no need for talk.

And therein lies another reason why the Cowboys should be better defensively: Stewart will be more experienced and comfortable after a year on the job.

"It’s just the growing process," Stewart said. "I know the division a lot better. I came from the AFC, and I knew the AFC a lot better than the NFC. I also know our personnel a lot better. You can’t necessarily do what you like. You have to do what the players can do. Now I know what the players can do well. I am really excited about this year and [about] being a better team."

After spending a year learning about these guys Coach Stewart should be able to devise some specialized packages which can put players into spots where they can really show off their talents.  As a reflection of the talent upgrade and better knowledge of the players we should also see more turnovers, more tackles for losses and a much improved 3rd down defense. I think we can also expect better sack totals from Ware, Ellis and Spencer.

Here's Clarence Hill's Jr's top three reasons why the defense improves in 2008...

1. Improved cornerback play

Even without the additions of Adam Jones and rookie first-round pick Mike Jenkins, the Cowboys are going to be better at cornerback because starters Terence Newman and Anthony Henry are expected to be healthy after being hampered by injuries last season. Jones, if reinstated, and Jenkins should give the Cowboys the most depth they’ve had at cornerback in more than decade.

2. Zach attack

Owner Jerry Jones said free agent linebacker Zach Thomas could have the biggest impact of all the Cowboys’ newcomers. The team believes Thomas is an upgrade at inside linebacker over the departed Akin Ayodele, who, according to Cowboys insiders, was solid but left a lot of plays on the field.

3. Experience

Brian Stewart should be more comfortable in his second season as defensive coordinator and will benefit from an improved staff that includes former Cowboys head coach Dave Campo as secondary coach. Stewart isn’t the only one looking to raise his game in his second season with the team. Nose tackle Tank Johnson has had an impressive off-season, according to Jerry Jones, and could emerge as a valuable contributor.

I think I would agree that those are my top as well.

Having some CB's who can man up every time out will give Coach Stewart the ability to be much more aggressive in his play calling.

With Thomas, just recently voted the smartest defensive player by a panel of NFL coaches, out there with Bradie James the Cowboys now have two very instinctive guys running the defense.

There is no excuse about this defense being too young anymore. The experience is there in the coaching staff and it's now also there as far as the players on the field.

Anything short of a top five performance by this defense in 2008 would be very disappointing.