DMN:Fraley: Forget meaningless wins, focus must be on young talent

[BrAinPaiNt]

Gerry Fraley

IRVING – When the Cowboys return to practice today, it will mark the first time since the final week of the 2004 season that they will prepare for a meaningless game.

The newness of it all explains why the Cowboys do not grasp the possibilities.

Their game against Washington on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium matches a pair of also-rans. The result will have zero impact on the structure of the playoffs.

Given that lack of importance, the Cowboys would have a no-risk, high-reward situation by giving time to younger players.

The Cowboys can find a few series for developmental quarterback Stephen McGee and young offensive linemen Phil Costa, Jermey Parnell and Sam Young . They can road-test safeties Barry Church, Danny McCray and Andrew Sendejo. Inside linebacker Sean Lee can get extended playing time. Outside linebackers Victor Butler and Brandon Williams can get on the field.

It's the equivalent of out-of-the-picture baseball teams using September to start learning which prospects can play and which prospects are suspect. The Cowboys could get a head start on next season.

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[Gooch]

Makes it a bit hard to evaluate the coach if you saddle him with playing third stringers.

[mmillman]

Makes it a bit hard to evaluate the coach if you saddle him with playing third stringers.

Garrett has been there long enough to know what he is.

What you don't know is if McGee, Young, Church, Brent, etc........ can play against first stringers. The roster needs evaluation now much more than Garrett should at this point.

[wileedog]

Makes it a bit hard to evaluate the coach if you saddle him with playing third stringers.

Actually I think its a pretty good test, as long as your sole criteria isn't winning the game.

A well coached team has backups who are prepared. Let's see if some of these guys are.

[dreghorn2]

Garrett has been there long enough to know what he is.

What you don't know is if McGee, Young, Church, Brent, etc........ can play against first stringers. The roster needs evaluation now much more than Garrett should at this point.

Absolutely correct.

I mean this is ridiculous, there is no better time or conditions available to properly evaluate your young players.

This ticks me off, this organization is so shortsighted, i wish to heck we had a serious football guy running things.

But we don't. I'll keep hoping for a miracle.

[Woods]

I'm not going to blame Garrett for not playing younger players.

He's fighting to keep HIS job.

Now, if JJ gave him a wink and said don't worry, the job is yours and go ahead and play more youth, that's a different story.