DMN: Jason Garrett explains why Cowboys’ Tony Romo will play vs. Washington

[Clove]

People think that "so called meaningless games" protects players from injuries. It's just not true, because a player can get hurt at anytime once they actually do have to play. At some point, you have to play a meaningful game, and are you saying we're safer playing a meaningful game and getting hurt, or a meaningless game and getting hurt? Any game you can go down.

Just play the game. If there is a small chance you can get a higher seed, go for it. Preseason is different, it doesn't count.

 

[Clove]

My last say on this. What if Romo goes down in a light practice, let's say he drops back, and somehow just pulls a major hamstring, or his knees just buckle for no reason, was Garrett dumb for allowing him to practice during this "made up" bye week?

 

[DFWJC]

Even he doesn't get hurt, the fact that we might play on a shorter week should be enough to consider sitting him.

If he does play though, play it like you mean it or it's just a waste.

 

[theogt]

Theres games scheduled between the championship games and SB in the NFL.

If we make the Super Bowl, we should have our players play in the pro bowl.

#gottastaysharp #everygamematters

 

[Coy]

I believe that is for the number one seed. We have an outside shot at the 2 seed albeit small.

But for the 2nd seed we don't need to win, as long as Seattle and Az lose, we're the 2nd seed.

 

[theogt]

My last say on this. What if Romo goes down in a light practice, let's say he drops back, and somehow just pulls a major hamstring, or his knees just buckle for no reason, was Garrett dumb for allowing him to practice during this "made up" bye week?

Holy terrible analogy, Batman.

There's a benefit from practicing that outweighs the risk of practicing. No one in practice is actively trying to physically harm Romo.

 

[Texas_Pete]

The other games are different. Making the playoffs and or seeding were on the line in those games. Of course he should play. This week's game is a preseason game. Do you think Romo should start and play all 60 minutes of preseason games?

Preseason games? No - bad comparison. Am I saying Romo should play the entire game? No. He should play a few series, then sit.

We shouldn't be "scared" to play him though. That's a bad message to send to our team - and our future opponents.

 

[bark]

What if Tony goes down in our first playoff game, would it be foolish for him to have let him play in that game?

Of course it wouldn't be clove. A playoff game is hardly meaningless now is it. Some of the argument you guys are making are just crazy!

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I like it. JG showing some metal here. Injuries can happen any where any time. You can't protect pro athletes. It's what they do.
JG just grew on me a little more. Jerry is on board to, so it's a company decision.

 

[Arkyvarminter]

Well, if you look at what historically good coaches in the past have done in this type of scenario you find that most of them rested their good players and didn't take any chances. The end

 

[Toruk_Makto]

And smart coaches see the big picture. There's a reason why they don't play starters much in the preseason. The results are meaningless. Why not get some young guys game experience and get your starters healthy for the postseason? There's a reason why teams want a bye. This is our "bye". Take advantage of that. Exposing Romo and others to injury in a meaningless game (unless you're counting on a tie) is pure stupidity.

This just in... Jimmy Johnson, Tom Landry and Bill Belichick were/are not smart coaches.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Well, if you look at what historically good coaches in the past have done in this type of scenario you find that most of them rested their good players and didn't take any chances. The end

That'd be great if it were true. Watch that Pats game closely this Sunday.

 

[bark]

On a side note, who would have predicted we would be having this discussion back at the start of the season?

 

[djmajestik]

What if Tony goes down in our first playoff game, would it be foolish for him to have let him play in that game?

Apples and oranges. Big difference in a game at the end of the year with very little on the line vs. a playoff game where literally everything is on the line.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Last two games against Skins = two back injuries. Coincidence???

Yes. Very much so.

 

[Idgit]

For a team that preaches the value of repetition, and of performing each play to the best of your abilities, WAS is just another 60 or so chances to get experience with your offense. You're looking at the reps as an opportunity to get better and not an opportunity to get hurt. I'm not saying I agree with it, but I think it's consistent with how we approach everything. It's another opportunity to reinforce that point.

And Garrett says it pretty clearly: "football games are important to us."

It's kind of a no-win for a coach. There would be people criticizing him no matter what he does. For my part, I rest the soft tissue guys and play the rest until the game is out of hand, one way or another. Don't over focus on injuries either to a point where target-avoidance kicks in and you end up with players getting hurt.

 

[djmajestik]

Not meaningless. These Cowboys don't have enough playoff success to rest. They need to keep their edge. They've admitted that they've been in playoff mode since December 1st. So far they're 3-0. Whose to say they'll be sharp if they sit key players? I think JG knows this. Last question: would Jimmy sit key players right before the playoffs? I don't think he would.

d

How sharp where they with 10 days rest leading up to the eagles game?

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Cam Newton, same injury as Romo. Driving to work.

 

[djmajestik]

My last say on this. What if Romo goes down in a light practice, let's say he drops back, and somehow just pulls a major hamstring, or his knees just buckle for no reason, was Garrett dumb for allowing him to practice during this "made up" bye week?

Exactly, which is why you do light practice, rest for this game and get up for a game that really matters, a playoff game.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Even he doesn't get hurt, the fact that we might play on a shorter week should be enough to consider sitting him.

If he does play though, play it like you mean it or it's just a waste.

Also can we stop this shorter week nonsense?

We played a historically short week this year AND Romo deviated from his pain killing shot routine.

Playing Sunday night and then Thursday afternoon is MUCH different than playing Sunday Morning and then Saturday afternoon.