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

[mldardy]

We get in if SEA and ARI lose regardless of the outcome of our game. The only way we can get a first seed is if GB and DET tie. That is why the game is entirely meaningless and should be a week to rest players that are hurt and managing injuries like Romo, Murray, Martin. Free etc.

We didn't lose in 2007 because of Cabo. The Cowboys won the 1st half of that game which is where you would assume rust and loss of momentum would affect a team. The Cowboys gave up a cheap quick touchdown to end the half and the Giants rode the momentum made adjustments and the Cowboys didn't match them in the 2nd half.

The 2nd part of what I like most about this post. Everyone or most everyone has this notion that we were rusty in that 07 playoff game. When actually T.O's had fully healed from his late season injury and starting MBIII for the first time that year in a playoff game and completely changing the rhythm/balance of our offense. MBIII was the finisher and Julius Jones was the starter. It looked like a great decision at the time but it completely backfired late in the game when it mattered most. Not to mention Fasano dropping a pass which would have been a TD or 1st down I believe and the one we all remember, Crayton's drop. Very poor decisions by the coaching staff and the team just overall playing tight. I don't believe the Cabo thing had much to do with it although the media and some fans do.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

We didn't lose in 2007 because of Cabo.

Never said we did.

The Giants won the game. They had momentum and even with the Pats loss they kept that momentum. And the players knew that when it came down to it, their coach had confidence in them to not screw up. And they felt that they played the game the right way.

It worked and I can't blame Garrett for thinking the same thing.

You're going to fail in football (and life). If you're thinking about the possibility of failing...you're more likely to fail than if your focus is on success. I think that's why the Giants won and went on to win the Super Bowl. Their focus was on success.





YR

 

[ufcrules1]

The only way that happens is if GB and Detroit tie. Dallas is the #2 seed if Seattle and Arizona lose no matter if Dallas wins or loses.

Just don't even waste your time. Some people just don't get it. They don't realize the odds are astronomical. Heck JG doesn't even realize it.

 

[Primetime42]

I think some of the responses in this thread gave me an anyuerism.

 

[ragman]

Garrett's in a no-win situation. If he sits the starters, and things "fall right" regarding Seattle, Arizona, Detroit and/or Green Bay, he'll be crucified by all the "experts" on this site.

And, if Romo, Dez, Murray or Witten gets injured tomorrow, he'll get crucified by Cowboys fans and the local media. And rightfully so.

 

[cowboys1981]

Give the needle.... I mean Romo a break this week.

 

[wileedog]

You're going to fail in football (and life). If you're thinking about the possibility of failing...you're more likely to fail than if your focus is on success. I think that's why the Giants won and went on to win the Super Bowl. Their focus was on success.

I'll take a healthy team over the motivational poster stuff every time.

The 2007 Cowboys had played terrible all of December, we're coached by a laid-back, hands off HC who has never had playoff success, and after taking the Skins game easy had a bye week where the team leaders took off to Mexico. And they still basically lost because Patrick Crayton pulled up on a route in the end.

This is not the same team or situation. The team has had a great December run, As the 4 losses this season has shown, their success is directly tied up to the health, rest and performance of a 34 year old QB with a broken back. Not only that, many of the key players on this team particularly on the all important Oline have steep drop offs between starters and backups if someone gets hurt. And there are several key guys going out there who already nursing injuries.

If we had a bye in the playoffs I would agree - play them, two weeks is too long between games. But to expose the people most vital to the team's playoffs success to injury just so they can 'focus on success' is foolish IMO, especially when the next game they play may only be 6 days away.No matter what Garrett or Jerry say, every player knows this game is meaningless, and the entire focus should be getting out of Washington healthy and then how to beat GB or Detroit next week.

 

[BigStar]

The 2 seed is ours with AZ and Seattle losses regardless of whether we win or lose. Win over Wash only matters if Det and GB tie. So it's basically a meaningless game against Wash.

Sorry, not manly enough See, ahhhh, if you played like me *cough... (counter position summarized).

 

[BAT]

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

Yep. And that #2 seed is worth playing for. Plus we need to put the hurt on the Skins.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Yep. And that #2 seed is worth playing for. Plus we need to put the hurt on the Skins.

We don't have to play for the #2 seed. All we have to do is wait for Seattle & Arizona to lose.

 

[jobberone]

Yep. And that #2 seed is worth playing for. Plus we need to put the hurt on the Skins.

Well, I'm still not certain to allow Romo to play but I understand the putting a hurt on the Skins remark.

 

[jobberone]

We don't have to play for the #2 seed. All we have to do is wait for Seattle & Arizona to lose.

Don't we play before them?

 

[mldardy]

Don't we play before them?

Doesn't matter. Whether we win or lose the only way we get a bye is if Seattle and Arizona lose.

 

[jobberone]

I think some of the responses in this thread gave me an anyuerism.

Take two aspirin and call me much later.

 

[jobberone]

Doesn't matter. Whether we win or lose the only way we get a bye is if Seattle and Arizona lose.

The point is we don't know ahead of time. So we can make decisions to go all out or not. Not real good odds.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Don't we play before them?

The only game that matters if we win is the GB and Detroit game and the only way we get a #1 seed is if they tie. All we need for the #2 seed is for Seattle and Arizona to lose.We don't have to win to get that one. I'd be for playing the starters if the game mattered at all but it just seems too risky for me. I have a feeling the Deadskins are just going to pull an all out blitz on Romo. They have nothing to lose.

 

[Clove]

And, if Romo, Dez, Murray or Witten gets injured tomorrow, he'll get crucified by Cowboys fans and the local media. And rightfully so.

Who cares?

 

[mldardy]

The point is we don't know ahead of time. So we can make decisions to go all out or not. Not real good odds.

Very

 

[jobberone]

The only game that matters if we win is the GB and Detroit game and the only way we get a #1 seed is if they tie. All we need for the #2 seed is for Seattle and Arizona to lose.We don't have to win to get that one. I'd be for playing the starters if the game mattered at all but it just seems too risky for me. I have a feeling the Deadskins are just going to pull an all out blitz on Romo. They have nothing to lose.

They probably wouldn't cry if they knocked Romo out of the game.

 

[Zman5]

Does JG realize that we could be playing next Saturday? Is he aware that when Romo doesn't get his full week of rest, he turns into Weeden?

What benefit is there for him to play? Getting the 1st or 2nd seed? What is the likelihood of GB-Det ending up in a tie?

You do need to take risks sometimes but only when the reward is big enough to justify the risk. Once again, JG is showing his lack of situational decision making skills.