We need to rest Ezekiel Elliott, entire OL, Dak, and Dez

[PA Cowboy Fan]

We finished the 2014 season on a strong note pounding the Commanders and it carried into the playoffs. In 2007 we looked DREADFUL against Washington in the season finale. Our starters played a half and were awful especially Romo and we completely laid down once our backups came in. What angered me the most was Washington needed that game to make the playoffs and not only did we give them an easy pass in but we made sure we embarrassed ourselves in the process. Don't know if I've ever been more ANGRY after a Cowboys loss than I was after that one.

I was. It was in the following game when we lost to the Giants. I'm still not over that.

 

[KJJ]

I was. It was in the following game when we lost to the Giants. I'm still not over that.

It was the biggest blown opportunity in franchise history and what made it even worse was having to watch a divisional rival we beat twice that season hoist the Lombardi trophy. It added insult to injury.

 

[reddyuta]

Is Tyron playing? if he misses then i fear for Dak because we dont even have Chaz green now.

 

[Westcoasthabsfan]

ezekiel Elliott for the next two games. Rest entire offensive line and defense. Put Sanchez in. I would only play Dez for the half and I wouldn't even study gametape of phila or Detroit now. Our entire focus should be playoffs, the pressure on us will be enormous. Thoughts?

play Sanchez.....why would they play their number 3?

 

[Doomsday101]

ezekiel Elliott for the next two games. Rest entire offensive line and defense. Put Sanchez in. I would only play Dez for the half and I wouldn't even study gametape of phila or Detroit now. Our entire focus should be playoffs, the pressure on us will be enormous. Thoughts?

No way. Players do not stay sharp or focused sitting on a bench. You are talking over 3 weeks of sitting? Not going to happen nor should it. Player remain sharp and focused when they play the game.

 

[Westcoasthabsfan]

Our starter isn't a fragile 36 year old with multiple injuries. I see no reason to believe Dak would get hurt, we handled Philly before. He is a rookie and needs the experience.........you Romo lovers want Romo at any cost

Tony will take some snaps in the next two weeks bank on that...he will be the guy if Dak gets hurt not Sanchez....

 

[Cboy77]

Well in the last game of the 2007 season, we were in the same predicament. We rested starters and ended up losing to the Commanders which carried over into the playoff game 2 weeks later where we hosted the Giants and got beat. So I say no we play these last 2 games as any other game we have ithis season. If Zeke breaks the record fine but the ultimate goal is to win these last two games and carry that momentum into the playoffs!

 

[TwoDeep3]

ezekiel Elliott for the next two games. Rest entire offensive line and defense. Put Sanchez in. I would only play Dez for the half and I wouldn't even study gametape of phila or Detroit now. Our entire focus should be playoffs, the pressure on us will be enormous. Thoughts?

Play your players. Change nothing. The focus is on the play-offs and for Dallas they start Monday night.

 

[willia451]

 

[TwoDeep3]

ezekiel Elliott for the next two games. Rest entire offensive line and defense. Put Sanchez in. I would only play Dez for the half and I wouldn't even study gametape of phila or Detroit now. Our entire focus should be playoffs, the pressure on us will be enormous. Thoughts?

No, the team needs to stay consistent with work and starters. The play-offs start Monday Night.

 

[fifaguy]

It was the biggest blown opportunity in franchise history and what made it even worse was having to watch a divisional rival we beat twice that season hoist the Lombardi trophy. It added insult to injury.

I don't want us to roll over for the Lions next week which would give them a possible edge if we meet

No way. Players do not stay sharp or focused sitting on a bench. You are talking over 3 weeks of sitting? Not going to happen nor should it. Player remain sharp and focused when they play the game.

I am especially concerned about this given the relative youth and inexperience of our team generally. Best keep them focused by playing. Despite the win against Tampa Bay our offense is still not quite right as explained in detail by Sturm this past week.

 

[Doomsday101]

I don't want us to roll over for the Lions next week which would give them a possible edge if we meet


I am especially concerned about this given the relative youth and inexperience of our team generally. Best keep them focused by playing. Despite the win against Tampa Bay our offense is still not quite right as explained in detail by Sturm this past week.

I do think it is important to play them. I think this is a bit tricky for the coaching staff to ensure they keep these guys shape and hungry as opposed to lazy and fat but injury are a concern. Guys who are banged up coaches will have to use their best judgement on playing them or not and if they do for how long?

We get these injury reports without really knowing the severity of the injury.

 

[Shuff]

Don't rest Dez, he needs more work.

 

[gmoney112]

I do think it is important to play them. I think this is a bit tricky for the coaching staff to ensure they keep these guys shape and hungry as opposed to lazy and fat but injury are a concern. Guys who are banged up coaches will have to use their best judgement on playing them or not and if they do for how long?

We get these injury reports without really knowing the severity of the injury.

All the guys that are banged up need to sit. Going into playoffs healthy is the most important.

And I don't think this staff is going to let them get lazy and fat. I think they'd be more than happy to take a guy out of his starting role if he's not playing to his ability.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

What will happen is that Monday will played as a normal game except that those that are injured - no pressure to play. IF and big IF there was a blowout either way, Romo MAY come in at end for a Cowboy goodbye at home. Then on 1/1, many starters play a half, Zeke plays 2 series. Remember this team this year as not played well after extended time off. Though I am happy for a bye, it will force them to play starters longer to keep sharp.

Your Eagles got a nice 9 month bye week.

 

[Doomsday101]

All the guys that are banged up need to sit. Going into playoffs healthy is the most important.

And I don't think this staff is going to let them get lazy and fat. I think they'd be more than happy to take a guy out of his starting role if he's not playing to his ability.

Guys who are dealing with injury I'm sure many will sit however sitting staters for over 3 weeks is not going to happen. Players play football that is how they will remain sharp you don't do that just in practice. I fully expect to see starters vs Det and based on Garrett comment that is what he is getting this team ready for. I can see playing starters part of the eagles game then taking them out but not holding guys out 2 reg season games then wildcard weekend.

 

[khiladi]

I feel Garrett will keep the team focused and playing hard, he did at the end of the 2014 season. We didn't lay down in Washington in the season finale like Wade allowed the team to do in Washington in 2007.

Please.. they were trying to get Romo the passing record, he needed probably less than 50 yards, but Garrett's passing game was already figured out and it carried over into the next year. So they say him close to the end of the half.

What compounded the problem was TO had the high ankle sprain.

 

[khiladi]

No way you rest the OL. They start off the season slow. They did it the last theee years, meaning with such a long rest that would probably hurt the team the first game and it's one and done in the playoffs.

 

[NickZepp]

I wouldn't want em to be rusty in a playoff game. I can see em resting 2nd half of the Eagles game. Play em like a regular game against Detroit.

 

[fairviewfarmer]

ezekiel Elliott for the next two games. Rest entire offensive line and defense. Put Sanchez in. I would only play Dez for the half and I wouldn't even study gametape of phila or Detroit now. Our entire focus should be playoffs, the pressure on us will be enormous. Thoughts?

I don't remember Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Jay Novacek, Nate Newton or Erik Williams resting during the super bowl runs in the 90's