You be the Coach!

[Cowboy4ever]

Ok guys and gals, a little coaching question for you:

Lets just say we win our next 2 games and are setting at 10-5 going into the last game against the Lions. New Orleans win their next two games as well.. and are sitting at 11-4.
Given that scenario, NO would have the 2nd seed wrapped up and we would have our Division wrapped up!

Now knowing that we would not be getting a 1st round bye, How long do you play your older starters? Do you even start players like TO, Glenn, Fergy, and Flo? Do you start Romo, or do you get Bledsoe some playing time?

Do you break down playing time by quarters? How long do you play some players, risking injury?

Do you just play the game as usual?

Just like to see the different approaches that we, as fans, would like to see.

 

[ilovejerry]

Play them, and see what happens in the 4th quarter if were up or not.

 

[Doomsday101]

Ok guys and gals, a little coaching question for you:

Lets just say we win our next 2 games and are setting at 10-5 going into the last game against the Lions. New Orleans win their next two games as well.. and are sitting at 11-4.
Given that scenario, NO would have the 2nd seed wrapped up and we would have our Division wrapped up!

Now knowing that we would not be getting a 1st round bye, How long do you play your older starters? Do you even start players like TO, Glenn, Fergy, and Flo? Do you start Romo, or do you get Bledsoe some playing time?

Do you break down playing time by quarters? How long do you play some players, risking injury?

Do you just play the game as usual?

Just like to see the different approaches that we, as fans, would like to see.

If Dallas heads into the Lions game with nothing really to play for in terms of seeding then I would play the starters 1 qrt and play backups the majority of the game. Only exception would depend on how the team is playing heading into that game, if they are looking sharpe then I would limit the time if they are sluggish then I would have them play longer.

 

[Haley94]

Play them! Hopefully the Lions will have packed it in by then and we will be able to rest them in the 4th. Sit anyone who is nicked up except the oline.

 

[Bull Frog]

Kincade would get 57 carries.

 

[smarta5150]

I would fire Zimmer.

 

[joseephuss]

To paraphrase Herm Edwards, you play to win the game.

Let's assume that Dallas has a chance to earn the #3 spot over Seattle. That can be important. There would be a scenario where Dallas and Seattle both advance to the NFC championship game. They would both have to win at home during the wildcard weekend and then go on the road to beat Chicago and New Orleans in the divisional playoff matchups. Then the higher seeded team would host the NFC championship game. Sure it is not likely that scenario happens, but you do try to win every game.

I think it is important to go into the playoffs on a roll. Losing or even winning ugly at the end of the year can carry over into the playoffs. The Colts last year lost two straight and then barely beat the Cardinals in the last game of the season. I could tell they were toast at that time and sure enough they lost in their first playoff game.

In 1992, 1993 and 1995, Dallas won at the end of the regular season and it carried over for their Superbowl runs. In 1994, they lost two of their last 3. They mailed in the season closer at New York and of course lost in the NFC championship game that year.

 

[Future]

I would fire Zimmer.

As irrelevant as that was, it made me laugh out lough. thanks:laugh2:

 

[smarta5150]

As irrelevant as that was, it made me laugh out lough. thanks:laugh2:

I only read the topic and put myself in BP's shoes.

Didnt even notice there was a specific scenario

 

[Hoofbite]

Id rest some of the older fat guys a little......Fergy definently. McQuistan would get some time but other then that, I don't think I would rest many. Just some of the fatties I suppose.

 

[noshame]

This team is young and needs the exposure and rhythm, play em.

 

[Cajuncowboy]

If there was nothing to gain or lose by losing the game, I would treat it like the last pre season game of the year. 1-2 qtrs for the starters and use the rest of the time to evaluate some players who haven't got much playing time.

 

[Zman5]

Start Bledsoe with our 3rd string OL.

 

[Doomsday101]

If there was nothing to gain or lose by losing the game, I would treat it like the last pre season game of the year. 1-2 qtrs for the starters and use the rest of the time to evaluate some players who haven't got much playing time.

I agree and I would go as far as not playing a guy like Terry Glenn who is still nursing an injury right now. If Dallas can't get a bye week to rest players that are nursing injuries then I think you have to use a game like the Lions as a means to give them a break. Let’s just hope this is the dilemma Parcells is faced with

 

[DragonCowboy]

Depends...do we have the 3rd spot?

First off though:

1. Keith Davis is just for ST.
2. If Roy is injured, I'd rest him up for the playoffs
3. If Roy is rested, then I'd have Parrish (if he can play) and Watkins man the safety duties
4. After the season's over, Zimmer's gone
5. I'd also try to oget another offensive line coach

 

[peplaw06]

If NO stumbles down the stretch and we can get the Bye, play all starters.

If we can get the 3 seed, play all starters... I'd rather see the 6 seed than the Giants (who I think will get 5).

Romo plays regardless. He needs as much confidence as possible heading into the playoffs, and the Lions are a team you can get confidence against.

 

[CooterBrown]

BP will not likely rest anybody. He plays every game to win and will not minimize those chances even if the team would be better off in the future for it. (see the Rams game last year)

It would be funny though if the Lions needed to lose the game to get the first pick in the draft and they took a dive while the Cowboys were playing reserves. The NFL office would be in a frenzy over two teams playing each other and neither one interested in getting a win.

 

[Aikbach]

This team isn't good enough to take time off and lose momentum or rhythm, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that they have to play that extra week to keep in stride and remain confident.