This week I had the chance to do a question and answer session with Steven Mullenax, editor of Fansided’s Dallas Cowboys site TheLandryHat.com
RZ: Clearly the topic of the week in Dallas has been the health of Tony Romo. I know head coach Jason Garrett said he hadn’t been ruled out but didn’t know if he would play but what is your gut feeling?
SM: My gut feeling is that Romo plays. Especially if the only concern is pain management. The bigger fear is that this injury is more serious than the team is letting on. Right now, it’s being reported as a game-time decision. I do know the Cowboys are preparing as if Brandon Weeden will be the starter. If so, expect a double dose of DeMarco Murray on Sunday.
RZ: DeMarco Murray was a beast again in the loss to the Redskins but after the first run in overtime went for 8 yards, the Cowboys went away from him. Do you expect the Cowboys to go back to the philosophy that got them to a 6-1 record before Monday night’s loss?
SM: We can only hope. The Cowboys have gotten to 6-2 by running the football. And they committed to that philosophy until Monday night’s loss to the Redskins in overtime. I think passing coordinator Scott Linehan has learned from that mistake and will re-commit to the run moving forward.
RZ: What is your take on Jerry Jones going down to the sideline to relay the message to Garrett that Romo can go back in? Most owners don’t do that. Anyone on the medical staff could have told him that.
SM: Jerry Jones being on the sidelines, especially during a game as publicized as Monday Night Football, is not unusual to see as a Cowboys fan. In fact, I personally didn’t even have a second thought about Jones whispering in Jason Garrett’s ear on the sidelines during the game. That’s simply who Jerry Jones is and has always been. Honestly, nothing to see here.
RZ: Big loss in my opinion in Justin Durant. Do you think the Cowboys can overcome it?
SM: I agree. I was really down on Durant after last season. In 2013, he was limited to 10 games and a total of 24 tackles due to injury. I fully expected Dallas to cut him in the offseason for cap space. But Durant has proven himself to the Cowboys most consistent linebacker this year. It’s just too bad we won’t be able to see him grow into that leadership role anymore this season. Veteran Kyle Wilber and rookie Anthony Hitchens will replace his production within the linebacker corps.
RZ: I think this game will be a close one throughout much like both the Cards and Cowboys played their opponents last week. What is your prediction for this one?
SM: If there was one team perfectly suited to defeat the Dallas Cowboys running game, it is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cards rank second in the NFL in rushing defense allowing a Scrooge-like 77.9 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses. This is a game that must be won in the air. And with Tony Romo borderline to even play in this game, the Cowboys’ chances of pulling out a victory here are slimmer than ever.Still, the Dallas defense has a chance to prove themselves as more than a liability against Arizona’s 30th ranked offense. If the Cowboys can stuff the Card’s running game and put pressure on quarterback Carson Palmer, there will be chances for some gamebreaking takeaways.I see the Dallas Cowboys bouncing back at home.
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 27, Arizona Cardinals 24.