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Do you think the Cowboys should come out passing early against the banged up Vikings secondary to get Tony in a rhythm?
(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)
SPENSER CRUZ - CALVERTON, MD: I like the idea of coming out passing against the Vikings' banged-up secondary. It seems when Tony Romo gets into rhythm early the offense has success over the course of a game.
Rob: That's fine, but he better have time to throw. He had none in the playoff game up there. As I wrote Thursday, the offensive line will dictate how efficient this offense can be Sunday, and that's the biggest key to the game. They're going to have to score points, however it takes. But it'll also take a good running game to manage down-and-distance and back off the pass rush.
Nick: I kind of like the opposite approach. Running the ball against this team, while it won't be easy, could take the crowd somewhat out of the game. Either way, they're going to have to do both well. So if they pass to run, or run to pass, the Cowboys won't be successful if they're one-dimensional.
Josh: I think it's the other way around. You run the ball with Felix Jones, and maybe throw some screens or quick-drop passes to slow the pass rush at first. After last week, and the last time they played at Minnesota, you have to fear the Vikings' pass rush. If you're able to withstand the early punch and the crowd noise, then you can air it out.
GREG BILLINGS - SAN MARCOS, TX: With Shawne Merriman soon to be released, what are the odds he reunites with his old coordinator Wade Phillips?
Rob: It's an interesting thought because of their history. Maybe he needs a fresh start. He needs to get healthy first. But if he signed here, his role would be Victor Butler's: third outside linebacker with limited defensive reps, and special teams. Would he be willing to accept that?
Nick: I think there's a good chance. Now, not sure where they'll be, but it could happen. Just kidding. If the question refers to Merriman coming here, I would say that it's unlikely just because I'm sure once he's healthy, he can go to a place and contribute right away. This team already has two starting pass rushers. So it might not be a great fit.
Josh: Dunno about that one. Is he going to want to play for the minimum or close to it? If so, he's worth a shot as a rotational pass-rusher. But at this point in their careers, Anthony Spencer is the better player. I just don't think it's very likely at all.
Do you think the Cowboys should come out passing early against the banged up Vikings secondary to get Tony in a rhythm?
(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)
SPENSER CRUZ - CALVERTON, MD: I like the idea of coming out passing against the Vikings' banged-up secondary. It seems when Tony Romo gets into rhythm early the offense has success over the course of a game.
Rob: That's fine, but he better have time to throw. He had none in the playoff game up there. As I wrote Thursday, the offensive line will dictate how efficient this offense can be Sunday, and that's the biggest key to the game. They're going to have to score points, however it takes. But it'll also take a good running game to manage down-and-distance and back off the pass rush.
Nick: I kind of like the opposite approach. Running the ball against this team, while it won't be easy, could take the crowd somewhat out of the game. Either way, they're going to have to do both well. So if they pass to run, or run to pass, the Cowboys won't be successful if they're one-dimensional.
Josh: I think it's the other way around. You run the ball with Felix Jones, and maybe throw some screens or quick-drop passes to slow the pass rush at first. After last week, and the last time they played at Minnesota, you have to fear the Vikings' pass rush. If you're able to withstand the early punch and the crowd noise, then you can air it out.
GREG BILLINGS - SAN MARCOS, TX: With Shawne Merriman soon to be released, what are the odds he reunites with his old coordinator Wade Phillips?
Rob: It's an interesting thought because of their history. Maybe he needs a fresh start. He needs to get healthy first. But if he signed here, his role would be Victor Butler's: third outside linebacker with limited defensive reps, and special teams. Would he be willing to accept that?
Nick: I think there's a good chance. Now, not sure where they'll be, but it could happen. Just kidding. If the question refers to Merriman coming here, I would say that it's unlikely just because I'm sure once he's healthy, he can go to a place and contribute right away. This team already has two starting pass rushers. So it might not be a great fit.
Josh: Dunno about that one. Is he going to want to play for the minimum or close to it? If so, he's worth a shot as a rotational pass-rusher. But at this point in their careers, Anthony Spencer is the better player. I just don't think it's very likely at all.