With the outcome of yesterday’s Giants-Eagles matchup swinging in the way of Philadelphia, the Cowboys don’t have much to play for in the weeks that come before the playoffs. They’ve secured the NFC East title and the #1 seed in the conference going into the playoffs, the only thing they have left to play for is pride. Despite all that, Jason Garrett is opting to keep the starters in, assumedly for continuity, heading into the last two weeks of the regular season.
Jason Garrett going to play Tony Romo over next 2 games? "We anticipate everyone being in the same roles they've been in." #4TheCowboys
— Chase Williams (@chasepwilliams) December 23, 2016
The Cowboys have been led by the pair of rookie wonder twins, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot. The two have revitalized a Dallas team that was heavy on veteran talent with names like Sean Lee, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten on the roster. When Tony Romo went down, Dak Prescott stepped in and has become so much more than an effective quarterback, gaining a starting spot in the Pro Bowl for his efforts. Elliot was expected to compete for time and maybe a starting spot, but an injury to Darren McFadden thrust the rookie into the starting role. His contribution? Oh, just 1,551 yards on the ground, which leads the NFL.
It makes sense for the Cowboys to get as much playing time for their young players as possible before the playoffs. Resting the starters might be viable for the second half of the last game of the year, but having a full two weeks off from game speed is never a good idea.
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