Seahawks vs. Cowboys: 5 questions about Dallas with The Landry Hat

The Jason Garrett issue

12th Man: What do Cowboys fans feel about coach Jason Garrett and is he at all on the proverbial hot seat?

SM: I think most fans feel like Garrett has had more than enough time to show what he can do and, more importantly, what he can’t. For his first few seasons in Dallas, his tenure felt like on-the-job training. Yet, now in his eighth season as the official head coach, Garrett still seems to make some boneheaded decisions when it comes to game management.

But the owner and front office love him. His players seem to respect him. And he certainly puts in the work. But everyone in Dallas loves winning more. The fact is Garrett would have been gone long ago, but Dallas seems to suddenly have a big year anytime his job is truly perceived to be on the line. That’s saved Garrett from the chopping block.

Is he on the hot seat this season? I believe so. But the Cowboys have invested so much in Garrett now, it would take a really down season to oust him. Let’s put it like this. I can see his coordinators being let go a season before him.

Can Dallas make the playoffs?

12th Man: The Cowboys will make the playoffs in 2018 and why? And what reasons would they have for not making the postseason?

SM: I think it’s too early to know, but the fact that the NFC East possesses the reigning Super Bowl champions makes the Cowboys path to the playoffs that much more difficult. Through two games, you’d have to believe if Dallas makes the playoffs it’s due in large part to the play of their defense. I haven’t seen this kind of dominance on that side of the ball in several years. This is a talented, young group stacked with talent from top to bottom.

If the Cowboys fail to make the postseason, their stale offense will likely be to blame. Dallas did not do a good job of replacing talents like wide receiver Dez Bryant, tight end Jason Witten and possibly kicker Dan Bailey. But honestly, this should be a run-first team. It gives them the best chance to win. Yet, through two games, you wouldn’t know it.