The Dallas Cowboys may be entering their bye week but it certainly is not an off week for the team. It is a week of much activity as America’s team is shuffling the deck in a sense by shaking up their already rattled line-up. They are doing everything possible to ensure they will be ready to complete against the New York Giants come October 25 as Week 7 gets under way.
The Cowboys are posting a losing record (2-3) at this point in the season, but are looking to break even after taking on the NFL East landing Giants. Since losing starting quarterback Tony Romo, the Cowboys have suffered three straight losses. Those three straight losses has not set well with the Cowboys coaching staff, owner, or the players.
Losing is something the Cowboys figured they had gotten away from. It was almost inevitable that something had to be done. So after only two days into the bye week the shake-down and the shake-up began to go into effect. With the Cowboys’ offense stuck in a rut, no downfield threat from the passing game and the running game struggling to average just over 3-yards per carry, seemingly everyone anticipated some changes.
Probably the biggest or most notable change was the announcement from the Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett that the recently acquired quarterback Matt Cassel would be starting in place of back-up quarterback Brandon Weeden. Although it was kind of expected, especially since Weeden has lost all three of his games as a starter this season, Cassel may be elated by getting the starting job, but it may not last long if he does not spark the Cowboys offensive play to help maneuver a victory over the Giants.
It was just the opposite on Weeden’s behalf, he was very disappointed that he had been replaced, but handling it like a professional. Weeden promise that he would stay ready in case the situation change and he had to go in at quarterback again. Some of the other changes that have taken place during the Cowboys bye week includes former LSU offensive lineman and Cowboys’ rookie La’el Collins, will be getting his second start at right guard in place of Ronald Leary, and former Seattle Seahawks’ running back Christine Michael, will get his first start as the Cowboys’ running back.
Also, it is being speculated that wide receiver Dez Bryant will return to the starting lineup after missing four weeks of playing on the football field. Other things to make note of concerning the Cowboys bye week preparation for Week 7 against the New York Giants, are the acquisition of Seahawks waived rookie running back Rod Smith and the holding of free agent workouts including running back LaMichael James and defensive tackle Da’Quan Bowers. Returning to the defensive side of the ball is Cowboys first round draft pick, rookie defensive lineman Randy Gregory. With the combination of replacement players and returning players, the Cowboys are hoping that this new mix of players can produce a check in the win column against the rival Giants. I am sure that the whole Cowboys Nation of fans are trusting for a victory also. We will have to wait and see what the outcome will be.
