The Cowboys only get six days rest before facing a top team in Washington who has had 10 days of rest. They then must turn right around and face the lowly Giants four days later. Given that they may have a better shot to beat New York at home than they do the Commanders on the road, will Dallas approach this next game any differently? Perhaps rest some guys? Split running back duties? Anything? – Fred Johnson/Ft. Worth, TX
Nick: I don't think coaches are built that way. I get what you're thinking and it's easy to sort of skip around and say, let's get a head start to the next game. But to be honest, this coaching staff probably feels like it has a good enough chance to beat Washington as the Giants on Thanksgiving. Now, we don't necessarily think that way and the oddsmakers don't either. But as a coaching staff, I think they're working on a plan right now to go up there and beat Washington. That being said, you let your analytics team get a jump on Washington - they probably already have. And when it's time to turn the attention there, which is probably on the ride back from D.C., that's when the focus goes to the Giants. I think if the Cowboys decide to do things differently, it will be with the intention to go beat Washington, and not because they're already thinking of how to beat the Giants. Hopefully, I answered the question you were asking on that one.
Patrik: No, they will not approach this coming matchup against the Commanders any differently than if they didn't have another game four days later. To be frank, they can't really afford to anyway, thanks to the M.A.S.H. unit they're currently fielding — one that will now be without Jake Ferguson (concussion) and potentially without more than one starting offensive lineman. If anything, they're trying to work back some guys from the injury report, such as Brandin Cooks, Marshawn Kneeland and maybe even DaRon Bland. Having the two games so close together will definitely impact the decisions on those hoping to return, absolutely, but as far as game planning and managing the rotations of those who are currently healthy? Don't count on it.
