Welcome to this week’s edition of Martin’s 5!
The Dallas Cowboys put together an impressive performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week on the road and improved to 8-1. This week they will face another AFC North division team when they take on the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium.
The Ravens quietly have one of the better defenses in the NFL, so it could be a tough test for the Cowboys offense if they aren’t careful.
Honestly, the Baltimore Ravens don’t really scare me that much, but you can’t underestimate any team in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys have the momentum on their side and I look for them to come out and dominate once again.
Even though I’m nearly 100% confident they will beat the Baltimore Ravens this week, there are still quite a few things that are rambling around my head that I can’t quit thinking about.
Luckily, this was the sole purpose of Martin’s 5 and now I get to share them with you to hopefully get some answers, or at the very least get them out my head.
Below are the five things I’m wondering about this week. I hope you enjoy.
One: Tony Romo addressed the media Tuesday afternoon with a statement he prepared before hand. He didn’t answer any questions, but he did speak from the heart. You could tell that he was visually shaken up and emotional while reading his statement, and the only thing I could think of while watching was whether or not his career in Dallas is over? I’ll personally go on record as saying that I believe that Tony Romo is without a doubt the best quarterback on the Cowboys roster, and that in no way meant as a slap in the face to Dak Prescott. I’ll even take this a step further and say that I don’t think Prescott performs as well as he has been without Romo’s help preparing him week in and week out. I would hate to see Romo’s career end like this with the Dallas Cowboys. He has done so much for this organization and probably doesn’t get the respect that he deserves.
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Two: Let’s stick with Tony Romo here for a little bit longer. If he is indeed active this week against the Baltimore Ravens, I wonder if offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will have some packages ready for Romo in the game plan for certain situations? Where Tony Romo improves this offense the most is in the passing game, so it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility see him brought in if the coaching staff believes he gives the offense the best chance to convert. I truly believe that Tony Romo makes this team better, but I’m not ready to hand the reins over with the way Dak Prescott has been playing. Maybe Romo can get a series or two in trash time because the Cowboys are completely dominating the Ravens late in the game.
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Three: Ezekiel Elliott has been simply outstanding for the Dallas Cowboys this season and is still on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record. I wonder if he has now become the favorite to win NFL MVP. Elliott joins the likes of Eric Dickerson and Adrian Peterson as the only running backs to break the 1,000 yard mark in the first nine games of the season. If he continues to play this way, I don’t see how he isn’t the unanimous selection to win NFL MVP. Of course, Dak Prescott could have something to say about that if he continues to start and play the way he has been. Take a look people. This is our future for the Dallas Cowboys.
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Four: When is enough enough? News broke a few days ago that Randy Gregory has failed yet another drug test, but somehow he is still on the Cowboys roster. I wonder if Jerry Jones and Company should make an example out of Gregory or if they will continue to stand by him while he works through his problems? Jones has shown in the past that he’s willing to stick with talented players despite their off the field problems, but does Jason Garrett feel the same way? Garrett is still the head coach and should probably have the ultimate say in these types of decisions, but that’s not the way Jerry Jones operates. This team is performing really well, and that has a lot to do with the fact they have been relatively drama free this year. The situation will definitely be worth keeping an eye on.
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Five: Geoff Swaim tore his pectoral muscle in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers and could possibly miss the remainder of the season. I wonder if his absence on the field will have a bigger impact on the offense then we would expect? Swaim has been reliable in the passing game when his number has been called, but his biggest impact on the offense is blocking in the running game. James Hanna isn’t ready to rejoin the team after his knee surgery, so it looks like Gavin Escobar will replace Swaim in the lineup. Escobar is more of the receiving type of tight end and really struggles securing blocks in the running game. That is one of the reasons why he hasn’t been utilized as much on offense. It will be really interesting to see how the coaching staff accounts for Swaim’s absence and if it has a negative impact for the team. Maybe they activate Rico Gathers from their practice squad?
What are you wondering about this week?
Please feel free to use the comment section below to share with all of us anything you have on your mind this week.
About Tony Romo, I think he should consider renegotiating his contract to take on a back up role for Prescott. Without Romo, we will look for a veteran quarterback to sign as depth in that role, and who better than Romo. He should consider the potential long-term injuries he could sustain with a struggling team that does not have the offensive line that he has enjoyed with the Cowboys and his veteran status and understanding of the Cowboys’ offensive strategy could be a major asset to the team as it builds the next dynasty.
Tom, I think we all hope that Romo can remain with the Cowboys until he decides to retire, but I don’t see why he would be willing to renegotiate his contract. He already signed a team friendly multiyear contract to begin with, and has already restructured his contract a few times to help the organization with the cap hit. If I’m Romo and believe that I can still play and play at a high level in this league, then I want an opportunity to start somewhere, not serve as a backup. If he is released, he can personally choose where he wants to play next. Denver makes a lot of sense. They have an outstanding defense and really good offensive weapons. I think he would make them a Super Bowl contender once again.
Swaim’s blocking easily replaced by Looney or Green BUT he obviously had versatility as better pass catcher on pass action
Tommy, I agree that you can use an extra offensive lineman for blocking, but like you said that takes away the receiving threat in the passing game. It looks like Vince Mayle might be taking over Swaim’s role.
I honestly don’t understand Jones’ devotion to Gregory. I believe he sees the team as “family” and you just don’t give up on your family…on your children. But sometimes you need to have some tough love. I see it more as your girlfriend keeps cheating on you but tells you she loves you and you stay with her because she says she loves you and you think you can’t get a better girlfriend. The thing is we dealt haven’t even seen the talent to warrant this level of devotion. I certainly would not expect to see Romo playing in any garbage time. That would mean Dallas has a big lead and and in that case you wouldn’t likely be passing that much so what would be the point to bring him in to hand the ball off. Sanchez would be more likely to see garbage time. And I would be surprised to see Romo in any special packages. At this point I don’t think we see Romo unless Dak gets hurt. On the right end front I think the activation of Vince Mayle signaled he may see some looks in an H-back/blocking TE type situation. He is listed at 6-2, 240 which is smallish for a TE but he has good hands so he could be interesting in that role. I had also read that they may move Looney out in those blocking formations. There was a long list of FA TE’s somebody put out the other day, some of which were more known for their blocking prowess but hard to say who is football ready. I think they will use this game as a yardstick for whether they need to look at other options. Word is that Gathers is not ready yet but who knows. It will be interesting!
Randy, I think you covered just about everything ha ha. The only reason I wondered if we will see Romo in some trash time is to maybe knock off some rust. I don’t think Mark Sanchez will be even on the game day roster if Romo is healthy. And I agree with everything you said about Gregory. It will also be interesting to see how the use Mayle. I was really surprised that they activated him from the practice squad.