(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)

HAROLD HUGHES, HOUSTON, TX: The media has taken the line that Wade Phillips is done if the team does not produce at least a playoff berth, perhaps more. In my opinion he is vital to the success of the defense, and Jason Garrett is certainly not the answer at head coach, given our cookie-cutter, weak offense. Is Phillips actually safe? Is Garrett in any trouble?

Nick: About two months ago, the Cowboys were left for dead. They started winning again and Super Bowl talk was to starting to resurface. They lose to the Ravens Saturday night and it was over. Then Tampa Bay loses and things change. So, my point, let's wait until it's all said and done before we talk about where this team will be for next year. Why even ask if Garrett or Phillips' job is in jeopardy. Tom Coughlin's job was in jeopardy at this time last year. It's just too early for it.

Mickey: No one knows the answer to that question but one person, and he continues to say changing head coaches is not even a consideration on his part. Sometimes stability is more important than anything else at the head coaching position and as for Garrett, look, so you want Tony Romo, who is just completing his second full season in the NFL as a fulltime starter, to be on his fourth offensive coordinator in the last five seasons. Does that make sense?

Rob: This type of speculation is going to surface anytime a team with this much talent and these expectations misses the playoffs. Coaches understand that; it's part of the business. But the playoffs are still within reach, and beyond that, who knows what can happen in this crazy conference. I'll say this: There's something to be said for coaching continuity. Under Phillips we're starting to see the defense reach its enormous potential. And as for Garrett, who overall has done a terrific job the past two seasons, do you want Romo learning another offensive system at this stage of his career? Just something to consider.

ROSS ROSE, MEMPHIS, TN: I hear people complaining about Tony Romo's poor play all the time. I think Romo has the potential to be the best quarterback this franchise has ever had. I just think too much is expected of him this early in his career. Your thoughts?

Nick: I would agree with that. Expectations are very high for him, but that goes along with being the quarterback of America's team and getting $67 million contracts. You're expected to play at a Pro Bowl level. I think for the most part, he does that. He's the reason the Cowboys have had so much success here lately. And even in the losses, he seems to get his team in a position to win the game. That's about all you can really ask for.

Mickey: Not sure how many more times we have to answer this. Peyton Manning, the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft, did not win his first playoff game until his sixth season, having started 96 regular-season games. Romo will now start his 39th Sunday against the Eagles.

Rob: Romo and the Cowboys are dealing with another difficult December (albeit against three very tough teams), but as a fan, ask yourself this: How many NFL quarterbacks would you trade Romo for? Not many. Unfortunately for Romo, he's going to hear this type of criticism until he wins a playoff game. Odds are Romo must play well for the Cowboys to clinch a playoff berth on Sunday. That would be a "big game" feather in his cap.

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