Cowboys Mailbag:Mick's Mail: 07/27

What do you feel is the cause for these fourth quarter meltdowns?

The Cowboys have committed 74 penalties, which is tied for the second most in the NFL this year. Also, they have been penalized for 667 yards, which is the most in the NFL. How can the Cowboys reduce their penalties? Is it due to a lack of discipline? Do the coaches need to do something different?

Three questions: Will Dallas make a move before the deadline? If so, what position do you think has the most critical need to be filled? Should the brass consider trading Pickens to acquire another proven talent?

It's been nearly a month since Mike Pettine was brought on board as a defensive consultant. Have you seen any differences so far? Has he made much of an impact yet?

I've always thought, "Go ahead and blitz. Dak Prescott and our wide receivers will make you pay." But the exact opposite has happened this season. Prescott and the receivers have not been able to produce against the blitz. Why is this happening?

Should the Cowboys consider test-driving Jaishawn Barham at outside linebacker for some much-needed quarterback pressure? After all, he did finish his career at Michigan as an edge rusher, and he might be better at setting the edge.

What is going on with George Pickens? He was such a key contributor to last year's offense. Why have the Cowboys had such trouble getting him involved this season?

In the spirit of Halloween, is there any chance of Coach Schottenheimer adding more trick plays into the offense? I mean, every year it seems like we might have one or two at the most throughout the whole season, whereas you see other teams, in all sorts of situations, throwing in trick plays to keep the offense moving. They might provide a nice treat.

As head coach, Brian Schottenheimer is responsible for all aspects of the team. But do you think the hiring of Mike Pettine has the tangential effect that Schottenheimer can now spend less time worrying/thinking about the defense and, as a play-caller, can focus more on the offense? In Philadelphia, we saw him call the type of game we are used to seeing.

Given how beat up the Eagles are, what's your take on the big win in Philadelphia? Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely happy with the victory, but I'm wondering if the Cowboys just took advantage of a weaker opponent, or if they have truly turned a corner after such a dominating performance.

I realize it's only Week 7, and the term "must-win" is often overused, but how big is this game against the Eagles? It feels like it could be a tipping point for the entire season.