(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
What would be your Christmas wish for these last two games? Win both to perhaps help the culture Brian Schottenheimer is trying to build and maybe gain a little momentum going into the offseason? Or take the losses knowing the team will have a better pick position each round throughout next year's draft? – William Hobbs*/New York, NY*
Mickey: Me, I'm always about winning. Win both and at least you can say you didn't finish with the franchise's first consecutive losing seasons since 2000-02. As least that is something positive to take away from a disappointing season. Also, yes, momentum is real. Just feel good about something. To me, no matter the record at this point, the "culture" already has been set. And sometimes I think there is this thought out there that only teams with losing records have bad "culture." There is a possibility of having good "culture" but that doesn't relate directly to wins and losses if you have less talented players than your opponent. Plus, after you wear these shirts, and Brian Schottenheimer had one on during his Tuesday, blaring COMPETE EVERY DAY how do you give off this notion in the final two games that they don't matter, that you are not trying your best to win? Winning is the name of the game, no matter what.
Patrik: I don't much care if my opinion is popular on this topic (or any) but, as a competitor, you play to win the game. Herm Edwards knew, and I don't understand why fans would think NFL players would ever willingly put out bad film that risks their job, or costs them one outright, for the sake of helping an organization move up a couple spots in a draft that could, by the way, end with said organization drafting that player's replacement. No thanks. Mount up and try to end the three-game losing streak because you're a professional, and paid well to behave and prepare like one. Your film is your resume, so good luck explaining to the next GM that you "missed that tackle on purpose so Dallas could get a better pick" ... lol. For pride and for the culture the new head coach is trying to build, win your last two games, period, and also stop acting like the team doesn't have two first-round picks.
Mailbag
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