Mailbag: Did fatigue affect team in Detroit?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

Considering the Cowboys had to play four games in 18 days, including three straight against playoff-caliber opponents, how much do you think that stretch contributed to the loss in Detroit? It really felt like the overall energy and physical intensity weren't at the same level as in the previous games. Do you think fatigue from that brutal stretch played a major role? – Antonio Ellis/Griffin, GA

Nick: Let's just say this - they looked tired. They did. I'm not here to make excuses for them or anyone. But if you just watched the game, and compared it to what we've seen in recent weeks, it just looked as if the Cowboys were a step slower. Then again, facing the Lions on the road with all that speed, most teams look slower against Detroit.

But speaking of the Lions, they played four games in 19 days, while the Cowboys played four in 18. Detroit did have three straight home games, which might have been somewhat of a help. But overall, the Lions didn't have that much of a disadvantage. They basically had the same thing the Cowboys had, but just executed better.

I think if you're going to point fingers at anyone, the NFL should change their policy here regarding these short weeks. There's no way they will get rid of the Thursday games but if you're forcing teams to play on four days rest, maybe just maybe, they should get an immediate moment of rest. The Cowboys and Lions both had to turn around from a four-day rest and then get only a week in between games.

Again, this isn't an excuse, however. The Cowboys lost because they didn't play well. Why was that? Could be a lot of things rolled into one. But they need to use this extra time right now and apply it to the Vikings this week. That's all that matters at this point.

Kurt: When asked after the loss at Detroit if his team was worn down, head coach Brian Schottenheimer responded, "I don't think so. … I just think we didn't execute very well."

But as Vince Lombardi once famously said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Meaning, when players get tired, things like resolve, technique and discipline become that much more difficult. In other words, teams don't execute as well.

Still, it can't really be used as an excuse for their loss to Detroit. After all, the Lions just endured a similar schedule. They played four games in 19 days that included matchups against Philadelphia and Green Bay, which were both losses. Perhaps the only real advantage was Detroit got to host the fourth game of this gauntlet. When both teams were at their weakest, so to speak, the Cowboys still had to travel.

Of course, Schottenheimer and his players probably aren't going to admit that fatigue was a factor. It's something every team must deal with in some form or fashion, and the Cowboys have gone through this before in past years.

One thing is for certain, though … playing four games in 18 days definitely didn't help.