STERLING TICEAHKIE
Question: To me, La'el Collins has looked good on this O-Line. Yes, he may miss a few assignments, but every rookie misses an assignment or goes the wrong way on a play. How would you grade Collins on his play thus far?
Bryan:There is no question that he has picked up the physical side of the game. Where I had my concerns were with the mental side but that has appeared to be okay as well. He didn't play well last week against the Panthers and that was more physical than mental. He has done a nice job of working with Tyron Smith on that left side and that is a positive sign. I believe that he has found a home playing at guard where there might have been some thoughts about playing him at tackle.
Rob:I agree with Bryan that Collins looks like a natural fit at guard, where he can really be physical and operate in less space. A little like Byron Jones in the secondary, Collins can play a couple different spots but he has shown flashes of becoming a dominant guard, particularly in the run game.
JASON THOMPSON
Question: Since the Cowboys do not seem to be winning with Matt Cassel, or won with Brandon Weeden when he was on the roster, why are they not looking at giving Jameill Showers a chance to see what he can do? He looked okay during the preseason and he is only 24 years old, so why not give him a shot to see what he can do? This may be a quarterback that is worth taking a gamble on.
Bryan:Jameill Showers has had two opportunities this entire season to actually play some quarterback and that was on the scout team for Seattle and Carolina. The majority of his work has been as a safety and occasional wide receiver. If the staff elects to go in a different direction I believe it will be with Kellen Moore.
Rob:Similar reason why Kellen Moore isn't starting this week.* *The Cowboys are mathematically still in the playoff race and going with the experienced guy, expecting Matt Cassel to operate the offense more comfortably with a few extra weeks in the system. They like Showers as a developmental prospect on the practice squad – he's got ability and showed pocket presence in the summer – but you've got to remember he's a rookie who has only had a few preseason reps.
