Mailbag: Right decision to bench Dak, others?

Has changing defensive coordinators and schemes over the past three seasons been a major reason for the Cowboys' struggles on defense? And now there could potentially be a fourth defensive coordinator in the last four years. How can the players deal with so much change?

Now that the season is done, do you think the Cowboys are a 7-9-1 team, like their record indicates? Or are they better or worse than that? 

If the Cowboys hadn't made that big trade right before the start of the season, do you think that would have made enough of a difference to get the team into the playoffs?

I realize that management, the coaching staff and players won't use this as an excuse, but did the unusual schedule in November and December factor into the quality of play? In that stretch, the Cowboys had two Monday night games and three Thursday games. There was also a Sunday night game as well. I can't help but think this caused the inconsistent play, especially on the offensive side of the ball. 

Where does the offense continue to go in the second half? Lights out in the first half, two field goals against the woeful Commanders in the second half. And they haven't scored a touchdown in the second half since the Detroit game. Any ideas? 

I've been so excited to see Tyler Smith at left tackle. I know that left tackle is normally thought of as the most important offensive line position, and Smith is our best offensive lineman. Do you see the Cowboys moving him there in 2026 and searching for his replacement at guard? 

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? 

Should ​the Cowboys start Joe Milton at quarterback these last two games? Joe needs the experience and the evaluation. Dak Prescott doesn't need either. He needs to stay healthy and ready for next season.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said after the game last Sunday, "I think we are beating ourselves quite a bit." How many times have we heard something similar over the last several years? Different coaches, different players, same undisciplined play. Is there any hope of ever fixing this issue?

It seems hard to believe that putting Trevon Diggs on the field right now wouldn't be an immediate upgrade. He says he's healthy, so what are we, the fans, missing? 

We were all fired up after the trade for Quinnen Williams and the performance of the defense in his first three games with the team. But the Cowboys have generated little pressure in their last two games against Detroit and Minnesota. Are you seeing anything different? Have opponents figured out this five-man front we were so excited about?