Machota: It would send an odd message if the Cowboys cut Greg Hardy now

Cowboys beat writer Jon Machota held a chat on Friday. Here are some highlights.

How close do you think the Cowboys are to cutting Greg Hardy?

I understand that cutting Hardy would save money, but as long as they believe he's playing hard and the guys in the locker room are fine with him, Hardy will finish out the season as a Cowboy. Jason Garrett wants this team to finish strong. If you just cut Hardy because your playoff hopes have ended, that sends an odd message. They've put up with everything to this point, I think they see what he can provide in these remaining five games.

What can Rod Marinelli really do to help Dallas get turnovers? Most of that is on the pass rush, right?

I would say the pass rush plays a big role in that, yes. But the guys on the back end have to make some plays too. The blame for the lack of turnovers really does go on the whole group. The pass rush has been disappointing, preventing the extra pressure that leads to QBs making bad decisions. But the CBs have dropped several INTs they should've had and there have been plenty of balls on the ground that they just haven't landed on. They certainly practice it. It's something Marinelli has been great at throughout his career. I wish I could accurately explain how a team goes from first to worst in that department in one season, because an NFL team would hire me and I'd make a lot of money.

Will Stephen Jones ever get embarrassed enough to take the reins from the Executive of the Year or can we expect more "I'll hit on four players and ride them till they fall" seasons?

Stephen Jones won't "take the reins" until his father says he can have them. Don't think for one second Jerry isn't still calling the shots. This season has been a huge disappointment for Jerry. I actually anticipate him being even more involved trying to correct things this offseason.

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