SportsDay's Jon Machota answered questions about the Cowboys in a chat. Here are some highlights.
Question: Do you have any idea as to how serious McFadden's injury is?
Jon Machota: I don't think it is very serious. He didn't have the groin strain coming out of Sunday's game in Tampa, so it's something that occurred during practice this week. Stephen Jones was on SiriusXM NFL radio yesterday and said they "still feel good" about McFadden playing Sunday. And as long as he's out there, I think he gets a lot of work. Miami has one of the worst run defenses in the league.
Question: What's your take on Randy Gregory & how the Cowboys are using him? There was high expectation placed on him & he was playing well before his injury. I know he was eased back into games but I don't he is playing enough snaps & is almost a non-factor at the defensive end
Jon Machota: If Gregory had been drafted by a team with more question marks along the defensive line, he'd likely be playing more. He's just not going to take reps away from Greg Hardy. So as of now, he's used in passing situations when Hardy is moved inside or over to the left end. But it's also bigger than just playing time. Suffering that high ankle sprain in the season opener slowed the process with Gregory. I think he's starting to get back to where he feels healthy and like his old self. And I think that's why the Cowboys have been trying to get him more work each week. Gregory played 10 snaps against Seattle three weeks ago, 13 snaps against Philly two weeks ago and 22 snaps last Sunday in Tampa.
Question: Do you agree with the contention that all this talk about distractions, leadership, and dissension is due to the losing? In other words, that the chemistry of the team is fine, and will be seen as such once the team starts winning games?
Jon Machota: I haven't noticed any disension within the locker room. I think there's obvious disappointment because many expected this team to make a Super Bowl run, but key injuries have done a lot to put them in this 2-7 hole. I still think everyone's on the same page and you'll see their best effort Sunday in Miami with Romo back under center. I've never once thought that there was finger pointing or guys quitting during games. There have been fewer guys hanging out in the locker room doing interviews during this losing streak, but other than that, just about all of the guys have carried themselves the same way they did last season.
Question: Greg Hardy is a Cowboy next season: True or false?
Jon Machota: At this point, I'll say true. I think he's rubbed enough people the wrong way nationally that his stock won't be too high. (Well, unless he averages two sacks a game for the rest of the season.) The Cowboys have demonstrated that they're willing to put up with the off and on the field distractions Hardy can bring. The other part is that I think Hardy really enjoys playing in Dallas and playing for Rod Marinelli and Jason Garrett. If everything is relatively close in terms of contract numbers, I think he'd give the Cowboys the edge.
Do you think Romo's transition back to the field be as seamless as some are making it out to be?
Jon Machota: It'll be relatively seamless if he can avoid having Ndamukong Suh fall on top of him. As Romo pointed out earlier this week, he's facing a greater chance of breaking his collarbone again if he sustains a similar hit this season. He'll be wearing extra padding, but that might not be enough if a player falls on him the wrong way. I think having arguably the league's top offensive line gives the Cowboys some extra hope that Romo can avoid a similar hit. If he stays clean in the pocket, I think he'll be a little rusty early on against Miami, but he'll progressively get sharper throughout the game. The real test will be Thursday against Carolina, with only three days between games. After that hurdle, I think you'll see Romo completely back to his old self.
Question: You've got the Cowboys winning Sunday, huh? Is that pick as simple as factoring Romo into the game?
Jon Machota: Romo returning is obviously a huge part of my prediction. Not only will Romo give the offense a lift with his ability but his presence should provide some added confidence to both sides of the ball. But just because Romo's back I don't think the Cowboys will put everything on his arm and ask him to win the game by himself. McFadden and the other running backs will need to do their part on the ground. Miami has been awful against the run this season, allowing 135 yards per game. Only Cleveland has done worse in that department.