A hard yard Since, Jerry Jones and everybody else has denied Garrett's ascension as head coach before a formal search had been made.
If he didn't have it before, a 14-13 win in Philly probably helped things. Of course, it was the Cowboys' starters (aside from a third-string quarterback) against the Eagles' second- and third-string. A win is a win, but there's an asterisk next to this one.
While DeMarcus Ware is pounding Kevin Kolb all day, you realize it's Philly's back-up trying to block him.
As for the coaching situation, if Jones has already made up his mind about Garrett, it further proves how emotional he is about his personnel decisions.
If by July Garrett is the head coach, that is OK. However, if he's the head coach without sincerely looking elsewhere (and I don't mean the wide receivers coach ... because he's black), under every rock, nook and cranny, then it's just another potential mistake compounding all the others.
Jones has to get this right. He needs the exact right guy because their quarterback's window is going to close sooner than later and this new coach needs to capitalize on that.
To the grades:
Quarterback -- B
Stephen McGee didn't make us forget about Tony Romo. He didn't make us forget Steve Puelluer. But when the game was on the line, he came through. He went 4-6 on that final drive including a seven-yard run and the final four-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten. McGee made a series of plays all day. Rattled, he was quick to tuck the ball and run. He made some plays. It wasn't smooth or even remotely good, but it was gutty and 110 percent effort, something we haven't seen a lot of lately. I think there's value there. I haven't rooted for a Dallas Cowboy since 1994, but I felt a little for McGee. I felt good for him.
Running Back -- B
So long, Marion Barber. Nice knowing you. I'm also beginning to think Tashard Choice's ceiling is as a second-string back. I'd like to see 16 games of 300 carries from Felix Jones.
Wide Receiver -- D
If Manuel Johnson spent more time catching passes than he did looking for a pass interference flag, he'd be half decent. Miles Austin broached 1,000 yards for a second straight season.
Tight End -- A
It seems Martellus Bennett's found a place in this offense. Maybe he has the potential to be a top-flight tight end. Certainly, it'll be tough fighting for catches with Jason Witten, who broke 1,000 yards for the second straight season and third time in his career. Also made the two top plays offensively: the 33-yard catch and run and the touchdown.
Offensive Line -- F
Did they even get out of the hotel room?
Defensive Line -- C+
Jerome Harrison had the quietest 99 yards of the season. Stephen Bowen had the legal hit of the day on Kolb.
Linebacker -- A
I'd like to thank DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer for showing up. Although Ware wound up with his 14 or 15 sacks and a Pro Bowl spot, he had a very uneven year. Spencer was virtually a ghost.
Secondary -- D
Never thought they were challenged enough. Kolb didn't have the time and, if he did, he typically sailed the ball 10 yards over a receiver's head or at the dirt at their feet. Terence Newman did have two big interceptions, two gimmes from Kolb. Apparently, had no answer for Chad Hall. Nothing to feel good about here.
Special Teams -- D
They didn't lose the game. Couldn't believe they wouldn't run Kris Brown out there for that field goal. Just to kick the tires a little.
Coaching -- B
The Cowboys could've seriously mailed that game in and, yet, it seems everyone played relatively hard. Bits and pieces took the day off, but overall you got a good performance from a number spots. It was a meaningless week 17 game and someone could've blown out a knee or dislocated a shoulder; however, they still played hard. Now, how they nearly got beat by back-ups is another issue.
