Jean-Jacques Taylor

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Your Dallas Cowboys will go 9-7 this year and miss the playoffs, which means we'll probably be talking about a new head coach about to make his debut this time next year.

The problem for the Cowboys is that there are waaaaaaay too many questions and not nearly enough answers. Plus, the Giants and Eagles are better teams with better coaches.

The other problem for the Cowboys is that there are a lot of good teams in the NFC. There aren't any great teams, but there are so many solid teams that the Cowboys won't be the only team disappointed that 9-7 isn't going to get them into the postseason.

The problem with your Cowboys is they have no track record.

They haven't won a playoff game since 1996, and they have routinely stunk after Dec. 1, when the games are most important.

You just can't ignore those long-term trends, until they break them. I'm not confident they can. I've been burned before.

We know this team has legitimate questions about its depth, and it's not getting any help from the draft.

Is there one player besides kickoff specialist David Buehler that you know is going to contribute this season? For a team that drafted 12 players, that's ridiculous.

The Giants and Eagles each improved in the draft. They added first-round talents who should help their team.

There's talent on the Cowboys. We all know it. But the question about this team is never solely about talent. This has been a team devoid of character over the years, and it was proved again with their pathetic performance in the season-ending debacle in Philadelphia.

It's not up to me or you to believe in the Cowboys. It's up to the players and coaches to earn your trust.

Thus far, they haven't done it.

Q: Did Pat Watkins put on weight in the off-season? He used to look like a taller Merton Hanks, now he's looking a little thicker. I noticed he was tackling with his head up this preseason too, maybe he's turned the corner.

George Moore, New Jersey

TAYLOR: I don't think he put on any weight of significance. I'm sure you noticed him tackling differently because of the neck injuries he's had the past few years tackling with the wrong technique. You wouldn't have noticed any of that without the tremendous performance he had in the final preseason game. He played strong at the point of attack, blocked a field goal and returned an interception for a touchdown. He's been, "just a guy" since the Cowboys drafted him. Maybe, he's about to break out and become a good player.

Q: When the replay officials are watching a replay are they also able to hear the comments from the TV announcers?

Rob Daubert

TAYLOR: Nope. They just watch the replay. Then they make a decision.

Q: How cool would it be for Roger Staubach to take the first official snap in the new stadium? I realize you wouldn't want to take a chance on his getting injured on a passing play, but just to hand off would really transition the franchise from Texas Stadium to the new stadium. If it could be worked out with the league office, I think it would be a great move by Jerry not to say anything and just have him announced with the starters. Think of the publicity Jerry would receive, and I think it would be a very classy move. Looking forward to your thoughts.

Rich Olschwanger

TAYLOR: That's a wonderful sentiment, but it's never going to happen. The league would never allow it. Roger has been placed in the Ring of Honor. There's no bigger honor for a Cowboys player.

Q: Seriously, Wade Phillips needs to go. Right now. His decision to NOT choose a starting right cornerback is only proof that Wade is no head coach. To be honest, I'm embarrassed to even have a head coach who is as gutless as they possibly can get.

Bobby Moore

TAYLOR: I understand your frustration, but you really should be used to it by now. Both guys did a good job in training camp, but I think you have to pick a starter ­ even if it hurts someone's feelings. Leaders make tough decisions. It's what they do. Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick are just about equal, but Scandrick plays more consistent technique and he's a slightly better player overall. I would start him. Wade and the coaching staff worry about Jenkins getting into a mental funk if he didn't start. That wouldn't be enough for me to start him over Scandrick, but I also don't have to worry about getting fired if I don't make the playoffs and win a game.

Q: I think the Cowboys offensive success is going to be determined by their success on third downs, and this is where I think Roy Williams must show up. How do you see third-and-5 shaping up for the Cowboys? Can Williams really be a good option on third down since most defenses will take away Jason Witten?

Marc Ramirez, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

TAYLOR: Williams should be a good option on third down because he's a big, physical receiver who uses his body well. The Cowboys also will be helped on third down by their ability to spread the ball around. Without Tony Romo feeling compelled to get the ball to T.O., he'll be able to get the ball to Williams, Witten, Patrick Crayton, Martellus Bennett and the running backs. If the Cowboys can run the ball and stay out of third-and-long, you should feel good about their ability to thrive on third down.

Q: I believe Felix Jones should be the starter because of his ability to explode at anytime. Marion Barber is a great finisher, but lacks the ability to start off fast like Felix Jones. I hope sometime early season Felix become the starter. What do you think?

Tyrone Datcher

TAYLOR: It doesn't matter because they're both going to play. Barber does a good job of softening up the defense and letting them get used to their style. Then Jones shows up with his tremendous speed and runs right past them. It's fine with Barber starting and Jones coming in the second or third series. Trust me, each guy is going to play quite a bit. It will work fine.

Q: I'm still trying to figure out why the Cowboys would trade a starting cornerback like Anthony Henry for a 38-year-old backup quarterback? Henry starts all year and you trade a valuable commodity for a guy you hope never takes a snap. Still scratching my head over this one. Help me please.

Ken Ponder

TAYLOR: Whether you agree or not, the Cowboys wanted Jon Kitna to be their backup quarterback. If he was released, then he could negotiate with any team and he probably would've signed with a team that would've given him a chance to start. Trading for him made sure they got the guy they wanted. Henry wasn't going to start here with the young guys and he was going to be a free agent at the end of the season. It doesn't matter if you agree as long as you understand the thought process and it makes sense.

Q: I have to say I am a little shocked that Jesse Holley even made the practice squad. I saw a totally confused player on the field, poor hands, and a very stiff running stride. Its nothing personal, he just didn't impress enough to make the practice squad in my opinion.

Eddie Arnold

TAYLOR: Practice squad players make less than $100,000 and don't travel. Give him credit for making the practice squad, though it also proves none of the other 31 teams wanted him. I don't think he'll ever be a regular on a 53-man roster, but we'll see.