Silver Star Bruised, Banged, Buoyant After Week 17
It’s one of the oldest unwritten rules in the business. When an NFL team is already assured of going to the postseason and can neither improve-on or blow its seeding, the starters play for a few downs (if that) and then stand on the sidelines.
Coaches and GMs always deny the phenomenon prior to the game, too. “We’re here to win, just like every week,” they say, only to make fans groan when they see the starting QB wearing a ball cap and watching the 2nd quarter.
In Week 17 of the 2018-19 season, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett did something rather unorthodox. They said they wanted and expected their starters to play in an otherwise “meaningless” contest against the New York Giants. And lo and behold, they were telling the truth.
Garrett played Dak Prescott an entire 4 quarters last Sunday, and the signal-caller responded by leading the ‘Boys to a rousing 36-35 road win over the Big Blue. Prescott threw 3 touchdown passes to 2nd-year TE Blake Jarwin and another TD toss to WR Cole Beasley.
A win over a rival is one thing, but the value of a hot QB going into the playoffs is worth having taken the risk.
However, the gambit did not go without a hiccup as the Cowboys suffered a few bumps and bruises. Sensational rookie LB Leighton Vander Esch injured his shin, but should be active for the upcoming Wild Card round. Fellow linebacker Stan Lee pulled a hamstring and may be limited as the playoffs begin, while offensive guard Xavier Su’a-Filo suffered a sprained ankle and is questionable for Saturday’s showdown with visiting Seattle.
Star tailback Ezekiel Elliott did not play in Week 17, but is expected to suit up against the Seahawks.
