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It’s getting tougher and tougher for Coach Mike McCarthy to give satisfactory answers after his team’s terrible performances. He tries again today, let’s see what he said. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).
Decision on Everson Griffen
Asked about trading away Everson Griffen on Tuesday, Mike McCarthy said it was more about opportunities for younger players. He noted that the Cowboys want to create opportunities for them.
Daryl Worley and Dontari Poe status
There is a report that the Cowboys are interested in trading these two players as well, but Mike McCarthy declined to get into any details on them. Asked specifically if they would be at practice on Wednesday, he hesitated, then reiterated that Everson Griffen is the only player he has a comment on.
Trading Griffen as a message to the team
Coach said messaging is important, but that he doesn’t rely on transactions to send messages. He said he talks to the team every day and they know how he feels. He also said they are trying to cerate opportunities for players.
Andy Dalton status
McCarthy noted that Andy Dalton is still in the concussion protocol. He said that sometimes players in the protocol are able to participate in meetings. He noted that Andy is not in individual meetings but that he is in the team meetings. He later added that he didn’t see Dalton coming back until the end of the week at the earliest.
Zack Martin status
McCarthy said that Zack Martin is slated to practice on Wednesday.
Joe Looney status
The head coach noted that Joe Looney will be in a limited status but is “close.”
Preparing for Jim Schwartz
The Cowboys face a defensive coordinator in Jim Schwartz on Sunday that has had success against them before. Mike McCarthy said he expects the Eagles defense to be aggressive. He noted the Cowboys line has been having problems with pressure and that they are having issues about which player to pick up on the blitzes.
Zack at tackle?
Asked if they might consider playing Zack Martin at tackle against Philadelphia like they did for part of the game in Seattle, McCarthy said they will work a variety of different combinations. He noted they don’t have their five linemen set for the game yet and they will have to work through that at practice this week.
Chidobe Awuzie status
McCarthy said that Chido has looked good recently and that he has worked lately. He said he looks for Chido to practice on Wednesday and be ready to go on Sunday.
Sean Lee status
The head coach also said he is looking for Sean Lee to practice on Wednesday and sees him possibly being ready for Sunday night.
Bradlee Anae getting opportunities
Asked if Bradlee Anae is one of the players the Cowboys are looking to get more snaps in light of trading away Everson Griffen, McCarthy said yes, but he added that he would put Dorance Armstrong ahead of him. He noted that Bradlee has shown a high level of pass rush ability so far. He also said to throw Randy Gregory into that group of players expected to get more snaps.