Adam Schefter answers readers' questions nearly every day in his blog. On Thursday, Adam turns his attention to the Dallas Cowboys. Have a query of your own? Submit it here.
Q: What's the more likely scenario for the Cowboys this weekend, becoming the only team to beat the Saints this year, or losing and ultimately missing the playoffs?
-- George (Beaverton, Ore.)
A: George, do you like the Cowboys' chances of going into New Orleans and defeating the unbeaten Saints -- in a dome that will be ear-popping loud from fans having all day Saturday to get all lubed up -- and quieting all the people that have been harping on a team that has lost a first-place lead in December in each of the three seasons before this one? As we like to say on "Monday Night Countdown," "C'mon, man!" Kudos to Dallas if it can pull off this upset. But there are an awful lot of obstacles the Cowboys are going to have to overcome. And if Dallas loses this game, it is going to be increasingly difficult for the Cowboys to make the playoffs. So in a backhanded way, George, did I answer your question?
Q: If Tony Romo played for any other team, would he ever have been a household name? I think he's a good QB, but I think he's pretty far removed from the Mannings, Bradys and Breeses of the world.
-- Tony (Coral Springs, Fla.)
A: Tony, I'm a Romo fan and supporter. And no, I don't think he's an elite quarterback like those other guys you mentioned. But I absolutely believe he is good enough to get to a championship game. Look, if Patrick Crayton had held on to a third-down pass against the Giants in a divisional playoff game back in 2007, the Cowboys might not have this drought of playoff wins and Romo would get more respect than he does. One play can make that much of a difference. Romo is a very good quarterback. Great, no, but good enough to win with.
Q: People seem to revere Hines Ward for some of his "dirty" plays, but Flozell Adams doesn't get romanticized in the same way. What's your take on him? Is he really a dirtbag?
-- Gordon (Paso Robles, Calif.)
A: Well, Gordon, that's because Hines Ward is the most prolific receiver in Steelers history, with statistics better than Hall of Fame receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. He has won two Super Bowls. He has been one of the toughest players in the league from the moment he entered it. Adams doesn't have Ward's rings, reputation or résumé. What Flozell Adams has done is flat dirty. Tripping players? Kicking players? Hitting them after the half is over? Look, it takes a certain nastiness and intensity to play the offensive line, and I respect anyone who does it. Adams has been a good player in this league for a long time. But some of the things he has done are over the line. I'm not going to call him a dirtbag. I'll leave that to the Giants. But some of his plays have been dirty; there's no way around that.
Q: What are you hearing about DeMarcus Ware's neck injury? If he can't go this weekend, is there any chance the Boys' D can hang with the Saints?
-- Darrell (Starkville, Miss.)
A: Darrell, I was initially told that Ware will miss at least one game, which would mean he wouldn't be on the field Saturday night. Since then, the Cowboys have said he's day-to-day and could play if he gets medical clearance. But that's what most people would expect them to say. Guess we'll see Saturday night. I hope he can play, because that would mean he's all right, and everyone wants to see the best players in the best games. But my gut tells me Ware won't be on the field Saturday night.
Q: Do you think the Dallas Cowboys are still worthy of the "America's Team" title? They don't seem to have a hold over the entire country like they used to. Winning in the postseason would help, but do you think we'll ever see that kind of support for a single team again?
-- Jim (New York)
A: For now, Jim, they're "America's Team In Waiting." As soon as the Cowboys win, and win consistently, they are America's Team. And just last week they were in first place, so technically they were America's Team as recently as a week ago. While you might be questioning their popularity, which is fair, that will change as soon as they win. But for now, America's Team In Waiting is a bit more appropriate.