11/20/12: D-FW sports chat with columnist Tim Cowlishaw

Well, some of the star power is gone from DeMarco Murray in that class for sure. Think we can rule out David Arkin as well. Dwayne Harris as a sixth-rounder making name for himself in returns and has a chance at receiver. But, yes, Carter has arrived just in time to the brightest spot in that class at the moment. That's not to say it couldn't be first-rounder Tyron Smith at some point in the future. Still young, still lot of potential there at tackle.

Let's go with good surprises: Brandon Carr (thought he'd be good, way better than that), Jason Witten (ring of honor guy, I know, but maybe headed to Pro Bowl in 10th season), and, of late, Carter. Bad surprises: Doug Free, Felix for his inability to make anything happen during Murray's time out, and, I'll put Romo's overall numbers in there although they are a reflection of many weaknesses on this team.

No. I'm reluctant to call anyone old at this personal stage, but Holmgren is 64. Not likely coaching again in NFL.

Fair? Is that some sort of recruiting advantage to get to play on a Thursday in November? I don't think this is even an issue.

Don't know, don't care. Just to clear that up, so I don't see that question every week. You think those players are taking anyone to the playoffs?

They run the shotgun a lot already, but keep in mind they tend to have highly inexperienced centers snapping him the ball. That's a factor, too.

What is this fascination today with Mike Holmgren? Are you familiar with his GM-President whatever his title is-type work in Cleveland? Holmgren is a good football coach. Let's leave it at that.

The"he" in this question refers to Mack Brown. And it's not unfair at all, really. The idea is to win football games so your team can put people in seats, sell sponsorships, make money. They're still printing money at UT. Now this won't last forever if the team disappoints and can't win conference championships, I realize. But to your specific question about "fairness" it's not unfair at all.

Yes I would certainly lean that way as long as the team finishes 8-8 or better. If there is a total collapse -- or if the team continues to look for long stretches like it did the first half against the Browns -- we might have a coaching search in January. But that's the only way.