12/12/12: Cowboys chat with SportsDay beat writer David Moore

Glad everyone is able to join us today. There's a lot to talk about. Let's go.

I believe this team is in good shape and is well-conditioned. Think of some of the players out with injuries. Sean Lee. DeMarco Murray missed a significant stretch earlier this season. Both are young, strong, in excellent condition and are prepared. Injuries have piled up this season, but I don't think it's because of anything the Cowboys conditioning staff isn't doing. This is simply a violent sport.

Very good question. That is one piece of information I don't know the answer to at this time.

I don't believe injuries should be used as an excuse for the slow start. Injuries are not the reason this team got off to a 3-5 start. But as the season has unfolded, I do believe injuries have compromised the Cowboys ability to compete at a top level, especially on defense. Yet, the team is 4-1 over its last five games. No team in the NFC has a better record over this span. What does that say? It says this team fights hard but doesn't always play well.

The Bengals receivers, especially A.J. Green, dropped catches you normally see them make. The Cowboys don't appear to be playing as much press coverage as they did early in the season, but again, I believe this has to do with all of the injuries the team has suffered on that side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been forced to play differently than he did to start the season. You don't lose your starting nose tackle, your two inside linebackers, a starting safety and your slot corner without it impacting your scheme.

I believe he should be back and I believe he will be back. On Intentional Grounding on 1310 The Ticket last night, a show I co-host with DMN colleague Robert Wilonsky, Stephen Jones said he does not envision a scenario where Garrett won't return. I believe the Cowboys have made progress under Garrett's tenure. I realize it's incremental progress and fans want more, but I believe this team is moving in the right direction.

If the Cowboys win their final three games and the New York Giants lose one of their final three _ it doesn't matter which one _ the Cowboys win the NFC East and make the playoffs. Is that likely? I don't think you can call it likely. Let's take your 2-1 scenario. I would call that more likely. If that happens, one of those wins would have to be over Washington to end the season. It would also require that the Giants lost two of their final three games. That might be asking a bit much.

The Giants next two games are on the road at Atlanta and Baltimore. Those won't be easy. They finish at home with Philadelphia. I don't see the Giants running the table to finish the regular season.

This is a tragic story that continues to unfold and will touch many more lives.

Using Jermey Parnell as much as the Cowboys did Sunday certainly sent a message to Doug Free. Consider that message received. Stephen Jones said he believes Free had one of his best performances of the season. That doesn't mean this rotation will stop. Look for it to continue. As for Free's status in 2013, my belief is he will play well enough over these final three games to return.