This week around the NFL we discuss how Cam Newton’s dress finally hurt his team and if Gronk’s injury will do the same. Also, how Dallas should play down the stretch. Welcome to our weekly NFL mailbag.
Is it possible to get a two for one? Cam Newton missed the opening series of the Sunday night game due to a dress code violation. Was Ron Rivera justified in sitting Cam and would he have been benched last season? -Gerald R. (Salisbury, NC)
Selection of your question is in actuality providing a three-for-one. However, ’tis the season of giving and since the questions focus on a current hot topic, let’s address each.
Ron Rivera is the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, not Cam Newton. If Rivera’s rules are that everyone be dressed in a tie during pre-game then everyone should be dressed in a tie during pregame. Including the reigning MVP and franchise quarterback.
While non-compliance resulted in Newton’s benching, Rivera sent a clear message to his players that no one individual is larger than the team. Typically handled in the way of a fine, due to this particular punishment hurting the entire team, Newton appears to have learned from his mistake.
I would like to think that irregardless of the record, Rivera would act accordingly. In so doing his messages on unity, commitment, and hard work resonates even more in the locker room.
With Rob Gronkowski out are the New England Patriots no longer the Super Bowl favorites? -Douglas L. (East Thetford, VT)
Negative. Even with the season-ending injury to Gronkowski’s back the New England Patriots remain the front-runners in the AFC division. While a number of teams in both the AFC and NFC remain eligible for the playoffs, New England has proven to be leading the Super Bowl conversations.
Never underestimate head coach Bill Belichick or quarterback Tom Brady. New England has seen the resurgence of multiple players’ careers and without Gronk it is likely other individuals pick up his production.
Expect reserve tight end Martellus Bennet and receiver Julian Edlemen to improve their performances down the stretch.
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Should the Dallas Cowboys rest Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott now that a playoff berth has been secured? -Nicholas L. (Carroll, IA)
The Dallas Cowboys became the first NFL team to secure a playoff berth with their win during Week 13 of the regular season. Winning 11 in a row (11-1) Dallas only needs one more win to secure a first-round bye and possibly home field advantage.
Facing the Giants, Buccaneers, Lions, and Eagles in the final four games it is doubtful that Prescott sits for any length of time. After taking over for the injured Tony Romo, who would play should Prescott sit, any comparison at this point would only serve as a distraction.
They have a good thing going in the ‘Big D’ and shouldn’t risk deviating from the status quo despite a guaranteed playoff position.
–Brandon Scott is the Managing Editor of cover32 for the San Diego Chargers. Follow on Twitter here.
The post NFL Mailbag: Tie-Gate, Gronks’ Injury, & the Cowboys Plan appeared first on Cover32.