DeMarcus Lawrence said in an interview last week that the Cowboys are “burned out” and that the team is healthy but “my legs are tired.” I was surprised to hear him say that (and Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore seemed similarly surprised in later interviews). what is your opinion? – Adrian Westbrook/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nick Harris: I think every team in the playoffs is obviously more tired than most because they know they have games to win, but it's not like the Packers were in a different position. I took Lawrence's comments to mean that the tank was emptyer than usual heading into the playoffs with December games against the Bills, Dolphins and Lions. Either way, that's no excuse. This is just the reason why the Cowboys didn't suffer the most disappointing playoff loss in franchise history.
patrick: My idea is simple. DeMarcus Lawrence is still one of the best defenders on this team and in the league, and he's a locker room guy who got his job done in every situation, even when many doubted he could. I'm a leader. And I never want to hear again in my life that the reason a team lost in the postseason was because they were “tired.” Every player on any playoff team is tired, but they still understand the mission. The 49ers and Chiefs were as tired as anyone, but they were still competing for the championship there. Has there been any adversity for the Cowboys? Yes, because they do it all the time and every other team does it. Is every game like a playoff? I think not taking care of work early can lead to that and putting too much pressure on yourself in December, but it's mostly controllable (hint). Lastly, once again, I respect Lawrence's career and the fact that he is still playing at a Pro Bowl level and keeping the locker room hungry. But perhaps the latter is why I was most shocked to hear him say those words. Just know that Mike Zimmer would never ask you that.
