The Dallas Cowboys were already locked into the No. 4 seed heading into NFL Week 17 and really had nothing to play for except just to stay sharp.
They did that early, building up a 21-10 lead in the third quarter. Most figured that, after that point, Garrett would pull his starters to avoid any injuries. He did not do that, and early in the fourth quarter rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suffered an injury.
Thankfully, it appeared he was spared anything catastrophic, but at this point in the game there really was no reason for him or any of the team’s other top starters to be playing in the first place.
Garrett’s decision to keep playing his starters did not go over well on social media.
So if the #Cowboys keep Dak in because momentum is important and then they lose to the #Giants, is it like putting a warm beer in a Styrofoam cooler and putting the cooler in the fridge?
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) December 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheBenNatan/status/1079472924833300481
I’m beginning to think Garrett has a monster bonus for winning 10 games. https://t.co/69x2cArDuk
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 30, 2018
JUST MAKES ME SICK. JASON GARRETT PLAYS HIS STARTERS INTO THE 4TH Q OF A MEANINGLESS GAME … AND NOW VANDER ESCH HAS A KNEE INJURY. I KNOW HE WALKED OFF, BUT YOU CAN SEE ON HIS FACE THIS IS NOT GOOD.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/Joe22DCnation/status/1079472589481959425
The only risks Jason Garrett takes are with his players' health. https://t.co/w6JVx9oKoR
— Zach Barnett (@zach_barnett) December 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/gokatsgo/status/1079474626080563200
Unbelievably stupid in meaningless game…Garrett is ridiculous
— Bruce Carleton (@Bruce56ton) December 30, 2018
Just a mind-boggling decision, but maybe there are a few “good” reasons.
Here are some possible Jason Garrett excuses for playing his starters:
1) Contract bonus?
2) 10 wins = extension?
3) Passes Chan Gailey on DAL win %
4) 10 wins = ties Jimmy J/B for 10+ win seasons
5) Give the Raiders a worse draft pick
6) Hurt QB = free excuse for a playoff loss— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) December 30, 2018