There are some rumblings that the may make the Cowboys consider cutting ties with Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain‘s time with the team could be coming to an end before the season ends.
On Greg Hardy
Sources said that day began with Greg Hardy arriving late for work and missing nearly all of the morning’s meetings. It’s unclear if Hardy was disciplined at all, though it’s obvious he didn’t lose out on any playing time on Sunday against the Buccaneers. (FOX Sports, Garafolo)
On Rolando McClain
On Friday, linebacker Rolando McClain showed up and started complaining about a foot injury and other aches he’d been practicing through. McClain also made a comment to a few teammates that maybe it’s time for him to retire again, though that was taken with a grain of salt because McClain often talks about walking away when he’s frustrated. (FOX Sports, Garafolo)
The Cowboys may see the defensive issues coming from all the distractions around Greg Hardy and they may need to cut ties which could help get the rest of the guys back on track. Something is going on there. Last week Jeremy Mincey called for a team meeting and now we’re finding out that Hardy was late to meetings leading up to the game. Ian Rapoport had reported a similar issue with Hardy in October:
#Cowboys were concerned about Greg Hardy last week. He wasn’t on time Thursday, didn’t call & they called around. DNP for practice (illness)
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2015
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I suspect the other guys are not seeing equality or same treatment when Hardy is showing up late and still getting snaps, who knows? We then heard about the sideline scuffle between Hardy and Demarcus Lawrence:
Hardy and Lawrence were nose to nose on the sideline after a defensive series. Hardy and Lawrence declined to comment after the game. The two players walked side by side coming off the field for halftime, talking along the way.
Cowboys defensive end Jeremy Mincey said after the game there was no issue.
“No, that’s just brotherly camaraderie that’s all,” Mincey said. “That’s all it is. It wasn’t no problem about it. [Lawrence] went out and played his behind off and did a really good job. It wasn’t no problem, no issues.” (DMN, George)
These are exactly the types of things that derail a team from the inside-out, and all the late game losses further support the dysfunction.
McClain’s comments on retiring probably should be taken with a grain of salt, but the fact that he has retired twice before when he’s gotten frustrated could give this story legs. McClain did show up Sunday against the Bucs, but you just never know what you’re going to get with McClain. Could he retire suddenly?
What’s your take on these two defenders? Do the Cowboys stay the course with Hardy or should they cut ties? Do you trust McClain finishing the season?
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