The Texan trap

Page 21 of 25 -- -- Jason Rubin, Melrose, MA

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A: The punting E-mails are off the charts this week. The thing with Charlie Weis is he likes to mix it up. He likes to do on offense what the Patriots do on defense. He likes different looks and he doesn't want the Cowboys to be able to key in on anything. I agree with you on Graham. He's dropping balls. That's why after he had that breakout 7-catch game against Cleveland, I wrote, let's see if he can be consistent now. He hasn't.

I think that our offense doesn't get enough credit. I think that when things are close, the offense is reigned in, so that they don't lose it. When We are down such as in the Bronco and Tennessee game, and even the Washington game, the offense is let loose and is more aggressive. I'm tired of hearing our offense isn't great high scoring. In the end, our offense didn't lose the game either. I think they compliment our defense nicely. I know that's not really a question, I just wanted to know what your thought on the subject is?

-- Daniel Campbell, Chesapeake/VA

A: They do enough to score points to win games. I think we forget, and I think I mentioned this last week, that the Patriots have played against some of the best defenses in the league so far this season.

I write this from Cowboy land, and I am grateful that the Pats won! But I still want to know what is the situation regarding Mike Cloud? Again, I am frustrated by the play calling of Weis, I just do not know what he is thinking out there. Case in point, trying to run outside with Smith and Faulk. Granted, the blocking was poor, but Dallas has too quick of a defense. This brings me to my point about Cloud. Let him run because he is quicker than Smith/Faulk. I know Brady was fair, and he had some drops out there. But am I missing something???

-- Doug Bisson, Dallas TX

A: There's certainly a sentiment out there to re-activate Cloud. I don't see why not, either. You're right, he is quicker. He has fresh legs and this guy wants to make an impression so he can get a job next year.

This is more a comment than a question. As I listened to the radio broadcast of the Sunday night game against the Cowboys, I couldn't help but think, "This is the receiving corps of the future." If Bethel Johnson spends the offseason with the Jugs machine the same way Givens did, it wouldn't be unexpected to see Belichick and Pioli focus on the RB and LB situations to get those positions younger and deeper.   Continued...