Podcast: Dallas Cowboys' Judd Garrett on NFC Division Playoffs

Robert ReesJan 13, 2010

Used with permission from "The Sports Piece " presented by Global Data Finder

Judd Garrett, the Assistant Director of Pro Scouting for the Dallas Cowboys, brother of the Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett, brother of Tight End coach John Garrett, came on to talk about the NFC playoffs about 25 minutes into the podcast. The first half of the podcast is with the Bengals OL Coach Bob Surace on the AFC playoff scenario.

When asked about the Cowboys beating the Eagles:

They hit us when we were on a roll. I think it was more of what we did in the last two games than what they didn’t do.

When asked about Miles Austin’s improvement :

What you’ve been seeing on the field is what we’ve seen glimpses of some of last year and in practice and he was showing it in training camp. But sometimes with a younger, unproven guy, it takes a little leap of faith to get him on the field to really throw him out there and give him a chance to play. With the injury to Roy Williams, Miles took the chance and ran with it. It’s been great, not just for him, but for the whole offense. We’re really pleased with what Miles has done.

With Miles out there, he’s such a threat, defenses have to pay attention to him and now the defenses can’t crowd the line to stop the running game. He makes it easier for others. The great part of the offense this year compared to years past, is that Romo can be more democratic with the pass instead of just going to one guy. Romo can now play the position the way it’s supposed to be played a lot better than he has in years past.

When asked about this offense is being the most prolific Cowboys offense ever:

They have had great output because they have a lot of playmakers and also Jason Garrett is doing a great job of calling plays.

When asked about the Cardinals vs. Packers game :

First explained that the Cowboys game against the Packers earlier in the year was the worse game the Cowboys played this year. The game from the other night was not necessarily that either of the defenses played bad, but more that both offenses were playing at such a high level.

When asked about the Saints losing streak going into the game against the Cardinals :

When we beat them, it took the wind out of their sails, but with Sean Peyton, Drew Brees, and the talented guys that they have, you’ve gotta think they’ll right their ship and play at a high level against Arizona. I think New Orleans will win that game, but it will be close with Warner at the helm.

When asked what his job duties entail for the Dallas Cowboys:

His department's job is to evaluate all the players in the entire NFL in Free Agency when that comes, when a player gets hurt, we find someone off the street and we do a lot of the advanced scouting for the upcoming opponent.

Tell us how you scout the Cowboys upcoming opponent, the Minnesota Vikings:

We feel confident, but this is a great team. They have probably the best running back in the league and Brett Favre, who at 40 years old, is still playing one of the best seasons he’s ever played. He’s got three good receivers in Rice, Barrion and Percy Harvin who’s an explosive player. Favre does a great job of getting the ball to his backs as well, including Chester Taylor. They have a good offensive line, but I think we can stop them, but it will be a challenge.

When asked about their defense:

Jared Allen is second in the league in sacks. He’s been an unbelievable pressure player this year. Pat Williams is a big strong guy, hard to move in the running game. Kevin Williams is not as big, but he’s quicker and more athletic. They have good linebackers too, so their front seven is real formidable. Their weakness could be in the secondary. We’ll need to keep pounding the ball, keep running it and take our chances in the passing game.

When asked about who he thinks will win the NFC :

Of course our guys! I think we have as good a team as anybody and we’re playing at a high level right now. It’s not an overconfidence; we still have to keep playing at a high level.