Q. What do you believe the likely hood of Dallas getting a new head coach will be going forward, regardless of the results of this season. Wade Phillips is a monster on defense, but a head coach he is not (he has no spine). Do you think we could possibly go after Bill Cowher or maybe even Brian Billick? And do you think that could solve the problems on our offense? Thanks!
— Anthony, Shreveport, La.

A. Whether or not Wade Phillips survives probably will depend on how the Cowboys finish. But unless they go deep into the playoffs, this team will have underachieved and disappointed. That could give Jerry Jones all the ammunition he needs to start firing. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was thought to be the head coach in waiting, but given the way the offense has underperformed, Garrett’s promotion no longer should be considered a lock. I don’t think Bill Cowher and Jones are a likely combination. I could see Brian Billick and Jones talking the same language. Billick couldn’t solve the offensive problems in Baltimore, but he didn’t have Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and company to work with.

Q. OK, what’s with the Cardinals? Did they just get pack it in for the season to rest for the playoffs or were they playing over their head?
— Darrell B., Flagstaff, Ariz.

A. Maybe it’s just semantics, but I wouldn’t say they packed it in as much as they lost their edge. It’s easy for a team to know how to play these games when it isn’t used to winning and being in these types of situations. Regardless of how we define it, what has happened does not bode well for the Cardinals’ chances in the postseason.

Q. Who’s going to be the most coveted free agent this offseason? I’m hoping the Broncos go after Albert Haynesworth.
— Jeff P., Denver

A. If Haynesworth gets to free agency before re-signing with the Titans, he will be as popular as any free agent. There are a lot of teams that will throw their hat in that ring, though Haynesworth’s character history may cost him some suitors. Two other highly popular free agents likely will be Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel, Raiders cornerback Nnambi Asomugha, Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs.

Q. Is Isaac Bruce going to the Hall of Fame? I know he racked up big stats playing with the Rams, but getting to 1,000 catches is pretty impressive.
— Doug White, Richmond, Va.

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A. He will be considered, I know that. There is going to be a logjam of receivers in coming years because so many of them will have superior numbers when compared with receivers of previous eras, including many of who have been inducted. But Bruce has been a pretty special player, numbers aside.

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