IRVING, Texas -- Part 2 of the Dallas Cowboys' Twitter mailbag is ready. In it we discuss:

• Jerry Jones, the general manager
• Wondering about Michael Sam
• Predicting the record
• Josh Brent's production

If you want to see Part 1, click here. Away we go:

@toddarcher why does jerry get a pass saying this team isn't any good no expectations when he is the GM and built the team?#cowboysmail

— Jon (@jbzhip) August 29, 2014

@toddarcher: I guess I've missed how he's been given a pass on this matter. But this is where Jerry can't win. If he professed Super Bowl expectations, then he would be ridiculed for overselling a team that clearly needs a lot of help. Jones has been more realistic (mostly) about this team, although saying this defense is much improved seems to be a stretch after what was witnessed in the preseason. The failings of this team's personnel are squarely on Jones. He's the general manager. He's responsible for this. But that doesn't mean he will be changing the general manager anytime soon or ever. Jason Garrett or others will have to pay for the sins of how Jones has constructed the team.

@toddarcher Do Cowboys go after Sam if Rams cut him #CowboysMail

— Salty Lakers fan! (@MrGreat93) August 29, 2014

@toddarcher: I don't think Michael Sam would fit on this defense even with the need for pass-rushing help. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli wants speed. That's the No. 1 trait. Sam is not a speed player. He plays faster than he is timed and he had an excellent college career, but the Cowboys were dubious about his pro chances entering the draft and nothing really changed their opinion in the preseason. At the time of this writing, Sam is still with the Rams, so it's a moot point. But the Cowboys' decision (should it come up) would have nothing to do with Sam's sexual preference and everything to do with the position he plays. He's a left defensive end and the Cowboys have enough of those.

@toddarcher what are your predictions for this season 8-8&why? #cowboysmail

— moy26_93 (@FWMoy926_41) August 29, 2014

@toddarcher: Can I get a do-over? I've predicted an 8-8 finish, which is always something of a copout, but at the time I made the prediction I though this team would be able to overcome enough of the defensive shortcomings to win half of their games for the fourth straight season. Now I'm not so sure. Let me use a baseball analogy: The Cowboys have a bunch of fourth and fifth pitchers in first- and second-pitcher roles. You like some of these guys as role players, but the Cowboys need them to play way above their heads and need almost all of them to do so. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably say 6-10.

If Josh Brent does make it back to the team, what would his role be and who would be the odd man out? #cowboysmail

— Nate D (@NateDxxx) August 29, 2014

@toddarcher: It's hard to imagine he would be anything but a bit player, a backup. He hasn't played since 2012. He hasn't been in a team's conditioning program in two years. He was a solid player in a 3-4 scheme, but hardly a star. He was functional. If he can do that again, then the Cowboys would be happy. But I don't think he would appreciably change the Cowboys' defense. If/when he is reinstated, he will face a suspension, so he would need even more time to get on the field. Once he is ready to play, then maybe he takes the spot of a Ken Bishop, but the rookie seventh-round pick has done nice things this summer to see what he can become.