Bledsoe excited to have Owens aboard
Posted on Sun, Mar. 19, 2006
Bledsoe excited to have Owens aboard
By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
IRVING - Debate will rage whether the signing of Terrell Owens will be good for the Cowboys in the long run.
There is no arguing that he is good for the Cowboys' offense.
Regarded as the league's most complete receiver -- who can make plays down the field and across the middle -- Owens is expected to boost the passing game and running game while also making life easier for quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
"I am excited," Bledsoe said. "I think we got better as a team. I became a better quarterback without doing anything. I am excited about the signing of Terrell Owens."
The release of 2005 leading receiver Keyshawn Johnson warranted the Cowboys going out and getting another receiver. Terry Glenn was the only proven returning pass catcher and he remains a viable downfield threat, catching 62 passes for 1,136 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
But more than replacing the capable Johnson, Owens brings an explosive playmaker to the Cowboys that they haven't had since the days of Michael Irvin.
In fact, Owens is the team's first bona fide No. 1 receiver since Irvin retired after the 1999 season -- a fact Irvin said will make a huge difference for a Cowboys offense that lacked consistency last season.
The Cowboys finished 13th in the league on offense in 2005, 15th in passing. Poor blocking and a lack of a running game were the team's biggest problems. But they also lacked a constant big-play threat.
Irvin says Owens solves all those problems because he gives the immobile Bledsoe someone to throw to quickly when protection breaks down. His ability to draw double teams will take pressure off Glenn and open things up in the running game for Julius Jones because opponents can't crowd the line of scrimmage. Add in tight end Jason Witten and his ability to make plays down the middle of the field and Irvin says the Cowboys have potential to be unstoppable on offense.
"In order for the Cowboys to get where they want to get, they need a No. 1 receiver," Irvin said. "Do you know what Terry Glenn can do with one-on-one coverage? Julius Jones can become the back he was supposed to become when they drafted him. It's a great move for Dallas. It puts them in the Super Bowl."
Bledsoe and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are of a similar mindset.
Jones said Owens' ability to get open quickly will solve some of the protection concerns the team had last year. It allows Bledsoe to get the ball off faster while also forcing opponents to play more coverage to prevent the big play.
"We got better," Bledsoe said. "We got a guy who is extremely explosive. It allows our offense to be more explosive. Terry Glenn will benefit. Witten will benefit and Julius Jones will benefit."
Bledsoe excited to have Owens aboard
By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
IRVING - Debate will rage whether the signing of Terrell Owens will be good for the Cowboys in the long run.
There is no arguing that he is good for the Cowboys' offense.
Regarded as the league's most complete receiver -- who can make plays down the field and across the middle -- Owens is expected to boost the passing game and running game while also making life easier for quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
"I am excited," Bledsoe said. "I think we got better as a team. I became a better quarterback without doing anything. I am excited about the signing of Terrell Owens."
The release of 2005 leading receiver Keyshawn Johnson warranted the Cowboys going out and getting another receiver. Terry Glenn was the only proven returning pass catcher and he remains a viable downfield threat, catching 62 passes for 1,136 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
But more than replacing the capable Johnson, Owens brings an explosive playmaker to the Cowboys that they haven't had since the days of Michael Irvin.
In fact, Owens is the team's first bona fide No. 1 receiver since Irvin retired after the 1999 season -- a fact Irvin said will make a huge difference for a Cowboys offense that lacked consistency last season.
The Cowboys finished 13th in the league on offense in 2005, 15th in passing. Poor blocking and a lack of a running game were the team's biggest problems. But they also lacked a constant big-play threat.
Irvin says Owens solves all those problems because he gives the immobile Bledsoe someone to throw to quickly when protection breaks down. His ability to draw double teams will take pressure off Glenn and open things up in the running game for Julius Jones because opponents can't crowd the line of scrimmage. Add in tight end Jason Witten and his ability to make plays down the middle of the field and Irvin says the Cowboys have potential to be unstoppable on offense.
"In order for the Cowboys to get where they want to get, they need a No. 1 receiver," Irvin said. "Do you know what Terry Glenn can do with one-on-one coverage? Julius Jones can become the back he was supposed to become when they drafted him. It's a great move for Dallas. It puts them in the Super Bowl."
Bledsoe and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are of a similar mindset.
Jones said Owens' ability to get open quickly will solve some of the protection concerns the team had last year. It allows Bledsoe to get the ball off faster while also forcing opponents to play more coverage to prevent the big play.
"We got better," Bledsoe said. "We got a guy who is extremely explosive. It allows our offense to be more explosive. Terry Glenn will benefit. Witten will benefit and Julius Jones will benefit."
posted by The Gryphon at 9:30 AM
<< Home