Quincy Carter "hardest" cut in Parcell's tenure so far

When asked what the hardest cut he had to make to date in Dallas, Parcells responded "probably Quincy Carter" and that he was saddened by the whole situation.

Don't put too much stock in Cowboys' preseason record

by Tom Orsborn
August 27, 2006

Bill Parcells is worried about the Dallas Cowboys' first-team defense.

That may sound silly considering the unit has allowed only three points through three preseason games, but Parcells has good reason to be concerned.

"They have not been tested," Parcells said after the Cowboys defeated the 49ers 17-7 on Saturday to raise their preseason record to 3-0. "They have only been out there 15 plays a half, 17 plays a half and that is not a normal half. You are usually going to get 30-32, so we are only getting about half of what we should be getting."

Cornerback Terence Newman said he shares Parcells' concerns. The 49ers ran only 18 plays in the first half compared to 42 for the Cowboys.

"We haven't been on the field," Newman said. "The offense has been on the field so much that they've been taking plays away from us. It's been pretty easy for us. We haven't played a lot the last two ball games."

The defense also hasn't seen a lot of exotic formations, shifts or patterns when it has been on the field.

We've been playing pretty solid football, but, at the same time, what we've seen has been pretty simple," Newman said. "Teams aren't showing us everything they have in their playbook because it's just preseason."

Playing New Orleans and San Francisco hasn't helped either. Parcells won't admit it, but the quality of his team's opponents has been rather poor since the preseason opener in Seattle on Aug. 12.

The Cowboys have had their way the last two games with teams that may combine for less than 10 victories this season.

Dallas can go undefeated in the preseason for the first time since 1985 if it defeats Minnesota on Thursday. The '85 squad won the NFC East Division with a 10-6 record only to get drubbed 20-0 by the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The Cowboys teams that won Super Bowls after the 1992, 1993 and 1995 seasons all had losing records in the preseason.

So what does it all mean? Simply this — preseason results don't matter. The Cowboys will have to wait until Sept. 10 in Jacksonville to find out what kind of team they have.

And the Jaguars aren't the Saints or the 49ers.

WR Terrell Owens: No Rift According to Jones

Source: RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.com

Despite almost constant media speculation since Owens (hamstring) was signed, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insisted on Monday that there was no issue between the volatile wide receiver and head coach Bill Parcells, or anybody else in the organization, the Dallas Morning News reports. "There is no rift whatsoever," Jones said. For his part, Owens even managed to sound contrite about the team meeting and rehab session he missed on Friday. "Obviously, there are consequences for those actions, and I was fined. I will try to make more of an effort ? a better effort ? to get here on time. It wouldn't be a big issue if I wasn't hurt. ... To my teammates, I apologize. I've got to move on. I can't let this get me down." As much as ESPN might wish otherwise, it seems on the surface as though no Owens-related blowup is on the horizon.

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells doesn't care if anybody likes how he's handling receiver Terrell Owens. Asked about some of his own players, who are chirp

Source: Clarence E Hill Jr, Star-Telegram.com

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells doesn't care if anybody likes how he's handling receiver Terrell Owens. Asked about some of his own players, who are chirping about a perceived double standard, Parcells said: "Them players need to worry about themselves, their job and what they are doing. There are some that have been with me that know what I am doing. Then there are others. They are going to have to learn," Count receiver Terry Glenn among the informed.

Cowboys rookies: Both good and bad surprises

By Andy Targovnik on August 30, 2006 12:37 AM

Evaluating draft choices and rookie free agents this early can be tricky. But with less than two weeks to go before opening day, let's see how the Dallas Cowboys' rookie class of 2006 has progressed:

First round - Bobby Carpenter:
Based on the hype, Carpenter has been a disappointment so far. He looks more like a project than an immediate contributor. He was supposed to compete for a starting outside linebacker position but has been moved to the inside. The Ohio State product has also been hampered by a foot injury he sustained during the first preseason game against Seattle.

Second round - Anthony Fasano:
The supposed Mark Bavaro clone has caught only one ball in the preseason but he's been mainly concentrating on blocking from the H-back position. As the head coach likes to say: We need to see more.

Third round - Jason Hatcher:
The defensive end from Grambling looked sharp against the 49ers with four tackles and two sacks. Parcells is pleased with his pass rushing but disappointed in his run-stopping. He should definitely get playing time on passing downs.

Fourth round - Skyler Green:
It looks like Green is the chosen one: The guy Tuna loves to publicly needle. That aside, Green was supposed to be the main return specialist but he got off on the wrong foot when he reported to camp overweight; and it hasn't gotten much better since. Parcells says Green is still fighting for a job - whether that's true or just a motivational ploy still remains to be seen.

Fifth round - Pat Watkins:
Watkins has been a pleasant surprise. He's competing to be the starting free safety and has excelled on special teams.

Sixth round - Montavious Stanley:
Stanley is having a hard time adjusting to nose tackle from his more familiar defensive tackle spot and appears headed for the practice squad.

Seventh round - Pat McQuistan:
After passing on an offensive lineman in the second round to draft Fasano, Parcells appears to have struck gold late; and it couldn't have come at a better time. With Flozell Adams still hurting, McQuistan may actually get the starting nod at left tackle against Jacksonville on opening day.

7th round - E. J. Whitley:
He tore his ACL in mini-camp and is on injured reserve.

Free agent rookie - Sam Hurd:
Hurd has a legitimate shot to make the squad, but he has a flaw in his receiving technique which causes him to drop balls. So with the emergence Jamica Rector and Patrick Crayton apparently healthy, I give Hurd about a 50-50 chance.

Free agent rookie - Abraham Elam:
He's come out of nowhere after not playing at all in 2005. He can play both safety positions and has shined on special teams. I'll be shocked if Elam isn't on the 53-man roster.

May no longer be looking to trade for a WR

Cowboys | May no longer be looking to trade for a WR
Wed, 30 Aug 2006 09:29:38 -0700

Rick Herrin and Mac Engel, of the Star-Telegram, report Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he is now less likely to trade for a wide receiver because of the development of WRs Jamaica Rector and Sam Hurd.

Rising stock: DE Marcus Spears

By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

The Cowboys have had big plans for Spears since the start of training camp, but he tore some cartilage and missed two weeks of camp.

But he returned strong and has been making plays. Last week, he returned to the starting lineup after being on the third team when he returned from the knee injury.

Spears said his knees feel better than they have in a couple of years, and he's showing power and burst. Against San Francisco, he flashed his skills when he held the tackle to a standstill, tossed him aside just as the running back headed outside and made a perfect tackle.

Green may be getting final roster shot Thursday

Cowboys | Green may be getting final roster shot Thursday
Wed, 30 Aug 2006 09:25:35 -0700

Mac Engel and Rick Herrin, of the Star-Telegram, report Dallas Cowboys rookie WR/PR Skyler Green may be getting his last chance to earn a roster spot during the team's preseason finale Thursday, Aug. 31. Green's roster status is up in the air because he will have to make the team as a return man. He has returned eight punts for a 9-yard average in the preseason.

Cowboys at Jaguars Primer

by SportingNews
Sunday, 4:15 p.m. ET (FOX), Alltel Stadium

Why To Watch
For the past six months, no two names have been mentioned more often in NFL circles than Bill Parcells and Terrell Owens. The friction between the two headstrong individuals escalated during training camp, and the acclaimed saga now reaches regular-season levels of hype.

Will Owens, the volatile wide receiver, get any snaps after missing the entire preseason with a mysterious hamstring injury? Will Parcells be able to control T.O. the same way he took command of Hall of Fame linebacker/partier Lawrence Taylor back in his days with the Giants? Or will Owens prove to be cancerous to the Cowboys' chemistry and Super Bowl dreams?

Dallas has the firepower on offense, a relentless defense and a coach who knows what it takes to win a championship. Only time will tell if they can put it all together. ...

Dallas' first test comes against one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL. Jack Del Rio's Jaguars are ready to prove that last year's 12-4 record was no fluke and that they are a championship-caliber team.

Both teams field strong defenses that could carry them to the playoffs, but the difference in this game will be offense.

For the Jaguars, has Byron Leftwich built enough chemistry with his young receivers to replace what he had in the retired Jimmy Smith? At the age of 30, can running back Fred Taylor stay healthy and carry the load or are his best days behind him?

For the Cowboys, can Julius Jones stay healthy and avoid the fumbles that continually place him in Parcells' doghouse? If Owens doesn't play, will the young receivers be good enough to compensate? Will the new two-tight end offense of Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano bring back memories of Mark Bavaro and Zeke Mowatt?

Expectations are high for the Cowboys and Jaguars. The team that can put together enough offense to win the season opener will relieve some pressure and set itself on a strong heading toward postseason.

Key Individual Matchups

Terry Glenn vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
Glenn was outstanding in preseason and solidified himself at the top of the depth chart. He is extremely quick off the snap, reaches top speed in a flash and uses his quickness to create separation. Glenn (5-11, 193) has excellent hands and body control to make spectacular catches.
Mathis (6-1, 200) has experience against top-tier receivers, is fluid in coverage and is aggressive to the ball. He has a significant size advantage in this matchup, so look for him to jam Glenn, who can be knocked off his routes by more physical defenders.
Mathis, however, must get his hands on Glenn to slow him down. Glenn can be slippery at the line, and if he gets a clean release, Mathis can be burned for big plays. Advantage: Glenn.

Glenn Scouting Report
Strengths: Reaches top speed quickly and uses superb body control to make spectacular catches. Can run crisp short-to-intermediate routes and generally creates separation vs. man coverage. Rarely drops passes.
Weaknesses: Is undersized and can be muscled out of routes by physical corners. Has had injury issues. Takes plays off and doesn’t appear comfortable going over the middle. Bottom line: Glenn has thrived under coach Bill Parcells, developing into a great deep-ball option and legitimate scoring threat.


Mathis Scouting Report
Strengths: Plays with poise and confidence, even when teams came after him. Has very good foot quickness; is smooth in his pedal and can break out of it quickly. Has soft, solid hands to play the ball in the air. Is an excellent leaper who is aggressive playing the ball. Shows the quickness to mirror receivers.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his route awareness; will get caught peeking in the backfield and losing sight of the receiver. Occasionally will blow coverages. Is an inconsistent tackler. Bottom line: Mathis still has excellent upside because of his versatility, and his physical tools make him a frontline starter.

Julius Jones vs. Jaguars SS Donovin Darius
This will be Darius' first regular-season game since he tore his ACL last Sept. 21. All health reports are good, though. In preseason, no player received more praise from Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio.
Darius (6-1, 225) has good size and strength, an excellent feel for the running game and a penchant for delivering big hits. He rarely takes bad angles to the ball, has outstanding speed for a safety and does not miss tackles. Although he struggles at times in coverage, Darius has emerged as one of the league's best and most intimidating safeties.
Jones (5-10, 205) runs hard and is dangerous in the open field, but he must improve his awareness and ball-protection skills. When healthy, he is decisive, explodes through holes and moves the chains. He is effective on screen passes and catching passes out of the backfield, but frequent mental lapses have proven costly.
Jones is trying to bounce back from a sophomore slump filled with injuries and fumbles. He will have trouble getting loose against Darius and the Jags' defense. Advantage: Darius.

Jones Scouting Report
Strengths: Is decisive and attacks the line when he locates a seam. Has good balance and can cut back when defenders overpursue. Can make spectacular catches and is a willing blocker.
Weaknesses: Lacks size and lower-body strength, making durability a concern. Must improve ball security and pass-blocking technique. Bottom line: Jones had an up-and-down 2005 and will have to get tougher if he wants to play for Bill Parcells.


Darius Scouting Report
Strengths: Has good size and strength and a penchant for delivering the big hit. Has an excellent feel for the running game. Takes great angles to the ball, has outstanding speed for a safety and rarely misses a tackle.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t make a lot of plays in the passing game, where he appears stiff and too straight-line. Is slow to react to balls in the air and sometimes is caught out of position. Bottom line: Darius has emerged as one of the league’s best and most intimidating strong safeties but must show he can stay healthy.

DeMarcus Ware vs. Jaguars LT Khalif Barnes
Barnes was outstanding as a rookie and should be the Jaguars' left tackle for a decade or more. He shows nice athleticism and gets set quickly in pass protection, but he struggles against speed rushers. His technique is raw, health is a concern and he would benefit from a more consistent effort.
Ware is a prototypical end/linebacker hybrid for the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. He will be involved heavily in the pass rush because of his explosive first step and an improving array of moves. Ware can line up all over the field and is difficult to block one-on-one.
If Barnes does not get double-team help from a running back or tight end in passing situations, he will be abused by Ware. Advantage: Ware.

Ware Scouting Report
Strengths: Has good speed and is a good pass rusher. Uses his hands well off the snap to gain leverage. Plays with good quickness and sets up the offensive tackle well with head/shoulder fakes. Once he gets the corner, he wins. Will hold his ground when teams run at him and is not afraid to engage the tight end.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve reactions and play recognition. Gets caught peeking at the quarterback and loses coverage responsibility. Bottom line: Ware is a player on the rise. His best football is in front of him and should have a legitimate chance to be a Pro Bowler for years to come.

Barnes Scouting Report
Strengths: Shows nice athleticism and a quick set in pass protection. Mirrors quick edge rushers and slides with them. Works well when going forward, regularly finding the moving target in space and overpowering linebackers. Weaknesses: Lacks technique and does not work to finish all his blocks. Does not always bring his feet with him on blocks. Gets lazy at times. Bottom line: Barnes solidified the left tackle position for the Jaguars in 2005 and is a player on the rise. He will be the best player on the team’s offensive line after this season.

Breaking down T.O.

by Sports Blog
Aug 29, 2006 08:15 AM
Filed under:DallasCowboys NFL TerrellOwens

Like it or not Terrell Owens has become one of the most news worthy sports figures in recent history. Everywhere T.O. goes the media circus follows. It goes without saying that Owens has no one to blame for this but himself, yet he'll still blames others. Always the victim according to his agent Drew Rosenhouse. Always has an excuse for his antics and from time to time will issue a half hearted apology. His lastest lame excuse for missing team activities was "I over slept". Owens was fined $9,500.00 by the Dallas Cowboys. That's chump change for T.O. and will not prevent him from "over sleeping" in the future. With the kind of money that Terrell is making you would think he could afford a state of the art alarm clock.

Owens has burned many bridges over the years with the Forty-Niners, Ravens, Eagles, and now the Cowboys for reasons that have been well documented. The reasons as to why T.O. is such a prima donna and a cancer to every team he plays on varies. Some say it was a bad childhood which has led to trust issues. Do you really buy that? I don't. It seems that he trusts his agent Drew Rosenhouse a whole lot and that may be the problem. Rosenhouse has backed T.O. on every instance of misconduct. A good agent at some point would sit their client down and say "Listen, your messing up here. Do you want to continue making tons of money or not". If Owens does not make it with the Cowboys I doubt he'll ever get another shot in the NFL.

Is T.O.'s hamstring really bothering him this year or is he just sandbagging? In my opinion Owens must feel that training camp is a waste of time and all he needs to do is show up on Sundays and all will be forgiven. Problem is that he is getting paid to be a year round NFL player and that includes Training Camp, Mini Camps, and playing with minor aches and pains. I hope Bill Parcells stays true to his word and does not play Owens if he does not practice.

Terrell Owens is a skilled Wide Receiver. No one argues that. To this point in his career he has remained off police blotters and in todays NFL that's admirable. But, the word TEAM is not in his vocabulary and that's a shame. What a tremendous waste of talent.

Cowboys are beasts of the NFC East

by Sports Blog
Cowboys are beasts of the NFC East
August 29, 2006

This is the third part in a series of eight division-by-division previews featuring my opinion and analysis on each team, plus predictions. The NFC South, NFC North, and NFC West were previewed in our first three installments. Conference Championship, Super Bowl and MVP picks will follow.

Overview: Let the great debate begin. Who will win the NFL's power division, and who will be squeezed out of the playoffs? Will all four teams finish .500 or better? Only three are allowed to the postseason party. By the way, there is no doubt in my mind that both wild cards will come from this division, and the NFL should really find a way to allow a special exemption for an extra postseason team. That's how good this division could be. Injuries, soap operas and other variables inevitably will make us all look stupid, but that's why they play the games.

Dallas Cowboys: Who knows what's going to happen with the Terrell Owens situation; it truly is a mystery and will continue to be. I have to assume he'll be healthy for the majority of the year and that he and Bill Parcells will find a way to make it work. Obviously, it could derail at any moment, but I'll assume the best.

Owens simply makes the Cowboys passing game lethal when you combine him with Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton and TE's Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano. A big question is whether they will be able to protect QB Drew Bledsoe any better than last year. The answer is yes, without a doubt. LT Flozell Adams missed a good portion of last year with a torn ACL. He might not be as good as he was before surgery, but he's better than anything else the Cowboys had there last year. Between the additions of Kyle Kosier and veteran Jason Fabini, Dallas will be much improved. The other big dilemma is at running back. Can Julius Jones stay healthy, which will allow Marion Barber to settle into a third down role and spot back? Of course, certain members of the media want to create stories so they get their name mentioned all over the place, and that leads to ridiculous, preposterous rumors that Tony Romo is going to unseat Drew Bledsoe. It's not happening unless Bledsoe gets killed, and it should not happen.

The defense is the absolute key for the Cowboys, who have finished the transformation to a base 3-4 scheme. This was accomplished by bringing in Akin Ayodele from Jacksonville and drafting Bobby Carpenter out of Ohio State. DE Chris Canty is a name to watch, especially with Greg Ellis' situation being a bit dicey. CBs Anthony Henry and Terence Newman are the blankets in the secondary, and Roy Williams pops anyone in sight. Quite simply, this defense is the most complete unit in the division. Yes, they are better than Washington. Predicted Finish: 10-6, division champion. I would say 11-5, but with Owens' hamstring iffy and Mike Vanderjagt also banged up, I'll be a little more cautious. They have to at least split with Washington for this to happen -- and find a way to not lose all three road games in a row during a brutal mid-season stretch of Carolina, Washington and Arizona. That stretch is surrounded by home games with the Giants, Indianapolis and Tampa Bay. Washington Redskins: The Clinton Portis injury will make or break this team, even with the addition of TJ Duckett. They say he will be fine, and I have to hope they are right. Sure, they have upgraded at wide receiver, and the defense is still very good, but Portis was the ultimate key down the stretch last year -- the player Joe Gibbs thought he was getting when he traded top-flight defensive Champ Bailey.

QB Mark Brunell will be fine as long as he can stay healthy, which is far from a guarantee as his body gets more wear and tear. He is still a great leader, a steady presence who developed a very good chemistry with WR Santana Moss and TE Chris Cooley. Al Saunders, who was brought in to run the offense, has to hope that Brunell stays healthy, because Todd Collins is not an NFL quarterback, and Jason Campbell has no experience. Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd will add even more speed to drive defenses crazy, and Christian Fauria was always a good red zone option for New England. The protection is pretty good, but not dominant. Chris Samuels is the best of the bunch, but at times he struggles with speed rushers like Simeon Rice. Casey Rabach solidified the middle, and Jon Jansen's return from injury was a key on the right side.

On defense, Phillip Daniels was really good down the stretch last year as a consistent pass rusher, and Cornelius Griffin has been very good when he stays healthy. DT Joe Salave'a is a key player that can wreak some havoc on the interior. Gregg Williams likes to pressure the quarterback in a variety of ways, but he will be challenged until CB Shawn Springs returns to health. Second year CB Carlos Rogers is getting better, but the corner depth is a work in progress. The safeties will help this team will win a lot of games. Adam Archuleta will be a heat-seeking missile to go along with the phenomenal talent of Sean Taylor. Losing LaVar Arrington won't hurt because he was always banged up and was not a team player. Lemar Marshall was outstanding at MLB last year and goes along well with Marcus Washington.

One of the problem areas for this team will be PK John Hall's ability to stay healthy. If he can't, you can see a merry-go-round at that key spot, which will kill any contending team.

Predicted Finish: 9-7, wild card winner. This could be better, could be worse for obvious reasons. Consecutive road trips to Philly and Tampa Bay are the only real tough spot in the schedule. They should be able to finish strong again with Atlanta and Philly at home, then somewhat easy road games against New Orleans and St. Louis, and they'll wrap it with the Giants at home. If Portis wasn't banged up, and if I could trust Brunell and Hall's health, I would put this team at 12-4.

Adams could miss Week 1 with a calf injury

Cowboys T Flozell Adams could miss Week 1 with a calf injury.

"Is it a possibility? Yeah, there is because he's not out there practicing," coach Bill Parcells said. Adams hasn't practiced since being kicked in the calf of their preseason game on August 21. Rookie Pat McQuistan would probably get the start in his place.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Owens practiced for a second straight day Wednesday

Terrell Owens practiced for a second straight day Wednesday.

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells says it's up to T.O. whether he'll play in the team's preseason game Thursday. "If he feels like he wants to get some plays, then we'll think about it. If not, we won't." Odds are Owens will start Week 1 if he continues to practice.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Watkins still impressing; may start

Cowboys | Watkins still impressing; may start
Wed, 30 Aug 2006 09:21:11 -0700

Mac Engel and Rick Herrin, of the Star-Telegram, report Dallas Cowboys rookie S Pat Watkins has started the past two preseason games as the Cowboys appear to be giving him strong consideration to be their starting free safety. If Watkins wins the job, S Keith Davis would be releagated to backup status. "We're looking for big things from Pat," head coach Bill Parcells said

Minnesota Will Provide a Real Test

By Rafael Vela

The Cowboys have played well this preseason but all enthusiam has been tempered by the latest opponents. The Saints and 49ers both picked in the top six last April and both look like strong bets to draft in the top ten next year.

Dallas will get a much better test of its progress tomorrow when the Vikings come to town. Minnesota was one of the NFC’s biggest flops last year. Picked to win the division by many, they cratered after a team scandal and QB Duante Culpepper’s serious knee injury. They rallied to respectability under Brad Johnson but cleaned house in the offseason. they canned long-time HC Mike Tice and replaced him with long-time Eagles OC Brad Childress.

Minnesota has weak spots, primarily at WR, but has lots of young talent on its lines. The biggest matchup tomorrow will be the Vikings defensive line versus the Cowboys offensive line. We’ve long acknowledged that this year’s team will go as far as the o-line takes them. The protection has been steady so far and the run blocking, while shaky at times, has gotten better every week.

Thursday the big grunts face speed and talent. The Vikings have invested heavily in their d-line, using 1st round picks in ‘03, ‘04 and ‘05 to obtain DT Kevin Williams, a player Dallas seriously considered before drafting Terence Newman, and DEs Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James. (Jerry Jones claimed the Cowboys would have drafted James last year had Marcus Spears been taken.) The Vikings added monster NT/DT Pat Williams in the ‘05 offseason to anchor and let the kids run free.

Williams has turned into one of the league’s best rushing tackles. He will give guards Kyle Kosier and Marco Rivera a handful. Watch how well they contain him, especially on passing downs. Inside, the mammoth Williams will give Andre Gurode a challenge.

Outside, James speed will give a clearer indication of rookie Pat McQuistan’s progress. Parcells singled out this matchup in yesterday’s presser, so you know he’s eager to see how far McQuistan has come, or still has to go.

When the Vikings have the ball, watch their left side versus the Cowboys’ right side. Minnesota spent a mint stealing Pro Bowl OG Steve Hutchinson away from Seattle. He’ll team with LT Bryant McKinnie and Pro Bowl C Matt Birk to give Minnesota a solid push on that side of the line. Watch NT Jason Ferguson vs. Birk and see if ILBs Bradie James and Akin Ayodele can hold their ground against the road grader Hutchinson.

The starters probably won’t play very much on a short week, so sharpen those eyeballs and watch those matchups. This will be the clearest signal of how Dallas will likely play against Jacksonville when the real games begin.

DMN Blog Stuff: Henson, TO, Romo, Roster guesses

Romo still hot topic


I've done a few national radio shows the past few days and there still seems to be this idea that Tony Romo is going to beat out Drew Bledsoe for the starting job. People, it ain't gonna happen.

The only way Romo plays -- barring injury -- is if Bledsoe is horrific. There is nothing in his resume to suggest that will happen. He completed 60 percent of his passes with 23 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season.

FYI: Dallas hasn't had a quarterback with a +6 quarterback ratio since Aikman had 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on a rooty-poot 6-10 team in 1997.

Posted by Jean-Jacques Taylor at 11:21 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

Does anyone watch Cold Pizza?


Who's watching a sports show at 11 a.m. on a weekday?

For no apparent reason, I'm currently listening to Skip Bayless, and Woody Paige make passionate arguments on topics they have no clue about.

One of the show's anchors, Dana Jacobson, had the good sense to book a local columnist for back-to-back appearances two weeks ago.


Posted by Matt Mosley at 11:06 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

NYT draws strength from this blog...


If you don't mind registering, check out this story by my friend Clifton Brown of The New York Times.

Brown was obviously inspired by our lunch at Boston Market yesterday. Word of warning: He's writing about You Know Who.

Posted by Matt Mosley at 11:02 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

Henson update...

Talked to Drew Henson for a little while yesterday.

He and his agent have been in touch with five teams, but he doesn't expect anything to happen until Monday.

Henson said the teams want to finish the preseason before making any moves. He was as shocked as the rest of us when the Raiders unearthed 38-year-old Jeff George earlier this week.

I do know that Keyshawn Johnson is lobbying for Henson in Charlotte. Henson has a close relationship with the Panthers' quarterbacks coach, but remember that one of Bill Parcells' best pals, Dan Henning, is the offensive coordinator.


Posted by Matt Mosley at 10:44 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

Terrell Owens note of the day


Since some people have mentioned the Cowboys should cut Terrell Owens, what would be the salary cap implications?

If the Cowboys cut him -- and just for the record that seems SO OUT THERE -- it would cost the Cowboys $1.6 million, which is the yearly proration of his signing bonus this year and $3.4 million next year. Owens is scheduled to count $6.66 million (yes, 666, we get it) this year, so it would free up $5 million against the cap.

But again, this IS SO OUT THERE.

If Owens were to be cut, don't you think opposing defenses would put, oh, say six defenders on Terry Glenn, which perhaps would limit his effectiveness?

Posted by Todd Archer at 10:41 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

Roster decisions

Bill Parcells isn't saying exactly what positions he's going over in his mind when it comes to the 53-man roster, but here's a guess:

OFFENSIVE TACKLE: He says they could take five on the 53-man roster. They could, but it doesn't seem like a wise move for the gameday roster when he will dress only eight offensive linemen. It's coming down to Jason Fabini and Rob Petitti. Fabini was given a $1.6 million signing bonus in the offseason and the Cowboys invested a full season in Petitti last year. This might be there toughest decision.

RUNNING BACK/TIGHT END: Sean Ryan, Tony Curtis and Lousaka Polite are in this mix. Polite would be the only true fullback on the roster, which would be good for the short-yardage situations. Ryan is a better blocker than Curtis and more game ready, but Curtis has come on as a receiver.

INSIDE LINEBACKER: Ryan Fowler, Oliver Hoyte are in contention for the final spot. Hoyte, an undrafted free agent, has been a surprise. Fowler has experience and is a valuable special teams player. My guess is Fowler sticks and Hoyte goes to the practice squad.

WIDE RECEIVER: Parcells is saying too many good things to cut Jamaica Rector, which puts Skyler Green in trouble. Sam Hurd has been a find in training camp, but he is not as polished a special teamer as Terrance Copper. If you go with the premise that Rector is the fourth receiver, then Green, Hurd and Copper are up for the final spot. Green would be tough to slip through waivers because teams will pull out their draft reports on him and see what he did at LSU. Hurd has the size Parcells wants at receiver. Copper is an effective special teamer and has experience. This one is too close to call. A lot will depend on Thursday night's final preseason game.

Posted by Todd Archer at 10:35 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

SPAGS: Parcells Encouraged with Owens Back In Practice

From DC.com

IRVING, Texas - Not only did wide receiver Terrell Owens return to practice for the first time in 10 days on Tuesday, but he practiced again on Wednesday, and Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said it's possible he might get a few snaps in Thursday night's final preseason game.

Parcells, speaking after practice at a luncheon for team sponsor Miller Lite in the Stadium Club at Texas Stadium, though stopped short of saying he's convinced Owens, who has been battling a hamstring strain since Aug. 2, will be ready for the Sept. 10 season opener at Jacksonville.

"It went OK, he was fine and was fine this morning," Parcells said of Owens' limited work in the second practice Tuesday and Wednesday's workout. "If he feels well, we'll dress him, but not sure we'll use him. It's up to him."

The Cowboys face Minnesota at 7 p.m. Thursday at Texas Stadium, heading into the game against the Vikings (2-1) with an unblemished 3-0 preseason record.

Owens and Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe have been unable to work together in a game-like situation this summer. Owens initially suffered the left hamstring strain on Aug. 2, and missed the next 14 days of practice, including the Aug. 5 controlled scrimmage at training camp and the opening preseason game Aug. 12 in Seattle.

He would return to practice on Aug. 16, but aggravated the hammy in the first of two practices Aug. 19 at camp, causing him to miss the second preseason game, Aug. 21 against New Orleans. And he would not practice all of last week, missing the third preseason game, Aug. 26 against San Francisco.

And even though the Minnesota game is the last of preseason, Parcells does not want to force Owens into the game just to play in a preseason game. He realizes if Owens doesn't play Thursday night, he will have four full days of continued rehab before the Cowboys practice again on Monday, Sept. 4 to begin full preparation for the season opener. "We'll see how it goes," Parcells said, also adding that while starting left tackle Flozell Adams continued to rehab his strained left calf Wednesday he will gauge his progress Thursday before making a decision on his game status.

Parcells alludes to possible trade(s) coming

Originally posted by Weasel from a sports forum:

During his press conference, he alluded to several teams wanting players on his roster.

Look for another LB or two to be traded and maybe some others. Possible trade bait:

Singleton, Fowler, Boiman, Hoyte, Glymph
Kenyon Coleman, Nate Jones, Willie Pile
Tyson Thompson, Fabini, Sean Ryan, Tony Curtis, Terrance Copper and Al Johnson

What positions would Dallas want?
WR, DT, OL, TE and most importantly a punter who can kickoff, possibly a young QB

Could Owens open season as backup WR?

Cowboys | Could Owens open season as backup WR?
Mon, 28 Aug 2006 08:48:29 -0700

ESPN's John Clayton reports Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells will have a hard time allowing WR Terrell Owens (hamstring) start the team's Week 1 game if he remains off of the practice field. However, because Owens is so talented, the team would likely still be forced to have him active for Week 1 and serve as a backup rather than not have him play at all.

Terrell Owens: I overslept

Terrell Owens, speaking with media today at Valley Ranch (above), confirmed that he was fined for being late to a team meeting Friday.

"I just overslept," he said. "I was late and [the fine] was the consequence of that. It's not anything I tried to do intentional. It's not the first time and it probably won't be the last time, but like I said, I'm trying to do everything I can to get back on the field, so it's one of those things that happens."

Owens continues to list himself as "day to day" with a sore hamstring, although he didn't say whether he was going to practice today. Practice is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Owens smiled as he talked to reporters about his ongoing soap opera.

"This is just unfortunate," he said. "I think everybody has overslept, you know, once or twice in their life before. Nothing intentional, it's just something that happened. And there's nothing I can do about it."

Owens said Friday was the first time he'd been late for a meeting since joining the Cowboys. Asked about reports saying he'd been late to several meetings, he said, "I don't know where that came from."

He also apologized to his teammates.

"Across the league, not just football, these types of things happen even going through high school, you're tardy sometimes, you're late . These are the type things that happen. Obviously, there are consequences, you know, of those actions and I was fined. Other than that, for me, it's not a big deal. It wasn't something I purposely tried to do. It's something that I will try to make more of an effort to get here on time. Other than, it's really not a big issue."

Much, much more to come.

Posted by Matt Mosley at 1:15 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (7)

RECAP: T.O. Interview In The Locker Room (8/28)

Originally posted by Waffle from a sports forum:
Paraphrased Tidbits... (from DC.com audio)

• T.O. said the media is really blowing everything out of proportion. He's injured, but so are a lot of other NFL players and they aren't getting constantly questioned about it. He said that everything he does is magnified by the media. He insists he isn't being a problem and that he's just trying to get healthy so he can get back on the field.

• T.O. said that if Parcells' rule is that you don't play if you don't practice, he won't play. He isn't going to defy or argue with that.

• He was asked if he didn't start a game, would that bother him? He said he didn't get any "extra bonuses or pats on the back for starting", so as long as he was able to get out on the field and contribute, he would be just fine with it.

• He did admit and acknowledge he was fined and that he apologized. (To whom, I didn't catch) Mentioned he does extra rehab at night, but he said he learned from his mistake and it won't happen again. Steve Dennis asked T.O. if he were going to buy a new alarm clock, but T.O. apparently ignored the question.

• He said he and Parcells had talked about him getting back on the field while they were in Oxnard, but that he hasn't spoken to him about the injury situation since the team returned to Dallas.

• T.O. said he watched the game on T.V. Saturday night.

• Said on several occasions that he just wants to get healthy and get back on the field, and everything will take care of itself. He even mentioned that no one would be talking about this stuff later in the year.

Schefter's Take on Owens

(Aug. 27, 2006) -- Football's most defiant player and football's most stubborn coach are engaged in a stare-down more entertaining than any preseason game.

Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens wants his hamstring to heal at its own pace, on its own schedule, without any head coach -- even a future Hall of Fame coach -- barking orders at him about how soon he needs to return to practice.

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells wants his "player" back on the field, practicing with the rest of the team, no questions asked, without anybody standing up to him or sitting on a bike in a Team Discovery outfit to insult him.

And thus, we have riveting preseason theater that now looks like it's going to extend into the regular season. Or at least until Parcells decides that he, like Andy Reid, like Steve Mariucci, has had enough.

T.O. hasn't even stepped on to the field yet this summer, not even for a single play, and already he has created more headlines than any player in football.

His hamstring hurts. Parcells wants his "player" on the field. The "player" comes back, only to re-injure it. The "player" skips team meetings and rehab sessions and incurs a $9,500 fine. On and on, like a stationary bicycle ride in Oxnard, Calif.

These were the types of headlines that everyone expected to come. But nobody expected them this soon.

Conventional wisdom was that T.O. would be on his best behavior this season, thankful for the contract the Cowboys awarded him.

Instead, T.O. has behaved as if he learned nothing from his experience in Philadelphia. As if he is more important than his team. Maybe this shouldn't be such a surprise. Dr. Harry Edwards, who worked with T.O. in San Francisco and knows an athlete's mind better than anyone in sports, predicted that the veteran wide receiver wouldn't be any different whenever he found his next employer. Smart man, Dr. Edwards.

Then when the Broncos visited with T.O. last February, two members of Denver's organization said they didn't get any sense that T.O. had been humbled, that he would be more appreciative if he got another chance.

T.O.'s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, insisted his client would. Dallas believed it. The two stepped to the altar in a pairing every bit as intriguing as Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. So far, the Cowboys tandem is providing more drama than The Breakup.

As much as everyone outside Dallas might be reveling in this, nobody can be enjoying it anymore than Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Nobody can be less surprised than Eagles coach Andy Reid. While the Cowboys summer has turned into a maddening football circus, the Eagles summer has been punctuated with a peaceful easy feeling.

Now, nobody outside Jerry Jones and Rosenhaus believes this can end quietly. Nobody can think we've heard anything close to the last of this story. This is a drama that is going to linger like the discomfort in T.O.'s hamstring.

Eventually, it might get better. But rest assured, in time, it's going to get worse.

Owens apologized to his teammates for being late to a team meeting last week

Terrell Owens apologized to his teammates for being late to a team meeting last week.

"I just overslept," Owens said. He said he hadn't been late to multiple rehab sessions as reports indicate. Bill Parcells reiterated his stance that Owens had to practice before playing in Week 1. Looking at the packed room of reporters he asked, "What is this, the Cuban Missile Crisis?"

Source: Dallas Morning News

Cowboys released ........

Cowboys released WR LaShaun Ward, K Tyler Fredrickson, WR J.R. Tolver, CB Lenny Williams and S Justin Beriault.

Owens apologized to his teammates for being late to a team meeting last week

Terrell Owens apologized to his teammates for being late to a team meeting last week.

"I just overslept," Owens said. He said he hadn't been late to multiple rehab sessions as reports indicate. Bill Parcells reiterated his stance that Owens had to practice before playing in Week 1. Looking at the packed room of reporters he asked, "What is this, the Cuban Missile Crisis?"

Source: Dallas Morning News

T.O. going too far? WR reportedly fined $9,500

Associated Press

IRVING, Texas -- Terrell Owens has finally pushed the Dallas Cowboys too far, drawing a $9,500 fine for missing a team meeting and a rehabilitation session and being late to an offensive meeting, The Dallas Morning News reported Sunday.

The incidents occurred Friday, the team's final day preparing for a preseason game against San Francisco. The Cowboys beat the 49ers 17-7, making them 3-0 this preseason without Owens playing any of the games because of a hamstring injury that's also kept him out of 19 of 31 practices since the start of training camp.

Neither team officials nor Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, immediately returned calls to The Associated Press seeking comment Sunday.

During a postgame television interview, Jones did not mention the fine but answered several other questions about Owens. Jones said his only concern with the receiver is "injury, not all this other stuff you hear about."

Owens' past is filled with run-ins with quarterbacks, coaches and others in his own organization. San Francisco and Philadelphia got rid of him, but the Cowboys welcomed him with open arms and a lucrative contract in March, four days after the Eagles released him.

Owens vowed to be a better man and a better teammate in Dallas. While the fine is the most drastic, he already has done plenty to stand out.

He missed much of the offseason training program -- with permission -- and turned his hamstring injury into an attention-getter by flying in specialists to help him rehabilitate and wearing a cycling team outfit one day while pedaling a stationary bicycle.

After returning to practice for several days, coach Bill Parcells ruled him out of a Monday night game and Owens hasn't practiced since. He said he aggravated the injury because the club pushed him too hard. When Parcells said this week that he needs to see Owens on the field, T.O. responded that there's 10 years of tape to show what he can do.

Jones seemed to downplay the drama surrounding Owens' injury by noting that Carolina's Steve Smith and Pittsburgh's Hines Ward also have been slowed by hamstring injuries without drawing the same scrutiny as Owens. He also recalled Deion Sanders' ability to play well after flying in from baseball games and missing long stretches of practice.

"I know this -- when he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames," Jones said.

The Cowboys play their final preseason game Thursday night at home against Minnesota. The opener is Sept. 10 at Jacksonville.

So who leaked the story about TO's fine?

Originally Posted by Kittymama from a sports forum:

Interesting point from Steve Mariucci on "Total Access" tonight. He pointed out that a lot of players get fined, but rarely (if ever) does it get reported to the media. So someone had to have leaked it.

Now the reporter breaking it is JJT. I can't figure out what conspiracy theory I'd buy. I don't think he likes TO, so I doubt he got the story from TO. I also doubt anyone in TO's camp would leak it--doesn't serve any real purpose. It's possible that the Boys organization leaked it as a warning shot across the bow. I just can't see that either--surely they'd know the firestorm it would kick up. (You should have seen John "Tweety Bird" Clayton chirping that this is definitely the beginning of the end!)

Curious.

Randy White on T.O.

Orinally posted by Boyzmamacita from a sport forum:

“I won’t be watching the drama, I can promise you that.” -
Cowboys Hall of Fame defensive lineman Randy White

The bizarre part of that Randy White quote is he said it at “Tuna and T.O. Day,” with the Fort Worth Cats independent league baseball team. This was a crazy promotion that included a Bill Parcells look-alike contest, a T.O. touchdown dance-off and a “catch a touchdown pass like T.O.” challenge. For the record, nobody caught the touchdown pass, the dance-off was won by some kid who danced a lot like Vinnie Barbarino from the old “Welcome Back, Kotter” days, and the Bill Parcells look-alike was, in fact, a dead ringer for Harry Caray.

Anyway, back to Randy White.

“I’ll be watching the damn football,” he said. “I don’t give a damn about what this guy says off the field or what that guy’s doing to get attention. Play football. That’s it. That’s what you’re supposed to be about. Do it on the field. To me, all that off-the-field stuff, that’s kid stuff. It’s babies and their rattles. You don’t play football in a crib. You want to be a Dallas Cowboy, grow up and play football.”

I love this soliloquy. I suppose White loved it too, because as soon as he finished he smiled and said: “Is that good enough for you?” Randy White was a great player, but more than that, he was a real player, an every-down guy, he missed just one game in his career. OF COURSE he has no use for the Parcells-Owens dark comedy. A lot of people feel that way.

Receiver spots tough to get a finger on

07:14 PM CDT on Sunday, August 27, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

IRVING – When you spend a season on a practice squad or sign as an undrafted free agent, the opportunity to win a spot on the 53-man roster comes around only so often.
If the Cowboys' medical team felt better about the condition of Charlie Adams' knees, maybe Jamaica Rector does not find himself in position to make the team. Or if Terrell Owens' hamstring did not keep him out of all but 12 practices, maybe Sam Hurd does not get as many reps in practice.
Rector, who spent last season on the Cowboys' practice squad, and Hurd, undrafted out of Northern Illinois, have worked their way into the receiver equation with one more preseason game to play.
In Saturday's 17-7 win against San Francisco at Texas Stadium, Rector caught seven passes for 80 yards, and Hurd had two catches for 20 yards. Through three preseason games, Rector has a team-high 12 catches for 152 yards, and Hurd has nine catches for 90 yards.
Coach Bill Parcells has expressed a desire to bring in a more experienced receiver, which prompted the trade with Denver for Adams, largely because of the health concerns surrounding Owens and Patrick Crayton, who has a sprained right ankle.
Parcells has generally kept five receivers on the 53-man roster. With Terry Glenn, Owens and Patrick Crayton set for the top three spots, he has to choose among Rector, Hurd, fourth-round pick Skyler Green, Miles Austin, J.R. Tolver, LaShaun Ward and Damarius Bilbo for the final two.
With roster issues elsewhere, including at kicker with Mike Vanderjagt unable to kick off because of a groin injury, it would be difficult for the Cowboys to go with six receivers.
Of the backup group, Rector and Hurd have the best chance, but Green's return ability might help him.
"It's getting close," Rector said. "We'll just have to see."
According to Parcells, pound for pound, the 186-pound Rector is the strongest player on the team. A year ago, he was a raw prospect out of Northwest Missouri State, but he opened eyes in practice while running with the scout team. On Saturday, he was used in a three-receiver set on the opening drive and caught and 8-yard pass. Later, he ripped away a back-shoulder pass from the defender for a 25-yard pickup. He also returned one punt 10 yards.
"He is definitely in the mix," Parcells said. "He is the only player that we have besides Terry [Glenn] that has real good quickness, and I have to take that into consideration."
Hurd was one of the biggest stories in Oxnard, Calif., largely because Owens took him under his wing, having him catch passes and run routes after practices. He impressed the coaches with his ability to learn multiple receiver spots, which most rookies do not do. But Parcells wanted to see him grow as a special teams player, joking that he made a good tackle on teammate Nate Jones last week against New Orleans.
On Saturday, Hurd came up with a tackle on a kick return.
"I don't have a problem with special teams," Hurd said. "If that's how I have to make the team, that's what I'm going to do."
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
JAMAICA RECTOR

Height, weight: 5-10, 186
vs. 49ers: 7 catches, 80 yards
Preseason: 12 catches (team high), 152 yards
College: Northwest Missouri State
Notable: Ranks second in NCAA Division II history with 4,497 receiving yards; ranks third with 289 catches.
SAM HURD

Height, weight: 6-2, 195
vs. 49ers: 2 catches, 20 yards
Preseason: 9 catches, 90 yards
College: Northern Illinois
Notable: Broke school record with 266 receiving yards against Central Michigan.
Minnesota Vikings at Cowboys, 7 p.m. Thursday (Ch. 11;KTCK-AM 1310, KTDK-FM 104.1, KDBN-FM 93.3; in Spanish: KFLC-AM 1270, KFZO-FM 99.1)

Let's rethink T.O.'s importance

By Jennifer, Floyd Engel.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
IRVING - Saying who is and who is not legitimately injured is dangerous business.

One player's sore hammy is another's sorry excuse to skip practice and further gig his old-school coach and send a not-so-subtle reminder of who is actually in control.

What we do not know for sure is which is the case with Mr. Initials?

Oh, I can venture a guess at his motivation. Philly followers can, too, and probably already have after T.O. missed his third straight Cowboys preseason game Saturday.

He did not miss anything too earth-shattering. The Cowboys' defense is still very good. Their offense is not bad, not bad at all. Their big-time kicker remains a no-show. And preseason is still a gigantic waste of time, energy and ticket-buyers' money.

Nothing means anything until the games count in the standings.

This, of course, is the T.O./Deion Sanders joint argument. They believe and have so eloquently stated that preseason and practice are unnecessary evils for the imminently talented.

Go watch the film, Big Bill, was their consensus opinion. Or to use T.O.'s exact phraseology from Wednesday: "If he wants to see something, he has 10 years of film."

Of course, Parcells has plenty of film, a personal relationship and real-life experience from drafting and coaching Terry Glenn. And of Glenn, everybody deemed Saturday's festivities at Texas Stadium worthy of his time and effort.

Glenn played like what he is - a professional.

He had another spectacular diving catch in the end zone for a touchdown. And when he called it a night midway through the second quarter, he had just added a 52-yard catch to his duty roster.

Who again misses who was missing?

Seems to me that Jamaica Rector and Sam Hurd have been filling in nicely. And Glenn looks good to go as a No. 1 receiver.

I can already hear the Mr. Initials apologists, including a certain Cowboys owner: "But Glenn is not injured like T.O." Or, "This is just the preseason."

Garbage games, right?

Then why does this franchise seem prepared to tab Tony Romo as the next Troy Aikman based on what happens in them? And why are vets such as Drew Bledsoe and Larry Allen and Glenn playing?

The easy answer is, unlike T.O., they are not injured.

Real or exaggerated, and who really knows, his hammy has earned him a get-out-of-the-preseason-free card. It also has given the Cowboys a chance to see if they can be all right without him.

So far, so good.

Possibly better, if you throw in the headache factor.

T.O.'s "better teammate" and "better man" pledge did not survive Parcells getting a little cranky about his sore hammy, so I am doubtful about it surviving a two-catch game in Philly. Or when Glenn goes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Or when Bledsoe misses him wide open in the end zone.

Maybe, he will not implode. Maybe, he really is injured.

My vote is the Cowboys would be better off not waiting around to find out.

But if anybody in this organization, and especially Big Bill, has an inkling that T.O. is not seriously hurt, they would be wise to cut his butt now.

Doing so now costs them only his $5 million signing bonus. And saves them a lot of headaches.

If JJ were to veto this - and he would - at least, suggest to T.O. that such actions are under consideration. I have a feeling that will solve the mystery of just how legit his injury really is.

Jennifer Floyd Engel can be heard weekdays 9 a.m.-noon on Dennis and Engel on ESPN/103.3 FM.

Tuna has lots to own up to: He grudgingly must defer

By Michael Felger/ NFL Notes
Boston Herald Patriots Beat Columnist
Sunday, August 27, 2006

We all realized the Terrell Owens signing in Dallas could be problematic.

We were right, of course, but only to a point. The receiver has gone straight from problem child to unmitigated disaster.

It’s gotten so bad you almost feel sorry for Bill Parcells. Almost. After all, anyone who goes to work for Jerry Jones and accepts not having final say in personnel matters deserves whatever he gets.

Parcells made his bed. Now he’s lying in it.

Make no mistake, Owens’ painstakingly slow return from a hamstring injury is nothing more than a control ploy against the Hall of Fame coach and notorious taskmaster. Parcells demands that his players practice to play (what a novel concept). Owens is used to setting his own schedule. Now each guy has met his match.

Parcells doesn’t need this, not at this point in his career. At 65 and entering his 19th season as an NFL head coach, the Tuna is probably looking at one more title run, one more $5 million salary and then a gentle retirement to Jupiter, Fla. While Parcells signed a two-year extension this offseason that will keep him under contract in Dallas through 2007, we all know any season could be his last. Parcells has never finished an NFL head coaching contract, so why would he start now, especially with the mess he has on his hands?

Parcells has handled headache talents in the past (Lawrence Taylor, Terry Glenn), but Owens represents another level. This is no way to ride off into the sunset.

Want to hit a coach like Parcells or Bill Belichick where it hurts the most?

Talk about your injury.

Every day.

Want to show your coach you have no regard for his way of doing business?

Draw attention to yourself while not practicing.

Every day.

Again, it’s hard to feel sorry for Parcells. When he took the Cowboys job three years ago he knew full well he wouldn’t have full control of his roster. According to NFL sources familiar with his contract, those powers rested with owner/general manager Jones from Day 1. It was only a matter of time before Parcells was saddled with players he didn’t choose. That time has come.

You have to wonder why Parcells would put himself through it. After all, if Parcells really didn’t care about “picking the groceries,” he never would have left New England. If he wasn’t so concerned with power, he would have simply handed the GM title to Belichick when he wanted his protege to succeed him as coach of the Jets following the 1999 season.

So why is Parcells allowing himself to get run over in Dallas?

Did we mention the salary?

Meanwhile, Owens has missed 16-of-28 practices and hasn’t played yet this preseason. You know Parcells would love to keep him on the sidelines until he starts practicing on a daily basis.

But now the coach has to take into account a question he must have sworn he would never ask himself again:

What does the owner want?

THEISMAN -T.O. A LYING JERK !

Originally posted by MyNameIsEarl from a sports forum:

Go Joe ! ESPN analyst just called T.O. a jerk and said he lied to Jerry Jones(about being on his best behavior) when he took his money . He also said the Cowboys will do fine without him . Never cared for Joe as player , but as an analyst he's never been afraid to tell it like it is !

Dat honored

IRVING, Texas - Tonight was a night to smile for a very serious, focused football player.

And smile he did.

The Dallas Cowboys celebrated the career of former linebacker Dat Nguyen Saturday night during halftime of this third preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers here at Texas Stadium.

Dat, his wife, Becky, and his two daughters stood in front of Cowboys fans as owner and general manager Jerry Jones introduced him and praised his accomplishments as a football player during this retirement ceremony.

"He's a great inspirational leader," Jones said over the microphone to a roaring crowd. "He's a great inspirational player. And he's a great inspirational Texan. Let's give it up for Dat Nguyen."

Nguyen, the son of Vietnamese immigrants, thanked Jones and the Dallas Cowboys for giving a chance to a player who was often thought of as undersized for a linebacker.

"I would like to thank the Jones family for giving me an opportunity," he said. "An opportunity to fulfill a dream. The dream of a kid from a small town, from a family of immigrants from a refugee camp, coming to America to play America's sport. And the opportunity to play with America's team."

Nguyen was forced to retire following last season's neck injury he suffered during the Sept. 25 game against San Francisco. He didn't leave the game and played the next game against Oakland on Oct. 2.

He missed the next three games, but came back Oct. 30 for the games against the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles, the Lions and finally his last game on Thanksgiving Day against the Denver Broncos. Nguyen didn't start another game after playing against the Raiders. He was placed on injured reserve the following Monday, and officially retired in mid-March.

After the halftime ceremony, Nguyen said it was bittersweet to retire, but his body was ready.

"When I started in this profession, I knew one day it would end," he said. "I didn't know it was gonna end this early, but one day it's gonna end. And you're fortunate to walk away when you can, on your own strength."

More than sadness about retiring, Nguyen was happy for the recognition he earned in Dallas.

"It's a great honor," he said. "When you do something and somebody recognizes and honors what you did for a living, it's something I feel deep down inside. I can't explain to you how it feels. How I feel about the Jones family and the Dallas Cowboys organization and what they've done for me. The opportunity they've given me to do something that I love.

"And for me to be here and to get honored in front of the best crowd in professional football, I couldn't ask for anything better."

Nguyen closed his career in Dallas with 665 career tackles, 34 tackles for lost yardage, 30 pass breakups and seven interceptions. He had three seasons of at least 100 tackles and was the club's leading tackler in each of the final three seasons he played all 16 games (2004, 2003 and 2001).

Nguyen said he plans to try his hand in the business world, but his heart will always be with the Cowboys.

"I wouldn't want to go anywhere else," he said. "I think when you play for the Cowboys, and you know how rich the tradition is and how many people have walked through the path that you're walking through, I think you don't want to go anywhere else to play."

Dallas goes to 3-0 in the preseason

By Grizz
Posted on Sat Aug 26, 2006 at 10:16:36 PM EST

The Dallas Cowboys came out fast again in the first half and manhandled a San Francisco team that is still a work in progress. Only the Tuna putting his foot on the brakes in the second half and a blown catch for a TD kept the score respectable at 17-7. The Cowboys showed once again that the first team is primed and ready for the season, and they haven't even used their biggest weapon yet, Terrell Owens.

Drew Bledsoe was coolly efficient for the second straight game, 12 of 17 for 200 yards and 1 TD. Any thoughts by the media of a QB controversy are surely over now, Bledsoe looks like he's in mid-season form. After driving the Cowboys to the redzone for a FG on their first possession, he followed up by hitting Terry Glenn for a 28-yard TD pass, with Glenn running a precision route and making a leaping catch in the endzone. Glenn finished the night with 4 catches for 98 yards and 1 TD. Jamaica Rector got the start this week instead of Sam Hurd and took full advantage of the opportunity, catching 7 passes for 80 yards. He's put himself squarely in the mix of backup WR's looking for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Julius Jones had 15 carries for 55 yards and Marion Barber carried 9 times for 49 yards, and added a 33 yard gain on a screen pass. Yes, mark it down, Dallas ran a successful screen pass. Tyson Thompson gained 66 yards on 11 carries and showed good quickness on the edges, especially on the left side behind Rob Petitti and a pulling Al Johnson.

The first team defense again was impregnable and shut down the 49ers for the entire first half. Anthony Henry got an interception and Bradie James made a great read to kill a screen play in the backfield. The only downside for the 1st unit was the lack of a solid rush and they couldn't get a sack on San Fran QB Alex Smith. The 2nd unit did get 3 sacks, 2 credited to Jason Hatcher and one to Kevin Burnett. But they also gave up the only points of the game for the 49ers, when TE Vernon Davis beat SS Abram Elam for a 15 yard TD.

The first string offensive line played almost perfect ball, not giving up a sack, providing Bledsoe with plenty of time to pick out his targets and giving JJ and MB3 plenty of room to run. For a unit that was the weak link coming into the year, they've put together some solid efforts so far in the preseason. The 2nd team line did have some problems protecting Tony Romo (11/14 for 111 yds, 1 INT), exposing him to a blind-side hit and fumble where either Rob Petitti or D'Anthony Batiste (or both) absolutely whiffed on a block leaving the defenders untouched. Jason Fabini also blew a blitz read but Romo was able to escape that one.

Overall, another solid outing by the Dallas Cowboys. The first unit put together an excellent game as it has done for the past three games. The 2nd units struggled a little in this game, but Parcells also slowed the game down in the 4th quarter by running the ball. No matter, you have to be excited by what we're seeing from the Cowboys in the preseason; solid line play, Bledsoe looking as good as ever, and the defense is absolutely smothering the opposition.

Vanderjagt: Bill's 'annoyed' with me...

Mike Vanderjagt said that Bill Parcells expressed his frustration with him during a meeting held before tonight's game.

"I don't think he's really happy," Vanderjagt said of Parcells. "but he doesn't know my groin as well as I do."

Asked to elaborate on the discussion, Vanderjagt said, "We didn't hug. He's frustrated and he expressed his frustration...He's rather annoyed with the whole deal."

Vanderjagt also said he wanted to show that he's capable of handling kickoffs. He said if he'd played tonight, it could have hurt his chances for Thursday or even the first game in Jacksonville on Sept. 10.

He said he injured his groin while correcting whatever was wrong with his kicks early in training camp.

Vanderjagt said the preseason was "four games too long."

Much, much more to come...Wheel of Fortune being piped into the press box...

Posted by Matt Mosley at 10:30 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

Nfl.com stats not bad for preseason

Originally posted by Ddamage from a sports forum:

out of 32 teams we are:

Offense-2nd (NE-#1)
Defense-3rd (NYG-#1)

I know this is just preseason but you got love it......of course we did play the Saints and the 49'ers.

Glenn will still be Bledsoe's guy, in spite of T.O.

Tim Cowlishaw: Glenn will still be Bledsoe's guy, in spite of T.O.


IRVING – The doubters insisted that after one season of good behavior, Terrell Owens would revert to form and the Cowboys would be just as ready and willing as the 49ers and Eagles were to shove Owens out of town.

How wrong they were.

Owens didn't make it a year. Didn't make it a month of training camp, in fact.

Even if you completely buy his hamstring injury as legit and that he has had no choice but to miss 19 practices so far, you can't excuse him for missing a team meeting and a rehab session Friday.

Owens, who will be fined by the club, has wasted no time in testing coach Bill Parcells' patience. He feuded with his coach and quarterback in San Francisco, and he feuded with his coach and quarterback in Philadelphia, and all the receiving talent in the world isn't worth putting up with that kind of team-splitting nonsense.

But you know what?

The Cowboys' offense isn't missing a beat without him. Dallas defeated the 49ers, 17-7, Saturday night at Texas Stadium with the first-team offense producing three scores in four first-half possessions.

A missed 35-yard field goal attempt kept them from scoring on four of four.

I know, I know. Last week was the Saints. Saturday night was the 49ers. Neither of these defenses conjures images of the Steelers.

But in those two first halves, Drew Bledsoe has shown he can still do what he loves to do. That's connect with Terry Glenn, who caught four balls for 98 yards, including a diving 28-yard touchdown grab.

Eight of Bledsoe's 24 completions (33 percent) in those two first halves have gone to Glenn. More significantly, Glenn has racked up 169 yards in those two games, accounting for 47 percent of Bledsoe's total.

Bledsoe completed 90 passes to Glenn his rookie year with New England. Last season, the first time Glenn had made 16 starts since 2000, he gained 1,136 yards and had an 18.3 per-catch average.

The point?

Glenn is going to be Bledsoe's favorite target even after Owens returns. And tight end Jason Witten figures heavily into the passing mix, too.

"Terry Glenn is playing great football," Bledsoe said. "Terry's a guy that probably doesn't get the credit he deserves as a football player. Teams prepare for him and roll coverage to his side. [When] we get T.O. going this year, they won't be able to do that so much, and Terry will benefit."

But when do they get Owens going? Only Thursday's game with Minnesota remains on the preseason schedule. Teams traditionally rest their starters for almost the entirety of that last exhibition game.

And if Owens already is skipping meetings and sulking and doing nothing to endear himself to teammates, how is that situation going to get better when the season is under way and Owens realizes his 90-reception years, probably even his 80-reception years, are behind him?

Owens can talk all he wants about that "10 years of film" Parcells can study in order to see what he can do.

It's meaningless. What he did with Steve Young or Jeff Garcia five or six years ago is irrelevant. What he did with Donovan McNabb two years ago is irrelevant.

What he can do with Bledsoe in a system in which he's never played is all that matters now.

And we don't know what that is. The two made very few connections in the practices Owens managed to attend in Oxnard.

The Bledsoe-Glenn connection almost certainly will remain this team's best option. At least it's going to take a lot from Owens to cause Bledsoe to start believing otherwise.

"From the first time I ever threw to Terry, he was a guy whose body language was very easy to read," Bledsoe said.

Funny how Glenn was viewed as a troublemaker, how much skepticism there was around here when Parcells made him one of his first additions to the roster.

Now Glenn stands out as the model. As the team guy.

And the receiver who lines up on the opposite side of the field?

We know what he's capable of producing on the field. We know what he's capable of damaging off the field.

In August, the damage is outweighing the production.

Let's rethink T.O.'s importance

By Jennifer, Floyd Engel.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer


IRVING - Saying who is and who is not legitimately injured is dangerous business.

One player's sore hammy is another's sorry excuse to skip practice and further gig his old-school coach and send a not-so-subtle reminder of who is actually in control.

What we do not know for sure is which is the case with Mr. Initials?

Oh, I can venture a guess at his motivation. Philly followers can, too, and probably already have after T.O. missed his third straight Cowboys preseason game Saturday.

He did not miss anything too earth-shattering. The Cowboys' defense is still very good. Their offense is not bad, not bad at all. Their big-time kicker remains a no-show. And preseason is still a gigantic waste of time, energy and ticket-buyers' money.

Nothing means anything until the games count in the standings.

This, of course, is the T.O./Deion Sanders joint argument. They believe and have so eloquently stated that preseason and practice are unnecessary evils for the imminently talented.

Go watch the film, Big Bill, was their consensus opinion. Or to use T.O.'s exact phraseology from Wednesday: "If he wants to see something, he has 10 years of film."

Of course, Parcells has plenty of film, a personal relationship and real-life experience from drafting and coaching Terry Glenn. And of Glenn, everybody deemed Saturday's festivities at Texas Stadium worthy of his time and effort.

Glenn played like what he is - a professional.

He had another spectacular diving catch in the end zone for a touchdown. And when he called it a night midway through the second quarter, he had just added a 52-yard catch to his duty roster.

Who again misses who was missing?

Seems to me that Jamaica Rector and Sam Hurd have been filling in nicely. And Glenn looks good to go as a No. 1 receiver.

I can already hear the Mr. Initials apologists, including a certain Cowboys owner: "But Glenn is not injured like T.O." Or, "This is just the preseason."

Garbage games, right?

Then why does this franchise seem prepared to tab Tony Romo as the next Troy Aikman based on what happens in them? And why are vets such as Drew Bledsoe and Larry Allen and Glenn playing?

The easy answer is, unlike T.O., they are not injured.

Real or exaggerated, and who really knows, his hammy has earned him a get-out-of-the-preseason-free card. It also has given the Cowboys a chance to see if they can be all right without him.

So far, so good.

Possibly better, if you throw in the headache factor.

T.O.'s "better teammate" and "better man" pledge did not survive Parcells getting a little cranky about his sore hammy, so I am doubtful about it surviving a two-catch game in Philly. Or when Glenn goes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Or when Bledsoe misses him wide open in the end zone.

Maybe, he will not implode. Maybe, he really is injured.

My vote is the Cowboys would be better off not waiting around to find out.

But if anybody in this organization, and especially Big Bill, has an inkling that T.O. is not seriously hurt, they would be wise to cut his butt now.

Doing so now costs them only his $5 million signing bonus. And saves them a lot of headaches.

If JJ were to veto this - and he would - at least, suggest to T.O. that such actions are under consideration. I have a feeling that will solve the mystery of just how legit his injury really is.

Running game shifts into gear

By Rick Herrin
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
IRVING - The Cowboys' running game finally showed the dual-threat punch Bill Parcells is seeking.

Running backs Julius Jones and Marion Barber raced through San Francisco's defense in the first half of Saturday night's 17-7 victory. In the first two preseason games, the Cowboys averaged 3 yards a carry. They averaged 4.6 against the 49ers.

Jones and Barber had a combined 105 yards on 24 carries. Jones had 15 carries for 56 yards (3.7 average per carry) and Barber had nine carries for 49 yards and a 5-yard touchdown run.

Before Saturday, Jones and Barber had combined for 40 carries and 103 yards (2.5 average per carry) in the preseason.

Backup Tyson Thompson had 65 yards on 11 carries in the second half.

Allen returns

Former Cowboys 10-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen made his return to Texas Stadium.

Allen, wearing No. 71 in honor of the late former Cowboys offensive lineman Mark Tuinei, started at left guard for the 49ers. In the off-season Allen was a salary-cap casualty after playing 12 seasons in Dallas.

The 49ers' No. 73, Allen's number in Dallas, is retired in honor of Hall of Famer Leo Nomellini.

Nguyen honored

The Cowboys honored former linebacker Dat Nguyen at halftime.

Nguyen was forced to retire last spring because of injuries after playing seven seasons with the Cowboys.

The former third-round pick from Texas A&M was the Cowboys' leading tackler in his final three full seasons. He started 65 games and had 665 career tackles.

Briefly

Rookie Pat McQuistan started at left tackle in place of Flozell Adams, who was out with a strained left calf.

Rookie free safety Pat Watkins started for the second consecutive week. Keith Davis did not suit up after having surgery to remove a bullet from his thigh Friday.

The Cowboys said they are not interested in trading for New England wide receiver Deion Branch.

Gaining ground

With all the talk centered on Bledsoe vs. Romo, much hadn't been made of the Cowboys' inability to run the ball during the preseason. On Saturday night, the Cowboys finally showed some improvement on the ground. How Dallas' top three runners have fared this preseason:


GAME 1: COWBOYS 13, SEAHAWKS 3
Runner Att. Yds. Avg. Long
Julius Jones 7 14 2.0 4
Marion Barber 7 20 2.9 7
Tyson Thompson 9 29 3.2 7
GAME 2: COWBOYS 30, SAINTS 7
Runner Att. Yds. Avg. Long
Julius Jones 13 29 2.2 11
Marion Barber 13 40 3.1 11
Tyson Thompson 10 45 4.5 25
GAME 3: COWBOYS 17, 49ERS 7
Runner Att. Yds. Avg. Long
Julius Jones 15 56 3.7 9
Marion Barber 9 49 5.4 15
Tyson Thompson 11 65 5.9 24

Owens fined for missing team meetings

12:12 AM CDT on Sunday, August 27, 2006
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

IRVING – Cracks are starting to become more evident in the relationship between Terrell Owens and the Cowboys.

Now, the Cowboys have to ensure those cracks don't create a fissure that can't be repaired.

Terrell Owens, who has missed 19 of 31 practices since the start of training camp with a strained left hamstring, missed a team meeting and a rehabilitation session and was late to an offensive meeting Friday.

"That's our club business. That's going to be accounted for," owner Jerry Jones said at halftime of Saturday's 17-7 win over San Francisco.

Owens was fined $9,500.

When asked if there was any problem between Owens and the club, Jones said, "We're going to be fine."

Several sources said Owens has been fined for being late to multiple rehabilitation sessions.

Owens could not be reached for comment. He did not attend the game, which is not unusual for injured players in the preseason because coach Bill Parcells doesn't like players who aren't playing to be on the sideline.

The strained hamstring Owens suffered during the first week of training camp could create a conflict between Owens and Parcells. Parcells is a stickler for having players practice.

He believes that because football is a game of repetition, players who don't practice can't thrive because they inevitably make mistakes that cost games. Rare is the player on a Parcells team who plays on Sunday after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, the two heaviest work days during the regular season.

Twice in the last week, Owens has mentioned that he played well in San Francisco the second half of one season without practicing.

Owens, who returned to practice Aug. 16, managed only five practices before saying he aggravated his hamstring because of too many repetitions in practice. Passing game coordinator and receivers coach Todd Haley is responsible for practice repetitions.

"There's no question our best thing to do is get him well," Jones told Ch. 11 after the game. "I want him out there and would've wanted him to make every practice.

"I understand that, and everyone else does, too. He wants to be out there, too. ... I know this: When he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames."

Since the Cowboys signed him in March to a three-year, $25 million deal, including $10 million in signing bonus and salary this year, Owens has talked about learning from his mistakes and being a better teammate.

Philadelphia suspended and deactivated him for the final nine games of last season before releasing him in March. Less than a week later, he signed with Dallas.

Owens has made an effort to fit in. He met the team's chartered flight when it arrived at Point Mugu for training camp, greeting teammates with hugs and handshakes. He also threw a barbecue for teammates on their first off day of training camp.

Owens' combination of size (6-3, 226 pounds) and speed makes him one of the NFL's most gifted players. His attitude and conflicts with teammates in San Francisco and Philadelphia have made him one of the league's most notorious players.

He can be combustible.

But Jones has said he doesn't think a problem will develop between Owens and Parcells – two strong-willed men who like confrontation – because they will manage their relationship carefully.

Time will tell if the cracks can be fixed.

Confident Cowboys roll

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Posted on Sun, Aug. 27, 2006

IRVING -- Amid the continued absence of receiver Terrell Owens -- and the increasing concerns about kicker Mike Vanderjagt -- an air of confidence is growing in the Cowboys locker room.

It's rooted in a big and physical defense that has the potential to be dominant in 2006, and an offense that has shown firepower in the passing game and a steady improvement in the running game despite the absence of Owens (sore hamstring).

Fans who braved the searing 98-degree temperatures at Texas Stadium got a close-up view of the dominance in Saturday's 17-7 preseason victory against San Francisco.

The Cowboys improved to 3-0 in the preseason for the first time since 1985.

While it's difficult to draw conclusions from preseason, it's easy for the Cowboys to gain confidence from their Doomsdayesque results.

In limiting the 49ers to no points and five first downs in first half, the first-team defense continued it's preseason-long success.

In three games, the Cowboys' starters have not given up a touchdown, allowing a field goal in the second quarter of the preseason opener against Seattle.

Coach Bill Parcells cautions that the Cowboys haven't played enough to make a real determination.

"They have not been tested," Parcells said. "We have not had anyone put two back-to-back drives on us. If they can't do that, we are going to win some games. But we have only been out there 15 plays a half. We aren't getting enough plays."

Blame the defense for its own success, as its domination is one of the reasons why there haven't been a lot of defensive plays.

Inside linebacker Bradie James, the undisputed leader on defense, typified the fast, physical and impenetrable unit that hopes to make a name for itself in its second season of the 3-4 alignment.

"It gives us a boost to our confidence," James said. "We wanted to develop an identity."

Rookie Pat Watkins started at free safety in place of Keith Davis, who had surgery to remove a bullet from his thigh and missed the game. Cornerback Anthony Henry had a second-quarter interception and rookie Jason Hatcher had two sacks and forced a fumble.

Vanderjagt (sore groin) did not play.

The offense was equally impressive without Owens, who is not expected to play Thursday in the preseason finale against Minnesota.

"There's no question our best thing to do is get him well," owner Jerry Jones said. "He wants to be out there, too. ... I know this -- when he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames."

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe completed 12 of 17 passes for 200 yards and a 28-yard TD to Terry Glenn. Glenn finished with four catches for 98 yards, including a 52-yard catch from Bledsoe that led to Marion Barber's 5-yard touchdown run. Jamaica Rector had seven catches for 80 yards.

Julius Jones (56 yards) and Barber (49) helped lead a much-improved rushing game, which finished with 189 yards for the game, including 109 in the first half.

Cowboys 17, 49ers 7

Why the Cowboys won:

In the decisive first half, the Cowboys rolled up 20 minutes, 56 seconds in time of possession and a 17-0 lead. The Cowboys out-gained the 49ers 309 yards to 78 in the first half and 489-197 for the game.

Why the 49ers lost:

They are still the 49ers. Quarterback Alex Smith needs more seasoning. The defense was shredded, allowing 6.7 yards per offensive play.

Notable

Running back Julius Jones bettered his first two preseason performances in one half on Saturday. He gained 59 yards on 15 carries Saturday night. He had 43 yards on 20 carries in the previous two preseason games.

In the know

Breakdown

Why Dallas won: In the decisive first half, the Cowboys rolled up 20 minutes, 56 seconds in time of possession and a 17-0 lead. The Cowboys outgained San Francisco 309-78 in the first half and 489-197 for the game.

Why San Francisco lost: They are still the 49ers. Quarterback Alex Smith needs more seasoning. The defense was shredded, allowing 6.7 yards per play.

Notable: Running back Julius Jones bettered his first two preseason performances in one half, gaining 56 yards on 15 carries Saturday night. He had 43 yards on 20 carries in the first two preseason games combined.

Up next: vs. Minnesota,

Late night with Bill...

Bill Parcells complimented the 49ers, saying, "I think San Francisco is going to be better this year. I really do."

Moments later, he sort of took the compliment back when someone asked about his first-team defense.

"They haven't been tested," Parcells said of his defense. "I mean not good enough. We have not had anyone put back to back drives on us. If they can't do that, then we are going to win some games."

On his second-team D: I'm really worried about the conditioning on the second-team defense. A couple of guys sucking air and didn't tackle well in the secondary in the corner position. We have something in the return game. Those are the things I told the players after the game."

Attention, Skyler Green: Your roster spot is slipping away...

On rookie DE Jason Hatcher, who had two sacks and a forced fumble: "Yeah, that was good to see. Did he get two sacks? That's good."

On Rector making a move: "Yeah, he did. He is definitely in the mix. He is the only player that we have besides Terry that has real good quickness and I have to take that into consideration. He did a good job."

I dropped by Rector's locker after the game. He said to tell his Uncle Marvin, "What's up?" He also expressed a desire to return punts. Rector senses a roster spot has suddenly become available and he's doing everything he can to grab it. If you're looking for someone to root for, this is a good place to start.

Parcells on OL: "Every time I hear anything written about is about how they are in disarray. So now we are going from disarray to jelling? So let me just say I think we are making some progress, but I think we have a ways to go there, we really do."

On rookie Pat Watkins: "Well, I am going to have to look at the film. I really don't know, but I don't think he did anything to glaring or bad I would know about it. that is a really good place to be inconspicuous at - free safety."

Parcells also said he would be "cutting" Tuesday.

Posted by Matt Mosley at 11:15 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

The wily veteran Romo sounds off...

Asked about Jamaica Rector's performance, backup quarterback Tony Romo said, "Jamaica is going to be a kid where you don't really see his speed until he gets on turf."

Glad to hear the grizzled veteran QB calling players "kids."


Another funny line from Romo on third-stringer Matt Baker: "I'm trying to keep him down because if he ever gets on the field, he'll take my job."

Posted by Matt Mosley at 11:36 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (0)

Bledsoe completed 12-of-17 passes for 200 yards

Drew Bledsoe completed 12-of-17 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown as the starting quarterback for the Cowboys on Saturday.

Tony Romo (9-of-14 for 111 yards and an interception) wasn't nearly as successful. Bledsoe, who completed his last nine throwns, will very likely enter Week 1 as Dallas' starter.

Julius Jones carried 15 times for 56 yards

Julius Jones carried 15 times for 56 yards in Saturday's game.

It was Jones' best outing of the preseason. Marion Barber, who is expected to primarily play on third downs during the year, gained 49 yards on nine carries, including a five-yard touchdown.

Glenn caught four passes for 98 yards

Terry Glenn caught four passes for 98 yards and a touchdown during the Cowboys' 17-7 preseason victory over the 49ers Saturday.

Glenn continued his terric preseason, catching a 52-yard deep ball in double coverage. His TD strike came via Drew Bledsoe from 28 yards out.

Cowboys WR Jamaica Rector had seven catches for 80 yards Saturday

Cowboys WR Jamaica Rector had seven catches for 80 yards Saturday.

Head coach Bill Parcells thinks Rector is the team's strongest player pound-for-pound. He appears to have a roster spot on lock down.

Cowboys fined Terrell Owens (hamstring) $9,500 for missing a team meeting and a rehab session this week

The Cowboys fined Terrell Owens (hamstring) $9,500 for missing a team meeting and a rehab session this week.

T.O. missed 19 of Dallas' 31 practices during training camp. Owner Jerry Jones says there's no problem between the team and the injured wideout. Owens has reportedly been fined on multiple occasions for being late to rehab sessions.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Bengals, Lions, and Browns are reportedly expected to show interest in recently-released QB Drew Henson

The Bengals, Lions, and Browns are reportedly expected to show interest in recently-released QB Drew Henson.

Henson would be at the top of Detroit's list if one of their quarterbacks got hurt. He was released by the Cowboys on Thursday.
Source: MLive.com

T.O., Deion a questionable pairing

JFE: T.O., Deion a questionable pairing

Time for a little reader participation. We're playing a game of "Where have we heard this before" with some of Mr. Initials comments Friday in response to Parcells saying he needs to see something from his hamstrung receiver before Sept. 10.

T.O. said: "I can reiterate. If he wants to see something, he has 10 years of film to go back and look on. Like I said, I'm very confident, and that's not to
discredit what he's saying."

Guess who used almost that exact phraseology with regard to tape last week while doing an interview on Mike and Mike on ESPN Radio? Give up?

Deion Sanders. His rant included saying if Parcells wants to see T.O. he has 10-12 years worth of film to watch, saying Parcells needs T.O. more than T.O. needs Parcells and ended with a parting shot: "I mean when was the last time Parcells won anything?"

Obviously, T.O. heard and decided that he and Deion were of a same mind. Or else he and T.O. have been chitchatting. Either way, I liked things a lot better when Michael Irvin was his Cowboys mentor, not Deion.

Oh, and by the way, Deion, when has T.O. ever won anything?

Offensive line is down, not set

Offensive line still in a bit of limbo heading into third preseason game
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

IRVING – When the Cowboys left for training camp July 27, they were uncertain about their offensive line. The season opener at Jacksonville is now only 15 days away, but the uncertainty remains.

The offensive line you see in tonight's game against San Francisco at Texas Stadium might not have the same composition when the Cowboys play the Jaguars on Sept 10.

Coach Bill Parcells wanted to settle on his five-man unit earlier than the third preseason game, but circumstances and injuries have not allowed him to do it .

"I kind of wanted to know, but I'm not telling you yet," Parcells said coyly this week.

So if Marc Colombo starts his second preseason game, it does not necessarily mean that he has won the right tackle job. And if Andre Gurode starts for the third straight time at center, it doesn't necessarily mean Al Johnson will be a backup.

The other spots are secure – left tackle Flozell Adams, left guard Kyle Kosier and right guard Marco Rivera – but Adams might not play tonight because of a strained left calf.

Through two preseason games, Parcells called the line's play "fair" and "passable."

Quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and Tony Romo have been sacked only two times in 49 attempts. The Cowboys are averaging a staggering 10.8 yards per pass attempt, which means the line is giving the quarterback time and receivers are getting open.

The running numbers (3.0 yards per carry) are not as good, but Parcells is not alarmed yet. Starter Julius Jones has only 43 yards on 20 carries.

Since Parcells has been in Dallas, the Cowboys have not managed 4 yards per carry – the NFL average – for a season.

"We're making a few mistakes, but you've got to look at the film I'm looking at in the preseason," Parcells said. "Do you think the same things are troubling anybody else? ... I think we're making some improvements. It's not exactly where I want it, but ..."

More than any spot on the team, an offensive line needs time. Cohesion is as important as talent in some cases.

Gone are the days when lines grow together – like the Cowboys lines of the 1990s with Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton and Erik Williams as staples and mixed in with a Mark Stepnoski, Larry Allen and Ray Donaldson.

Two years ago, Kosier was in San Francisco, Rivera was in Green Bay, Gurode was a guard with the Cowboys and Colombo was in Chicago.

Adams and Allen, who returns to Texas Stadium with the 49ers, played next to each other for so long that they knew what the other was thinking as they came out of the huddle.

Kosier and Adams have had less than a half of work together in the preseason. They have spent time in meetings trying to accelerate the learning curve so that by the time the season starts, they can turn a quick look into a knowing nod.

"When you know what the other person is seeing, that helps," Kosier said. "I'm hopeful Flo and I will get it down."

Rivera does not know if Colombo, Jason Fabini or Rob Petitti (last year's starter) will be the right tackle.

"You get a feel for his body language, his playing style," Rivera said, "so you develop this tight-knit group even if it's a pass or a run."

Even if things were settled, Parcells is expecting problems tonight for his offensive line because San Francisco uses a different form of the 3-4 defense than the one the Cowboys have seen every day in practice during camp.

"This will be a little bit of a mental task for our quarterbacks and our offensive linemen here with thee guys," Parcells said. "They are doing a lot of stuff, and we really don't have a lot of time [to prepare]."


San Francisco at Cowboys, 7 p.m. today (Ch. 11; KTCK-AM 1310, KTDK-FM 104.1, KDBN-FM 93.3; in Spanish: KFLC-AM 1270, KFZO-FM 99.1)


THE FRONT-LINE SHUFFLE

How many offensive linemen will Cowboys coach Bill Parcells keep? Staff Writer Todd Archer's count:

LOCKS
LT Flozell Adams: Has been bothered by a calf strain and is coming off major knee surgery
RG Marco Rivera: Healthy again and playing better than he did in all of '05
LG Kyle Kosier: Free-agent pickup is replacing Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen
C Andre Gurode: Has worked with the starters since the first week of camp
C Al Johnson: Started 31 of last 32 games – but none this preseason
LG Cory Procter: His development led to the release of third-year player Stephen Peterman

NEAR LOCKS
OT Rob Petitti: Started every game at RT in '05 but seems forgotten
RT Marc Colombo: One of camp's biggest surprises, could start at RT

MIGHT NEED HELP
RT Jason Fabini
RT Pat McQuistan

PRACTICE SQUAD
C Matthew Tarullo
RG D'Anthony Batiste
RT Dennis Roland

Sanders set to rejoin what is now America's Broadcast Team

by Barry Horn

If the Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories elevated them to the NFL's "Team of the '90s," it also set them up to be the NFL "Broadcast Team of the '00s."

The NFL Network's hiring of Deion Sanders this week continues to highlight the dominance of ex-Cowboys in the network analyst game.

Sanders will work this season in the NFL Network's studio. He's no rookie. He has similar service at CBS on his resume. Sanders will be filling a role the NFL Network penciled in for Emmitt Smith. At least that's what it believed last year when the network hired Smith, who, turned out, preferred real estate to the studio.

Sanders' NFL Network studio will compete with ESPN's NFL studio, which features Michael Irvin. Should Irvin come down with laryngitis or run out of electric sherbet-colored designer suits, ESPN could call on the up-and-coming Darren Woodson.
And don't forget, the elder statesman in the Fox studio is none other than Jimmy Johnson.
It would be remiss here not to remember that when ESPN Radio was getting off the ground, Nate Newton was one of its premier NFL voices.

Meanwhile, over at Fox, Troy Aikman is the lead game analyst, backed up by Daryl Johnston.

What were they running at Valley Ranch a decade ago? Was it a football team or the Jerry Jones School of Broadcasting? Were they studying playbooks or scripts?

The Steelers won four Super Bowls in the '70s. That got Terry Bradshaw a studio gig and Lynn Swann on the sidelines. The 49ers? Joe Montana and Bill Walsh flamed out in broadcasting; Steve Young serves in the ESPN studio and Randy Cross works games for CBS.

Apparently talent and timing were everything for the Cowbroadcasters.

Cable TV wasn't around for the Steelers' run. There was no insatiable thirst for big-name analysts. The Montana 49ers were a tad early for the boom.
But when cable blossomed in the '90s, the Cowboys were center stage.

"The networks were here every week to talk to our players," said Rich Dalrymple, who as Cowboys public relations director facilitated every interview. "There wasn't a game that went by when they weren't doing a feature on one of our players."

The players watched and learned. They were never hesitant to ask questions of their questioners.

"We had sharp, articulate guys who learned to present themselves in front of the camera," Dalrymple said. "They maybe were laying the groundwork for their futures whether they knew it or not."

It didn't hurt that they sometimes got to hobnob with network executives and producers who have since been elevated to the network front offices.
Dalrymple isn't surprised that most of the Cowboys who have gone into broadcasting have thrived.

"Those guys worked hard as players," he said. "People still don't realize how much repetition and how much studying goes into winning. It has to be the same with becoming a successful broadcaster. A lot of work goes into making it look easy."

E-mail bhorn@dallasnews.com

Cowboys corner

Tonight's game against the 49ers on KTVT (Channel 11) will be the first Blue Star Media-produced Cowboys preseason game available in high definition. Tune in and see how really good of a picture you can get of Terrell Owens standing on the sideline. ...

Combine the Cowboys-Saints Monday night ratings from Channel 11 (14.0) and ESPN (5.2) and you get a 19.2 rating in Dallas-Fort Worth. That's up from the 14.2 rating for the season-opening exhibition game against the Seahawks. That's an additional 115,000 homes. The Cowboys are averaging a 16.7 this exhibition season, a tad better than the 16.4 the Mavericks and Suns averaged for their NBA Western Conference Finals series.