Cowboys' offense still has plenty of question marks
By Andy Targovnik on August 10, 2006 02:13 AM
As the Dallas Cowboys get ready to play their first preseason game this Saturday in Seattle, many facets of their offense are far from settled:
1. Backup QB: Although Bill Parcells hasn't decided whether Tony Romo will start Saturday, he did say he would get a lot of snaps.
"I think it's safe to say you'll see a lot of Romo in this game," Parcells said.
If Romo doesn't succeed, the Cowboys could be in trouble at the position of No. 2 signal caller? Drew Henson? Please. I'm surprised Parcells hasn't brought a veteran quarterback into camp as insurance.
2. Wide receiver: On the outside, Parcells remains calm regarding Terrell Owens' health. But if it's true that actions speak louder than words, then he's pretty darn worried. The Cowboys appear so desperate for receivers that they signed the former California Golden Bear Leshaun Ward, who has only played one NFL game in three years. They have also worked out ex-Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell, and are actively looking to make a trade.
3. Offensive line: There's a three-way competition for right tackle between Rob Petitti, Jason Fabini and Marc Colombo. Who will win the job? The guess here is that as long as he's healthy, Fabini will be the opening day starter at Jacksonville. But what may be of more concern to Parcells is left tackle Flozell Adams' health.
"I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing the last few days," Parcells said. "I was a little worried the first few days of practice to tell you the truth. He's making progress. He's moving around better. He's getting less swelling on his knee. What I think happened is as he got back to the real hard work, his knee just had to acclimate to it."
Worried? Swelling? Hmm...
4. Running back: This is not so much problematic as it is intriguing. Parcells says there will be a running back by committee approach this year. Julius Jones and Marion Barber will get an equal amount of carries, with Barber getting the third down work because he is the superior blocker and pass catcher. Tyson Thompson will also see time as a change of pace back who, according to the head coach, "is playing 100 percent better than last year."
5. Kicker: Mike Vanderjagt hasn't looked sharp in training camp. While nobody is in a panic just yet, I think it will make Parcells breathe easier if Peyton Manning's favorite "idiot" kicker would nail a couple of field goals Saturday night.
It should be interesting to see how some of this stuff shakes out.
As the Dallas Cowboys get ready to play their first preseason game this Saturday in Seattle, many facets of their offense are far from settled:
1. Backup QB: Although Bill Parcells hasn't decided whether Tony Romo will start Saturday, he did say he would get a lot of snaps.
"I think it's safe to say you'll see a lot of Romo in this game," Parcells said.
If Romo doesn't succeed, the Cowboys could be in trouble at the position of No. 2 signal caller? Drew Henson? Please. I'm surprised Parcells hasn't brought a veteran quarterback into camp as insurance.
2. Wide receiver: On the outside, Parcells remains calm regarding Terrell Owens' health. But if it's true that actions speak louder than words, then he's pretty darn worried. The Cowboys appear so desperate for receivers that they signed the former California Golden Bear Leshaun Ward, who has only played one NFL game in three years. They have also worked out ex-Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell, and are actively looking to make a trade.
3. Offensive line: There's a three-way competition for right tackle between Rob Petitti, Jason Fabini and Marc Colombo. Who will win the job? The guess here is that as long as he's healthy, Fabini will be the opening day starter at Jacksonville. But what may be of more concern to Parcells is left tackle Flozell Adams' health.
"I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing the last few days," Parcells said. "I was a little worried the first few days of practice to tell you the truth. He's making progress. He's moving around better. He's getting less swelling on his knee. What I think happened is as he got back to the real hard work, his knee just had to acclimate to it."
Worried? Swelling? Hmm...
4. Running back: This is not so much problematic as it is intriguing. Parcells says there will be a running back by committee approach this year. Julius Jones and Marion Barber will get an equal amount of carries, with Barber getting the third down work because he is the superior blocker and pass catcher. Tyson Thompson will also see time as a change of pace back who, according to the head coach, "is playing 100 percent better than last year."
5. Kicker: Mike Vanderjagt hasn't looked sharp in training camp. While nobody is in a panic just yet, I think it will make Parcells breathe easier if Peyton Manning's favorite "idiot" kicker would nail a couple of field goals Saturday night.
It should be interesting to see how some of this stuff shakes out.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:48 PM
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