Focus group
Attention to fall on key individuals in Cowboys' preseason opener
By Clarence E. Hill Jr.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. - After they've practiced against each other for the better part of two weeks, tonight's preseason opener couldn't get here fast enough for the Cowboys.
Coach Bill Parcells will go against his normal pattern and will place a higher importance on evaluating individuals against the Seattle Seahawks rather than preparing the entire team for the regular season.
With several players under the microscope for position changes and/or development and starting spots still up for grabs, Parcells feels individual evaluation will be best for the team in the long run.
"I try to highlight several players I definitely want to get at least two quarters worth of work," Parcells said. "Then there are some guys I'll play a quarter and that's it. There will be other guys that might not play at all this week, but play two quarters next week."
Some storylines to watch tonight:
Tony Romo at quarterback
This will be the first of many tests this preseason for backup quarterback Tony Romo, above. The Cowboys need to find out if Romo can be counted on if something happens to starter Drew Bledsoe. The Cowboys like Romo and think he is capable, but he has never thrown a pass in a regular-season game.
Greg Ellis at linebacker
Veteran Greg Ellis, right, won't play a lot tonight, but any time on the field can't be discounted. This will be his first true test as an outside linebacker after playing the first eight years of his career as a defensive end. Look for Ellis to be rushing the passer more often than dropping back in coverage. But he must show the ability to do both for the move to truly work.
Who is calling plays?
When Sean Payton took over as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, the Cowboys not only lost an assistant head coach/passing game coordinator but they lost their play caller. Candidates to call plays include passing game coordinator/receivers coach Todd Haley, assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tony Sparano, quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer and Bill Parcells. Look for Haley and Sparano to handle things against the Seahawks, with Parcells reserving the right to take over for the regular season.
Position battles
The Cowboys entered training camp with three starting positions up for grabs - center, right tackle and free safety. Andre Gurode has taken the early lead over incumbent Al Johnson at center. Rob Petitti, Marc Colombo and Jason Fabini are battling each other at right tackle, but a trade acquisition is possible. Keith Davis is the starter at free safety, but the Cowboys are raving about rookie Pat Watkins, who might make a push for Davis' job.
Rookie watch
Undrafted free-agent receiver Sam Hurd, right, from Northern Illinois has been the surprise of training camp, making spectacular catches and a fast friendship with Terrell Owens. Also being closely watched are tight end Anthony Fasano, linebacker Bobby Carpenter, receiver Skyler Green, defensive tackle Montavious Stanley and safety Pat Watkins.
No Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens remains sidelined with a sore left hamstring and will not play. He has increased his rehab work and says he will not put a timetable on his return. Don't be surprised if Owens returns to practice next week and plays in the Aug. 21 matchup against New Orleans. After all, it will be on Monday Night Football.
By Clarence E. Hill Jr.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. - After they've practiced against each other for the better part of two weeks, tonight's preseason opener couldn't get here fast enough for the Cowboys.
Coach Bill Parcells will go against his normal pattern and will place a higher importance on evaluating individuals against the Seattle Seahawks rather than preparing the entire team for the regular season.
With several players under the microscope for position changes and/or development and starting spots still up for grabs, Parcells feels individual evaluation will be best for the team in the long run.
"I try to highlight several players I definitely want to get at least two quarters worth of work," Parcells said. "Then there are some guys I'll play a quarter and that's it. There will be other guys that might not play at all this week, but play two quarters next week."
Some storylines to watch tonight:
Tony Romo at quarterback
This will be the first of many tests this preseason for backup quarterback Tony Romo, above. The Cowboys need to find out if Romo can be counted on if something happens to starter Drew Bledsoe. The Cowboys like Romo and think he is capable, but he has never thrown a pass in a regular-season game.
Greg Ellis at linebacker
Veteran Greg Ellis, right, won't play a lot tonight, but any time on the field can't be discounted. This will be his first true test as an outside linebacker after playing the first eight years of his career as a defensive end. Look for Ellis to be rushing the passer more often than dropping back in coverage. But he must show the ability to do both for the move to truly work.
Who is calling plays?
When Sean Payton took over as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, the Cowboys not only lost an assistant head coach/passing game coordinator but they lost their play caller. Candidates to call plays include passing game coordinator/receivers coach Todd Haley, assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tony Sparano, quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer and Bill Parcells. Look for Haley and Sparano to handle things against the Seahawks, with Parcells reserving the right to take over for the regular season.
Position battles
The Cowboys entered training camp with three starting positions up for grabs - center, right tackle and free safety. Andre Gurode has taken the early lead over incumbent Al Johnson at center. Rob Petitti, Marc Colombo and Jason Fabini are battling each other at right tackle, but a trade acquisition is possible. Keith Davis is the starter at free safety, but the Cowboys are raving about rookie Pat Watkins, who might make a push for Davis' job.
Rookie watch
Undrafted free-agent receiver Sam Hurd, right, from Northern Illinois has been the surprise of training camp, making spectacular catches and a fast friendship with Terrell Owens. Also being closely watched are tight end Anthony Fasano, linebacker Bobby Carpenter, receiver Skyler Green, defensive tackle Montavious Stanley and safety Pat Watkins.
No Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens remains sidelined with a sore left hamstring and will not play. He has increased his rehab work and says he will not put a timetable on his return. Don't be surprised if Owens returns to practice next week and plays in the Aug. 21 matchup against New Orleans. After all, it will be on Monday Night Football.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:08 AM
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