Wednesday, August 16, 2006

More Praise for Watkins

This is from the ranch report:

OXNARD, Calif. - Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells announced no new roster moves Wednesday morning during his daily press conference, but he did offer encouraging comments on several players, including rookie safety Pat Watkins.


NO NEW ROSTER MOVES: Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells announced no new roster moves Wednesday morning during his daily press conference.

"No moves," he said. "We are in the middle of our week here. A long week. We are approaching the end of training camp from a relocation standpoint.

"I told the players this week this is the big push."

Watkins is going to be a factor here. He's going to be in contention. I don't know if it will be as a starter.

MORE PRAISE FOR WATKINS: Parcells offered more praise for rookie free safety Pat Watkins on Wednesday.

"He played 16 special teams (plays) and 38 on defense," he said of Watkins' first preseason game. "I've been impressed with him. Very unique player. Never had one. Never seen one that looks like this player in my tenure in pro football.

"I think that's one of the reasons he was drafted where he was drafted because no one else has seen him either."

Parcells also said that all of Watkins' skills have been a surprise to him during the first couple of weeks of training camp.

"He's quicker than I thought he was and very fast," he said. "He's got a good wingspan. Got good ball skills. He was a two year starter at Florida State. That's a good level of competition.

"I can tell you just looking at the film he'll be an outstanding special teams player this year. I'm very happy with him."

HENSON ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK? Not surprisingly, Parcells gave little support to third team quarterback Drew Henson again on Wednesday. In fact, he indicated he will give more reps to undrafted free agent and former North Carolina quarterback Mike Baker in the next few days.

"I'm giving some turns to Baker here," he said when asked about Henson. "I'm trying to decide what to do. It's (Henson) been average so far."

Parcells later added, "I've had a couple of talks with Drew this summer. I think he has a little trouble relaxing. I think he's pretty smart. His mind races a little bit."

PARCELLS DOESN'T GIVE IN: Parcells continues to handle the Terrell Owens injury situation with extreme calm.

When asked if he was "pissed off" at Owens for not practicing, he said, "No. That word is a pretty strong word.

"Can you get a little frustrated from time to time? Yeah. We'll see. Things will work out."

QUICK HITS: "I don't have any idea," Parcells said regarding T.O. and his availability for practice Wednesday. ... Parcells also said that Tuesday evening's practice session was one of the best of training camp. "We were pretty sharp," he said. "We got some guys coming along a little bit. I see some improvement a little bit. But we've got a lot of work to do. We really do." Parcells also offered encouraging words on Cory Procter, saying, "I've been surprised a little bit by Procter. A pleasant surprise. Two, he seems to be able to go from right guard to left guard pretty easily."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "To be successful against the Demarcus Ware's of this world, you have to be technically precise. It takes tremendous discipline for an offensive lineman to be technically precise every play. In Petitti's case, if he's going against a player like DeMarcus Ware, if he's not technically precise, he's got no chance." - Parcells on second year tackle Rob Petitti's play in the NFL.