Parcells says Jones had too many carries
Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer
Julius Jones ran hard Sunday night. Harder than I've seen him run in quite some time.
He ran well, too, picking up 94 yards on 20 carries for a healthy 4.7 average.
But he also ran too much. Or so says Bill Parcells.
"I don't want to do that (give Jones 20 carries)," Parcells said. "I want to use Marion (Barber) and I want to get Tyson (Thompson) in there a little bit. The more I can do that, the better off we're going to be."
Parcells doesn't believe Jones can stand up to the pounding a back receives carrying the ball 20-25 times per game for 16 contests. That's why the coach was kicking himself for giving Jones three carries after the Cowboys had gone ahead 27-10 midway through the fourth quarter of their victory over the Redskins.
"Yeah, I left him in too long last night at the end of the game," Parcells said Monday. "I finally got him out myself, so it's my fault."
He also blamed himself for the speedy Thompson not having any carries in the second and third quarters.
"Yeah, I know," Parcells said when reminded he didn't come back to Thompson after giving him one carry in the first quarter. "But when you're up to your rear in alligators, you can't be talking about draining the swamp."
Now on to this week's questions:
Understanding that hindsight is 20-20, how much do you think the Cowboys regret not taking Shawne Merriman instead of DeMarcus Ware in last year's draft? Clearly, Merriman's a notch above Ware and only getting better. What was it they saw in Ware that they didn't see in Merriman?
—Ernie Rudd, San Antonio
The Merriman-Ware debate will rage for years among Cowboys fans. The Cowboys selected Ware because they believed the former Troy star better fit their needs at outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. I think Ware's straight-arrow character also had something to do with the choice, but the Cowboys have never said so publicly. One thing is certain: The teams use their star linebackers in different ways. The Chargers ask Merriman to do only one thing — rush the quarterback, which, of course, he does very well. Ware is more of a true linebacker. He drops back in coverage, often defending the slot receiver, and roams from sideline to sideline making tackles. Of course, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also sends him after the quarterback, and Ware, like Merriman, is outstanding when it comes to that chore. Merriman and Ware will both have outstanding careers, but I think, ultimately, Ware will be recognized as the better overall player. Still, Merriman seems to have an edge about him Ware lacks. This concerns Zimmer and Bill Parcells, both of whom say they want Ware to be {quot}nastier.{quot}
Will first-round pick Bobby Carpenter be inactive for the whole season?
—Gerald Clarke, Washington, D.C.
Carpenter, the former Ohio State linebacker, was active Sunday against the Redskins after missing the opener against the Jaguars. He replaced fellow linebacker Oliver Hoyte, who Parcells considers to be the better special teams player and wanted to use against Jacksonville's stellar return units. On Sunday, Carpenter played on the punt coverage, kickoff return and kickoff coverage units. He also replaced Akin Ayodele in the nickel defense but failed to register a tackle. Asked how Carpenter did on special teams, Parcells said, {quot}Fair.{quot} Asked how Carpenter did in the nickel, Parcells said, {quot}OK.{quot}
Will the Cowboys make the playoffs?
—Craig A. Greenwood, Seguin
Yes, provided the offensive line continues to protect Drew Bledsoe and open holes for Julius Jones and Marion Barber. I've said since training camp this season hinges on the line's play and nothing has happened in the first two games to change my opinion. Given Bledsoe's immobility, it's imperative that the Cowboys stay out of third-and-long situations.
Why isn't there more focus on what can be done to fix the offensive line?
—Albert, Cincinnati, Ohio
There is. Parcells and offensive line coach Tony Sparano are working feverishly to prepare seventh-round pick Pat McQuistan and second-year player Cory Procter for game action. Parcells has praised both players, going as far as to say McQuistan is the best young lineman he's had in four seasons with the Cowboys.
Do you consider the Cowboys to be in the Super Bowl hunt?
—Brandon Perry, Portsmouth, Va.
Playoffs, yes. Super Bowl, no. The offensive line will be their undoing in the playoffs.
Every now and then Bledsoe will have a good game, but he's never been a real winner. What do the Cowboys see in him? I just don't understand why they would not get a real quality quarterback. With Bledsoe, they may be a 7-8-9 game winner, but never go further. I would love to see a miracle if possible, but I just don't believe it will happen with Bledsoe.
—Otis, Williamson, W. Va.
When he has time to look downfield, Bledsoe is pretty darn good. It's when he's pressured that he gets happy feet and makes bad decisions. Parcells has stressed the need for him to get rid of the ball quickly, which is why they called so many hitch passes and quick slants early against the Redskins. But once it was clear the offensive line was enjoying a good night, Parcells turned to more of a vertical passing game.
Why is it so hard for quarterbacks like Bledsoe and Brett Favre to assume a backup role ala George Blanda? Parcells does not appear to be a coach who's afraid to bruise and old ego. What the heck is he waiting for?
—Dan Carmona, Torrance, Calif.
What he's waiting for is proof of the following: 1, Bledsoe can no longer get the job done, and, 2, that Tony Romo gives the team a better chance to win. So far, neither is apparent. Why entrust the team to a player that
has never thrown a pass in the regular season when you have a 14th-year quarterback who — to use Jerry Jones' words - can pick apart a defense like a surgeon when he has protection?
Terry Glenn and T.O. are both bonafide deep threats. Do you think Parcells will have the courage to turn them lose? Hit a few deep balls and the running game will improve tremendously.
—Robert, Austin
As we saw Sunday night, Parcells has no problem turning Glenn loose. What the Cowboys still have to figure out is how to use Owens, who is at his best when catching passes on the run over the middle or on quick slants. With Owens expected to miss the next two to four weeks with a broken finger, Parcells and his assistants should have plenty of time to study the first two games and figure out ways to get Owens more involved in the offense.
Are the Cowboys looking for another quarterback?
—Homer Thacker, Wasilla, Alaska
Not this season and, if Jones is to be believed, not in the offseason either. Jones said before the preseason finale against Minnesota that the contract extension he gave Romo is a sign that the Cowboys won't be targeting a quarterback in either the draft or free agency.
Express-News Staff Writer
Julius Jones ran hard Sunday night. Harder than I've seen him run in quite some time.
He ran well, too, picking up 94 yards on 20 carries for a healthy 4.7 average.
But he also ran too much. Or so says Bill Parcells.
"I don't want to do that (give Jones 20 carries)," Parcells said. "I want to use Marion (Barber) and I want to get Tyson (Thompson) in there a little bit. The more I can do that, the better off we're going to be."
Parcells doesn't believe Jones can stand up to the pounding a back receives carrying the ball 20-25 times per game for 16 contests. That's why the coach was kicking himself for giving Jones three carries after the Cowboys had gone ahead 27-10 midway through the fourth quarter of their victory over the Redskins.
"Yeah, I left him in too long last night at the end of the game," Parcells said Monday. "I finally got him out myself, so it's my fault."
He also blamed himself for the speedy Thompson not having any carries in the second and third quarters.
"Yeah, I know," Parcells said when reminded he didn't come back to Thompson after giving him one carry in the first quarter. "But when you're up to your rear in alligators, you can't be talking about draining the swamp."
Now on to this week's questions:
Understanding that hindsight is 20-20, how much do you think the Cowboys regret not taking Shawne Merriman instead of DeMarcus Ware in last year's draft? Clearly, Merriman's a notch above Ware and only getting better. What was it they saw in Ware that they didn't see in Merriman?
—Ernie Rudd, San Antonio
The Merriman-Ware debate will rage for years among Cowboys fans. The Cowboys selected Ware because they believed the former Troy star better fit their needs at outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. I think Ware's straight-arrow character also had something to do with the choice, but the Cowboys have never said so publicly. One thing is certain: The teams use their star linebackers in different ways. The Chargers ask Merriman to do only one thing — rush the quarterback, which, of course, he does very well. Ware is more of a true linebacker. He drops back in coverage, often defending the slot receiver, and roams from sideline to sideline making tackles. Of course, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also sends him after the quarterback, and Ware, like Merriman, is outstanding when it comes to that chore. Merriman and Ware will both have outstanding careers, but I think, ultimately, Ware will be recognized as the better overall player. Still, Merriman seems to have an edge about him Ware lacks. This concerns Zimmer and Bill Parcells, both of whom say they want Ware to be {quot}nastier.{quot}
Will first-round pick Bobby Carpenter be inactive for the whole season?
—Gerald Clarke, Washington, D.C.
Carpenter, the former Ohio State linebacker, was active Sunday against the Redskins after missing the opener against the Jaguars. He replaced fellow linebacker Oliver Hoyte, who Parcells considers to be the better special teams player and wanted to use against Jacksonville's stellar return units. On Sunday, Carpenter played on the punt coverage, kickoff return and kickoff coverage units. He also replaced Akin Ayodele in the nickel defense but failed to register a tackle. Asked how Carpenter did on special teams, Parcells said, {quot}Fair.{quot} Asked how Carpenter did in the nickel, Parcells said, {quot}OK.{quot}
Will the Cowboys make the playoffs?
—Craig A. Greenwood, Seguin
Yes, provided the offensive line continues to protect Drew Bledsoe and open holes for Julius Jones and Marion Barber. I've said since training camp this season hinges on the line's play and nothing has happened in the first two games to change my opinion. Given Bledsoe's immobility, it's imperative that the Cowboys stay out of third-and-long situations.
Why isn't there more focus on what can be done to fix the offensive line?
—Albert, Cincinnati, Ohio
There is. Parcells and offensive line coach Tony Sparano are working feverishly to prepare seventh-round pick Pat McQuistan and second-year player Cory Procter for game action. Parcells has praised both players, going as far as to say McQuistan is the best young lineman he's had in four seasons with the Cowboys.
Do you consider the Cowboys to be in the Super Bowl hunt?
—Brandon Perry, Portsmouth, Va.
Playoffs, yes. Super Bowl, no. The offensive line will be their undoing in the playoffs.
Every now and then Bledsoe will have a good game, but he's never been a real winner. What do the Cowboys see in him? I just don't understand why they would not get a real quality quarterback. With Bledsoe, they may be a 7-8-9 game winner, but never go further. I would love to see a miracle if possible, but I just don't believe it will happen with Bledsoe.
—Otis, Williamson, W. Va.
When he has time to look downfield, Bledsoe is pretty darn good. It's when he's pressured that he gets happy feet and makes bad decisions. Parcells has stressed the need for him to get rid of the ball quickly, which is why they called so many hitch passes and quick slants early against the Redskins. But once it was clear the offensive line was enjoying a good night, Parcells turned to more of a vertical passing game.
Why is it so hard for quarterbacks like Bledsoe and Brett Favre to assume a backup role ala George Blanda? Parcells does not appear to be a coach who's afraid to bruise and old ego. What the heck is he waiting for?
—Dan Carmona, Torrance, Calif.
What he's waiting for is proof of the following: 1, Bledsoe can no longer get the job done, and, 2, that Tony Romo gives the team a better chance to win. So far, neither is apparent. Why entrust the team to a player that
has never thrown a pass in the regular season when you have a 14th-year quarterback who — to use Jerry Jones' words - can pick apart a defense like a surgeon when he has protection?
Terry Glenn and T.O. are both bonafide deep threats. Do you think Parcells will have the courage to turn them lose? Hit a few deep balls and the running game will improve tremendously.
—Robert, Austin
As we saw Sunday night, Parcells has no problem turning Glenn loose. What the Cowboys still have to figure out is how to use Owens, who is at his best when catching passes on the run over the middle or on quick slants. With Owens expected to miss the next two to four weeks with a broken finger, Parcells and his assistants should have plenty of time to study the first two games and figure out ways to get Owens more involved in the offense.
Are the Cowboys looking for another quarterback?
—Homer Thacker, Wasilla, Alaska
Not this season and, if Jones is to be believed, not in the offseason either. Jones said before the preseason finale against Minnesota that the contract extension he gave Romo is a sign that the Cowboys won't be targeting a quarterback in either the draft or free agency.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:35 AM
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