Cowboys Notebook - Players like Phillips' low-key approach
Football: Cowboys Notebook - Players like Phillips' low-key approach
- Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News
IRVING — Several players suggested new coach Wade Phillips' low-key manner is a breath of fresh air after four years of Bill Parcells' hard-nosed style.
"He's a real upbeat guy," cornerback Terence Newman said. "He wants to have fun and everyone picks up on that."
But that doesn't mean Phillips will let his players cut corners.
"Just because I'm quote, 'laid back,' doesn't mean we won't work hard and give great effort," he said. "Hard work and good times go together, but hard work comes first."
While Parcells had a multitude of rules, Phillips' list is much more manageable.
"Like I told the players today," Phillips said, "the rules we make are to benefit the team. I don't just make up rules to make up stuff."
Still, Newman wonders how the Cowboys will respond.
"The biggest thing that's different is the discipline," Newman said. "(With Parcells), you definitely knew guys were going to be disciplined. You knew guys weren't going to miss meetings. That's the biggest question mark right now. But so far, so good."
Spencer starting — for now: First-round pick Anthony Spencer lined up with the first-team defense at outside linebacker opposite Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware.
"I was pleased with him," Phillips said.
But Phillips said veteran Greg Ellis, who is rehabbing after tearing an Achilles' tendon in October, remains the starter.
"Everybody saw last year what happened when (Ellis) wasn't here," said Phillips, referring to the Cowboys' lack of a pass rush after Ellis went down. "He can be sort of a dominant player."
Phillips said he hopes to have Ellis back by the start of training camp.
Jones looking strong: Phillips said he didn't have a problem with running back Julius Jones training in Arizona instead of participating in voluntary workouts at team headquarters.
"He looks like he's in good shape and running well," Phillips said. "We would rather have him work out here, but he came in with a great attitude and isn't that far behind."
- Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News
IRVING — Several players suggested new coach Wade Phillips' low-key manner is a breath of fresh air after four years of Bill Parcells' hard-nosed style.
"He's a real upbeat guy," cornerback Terence Newman said. "He wants to have fun and everyone picks up on that."
But that doesn't mean Phillips will let his players cut corners.
"Just because I'm quote, 'laid back,' doesn't mean we won't work hard and give great effort," he said. "Hard work and good times go together, but hard work comes first."
While Parcells had a multitude of rules, Phillips' list is much more manageable.
"Like I told the players today," Phillips said, "the rules we make are to benefit the team. I don't just make up rules to make up stuff."
Still, Newman wonders how the Cowboys will respond.
"The biggest thing that's different is the discipline," Newman said. "(With Parcells), you definitely knew guys were going to be disciplined. You knew guys weren't going to miss meetings. That's the biggest question mark right now. But so far, so good."
Spencer starting — for now: First-round pick Anthony Spencer lined up with the first-team defense at outside linebacker opposite Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware.
"I was pleased with him," Phillips said.
But Phillips said veteran Greg Ellis, who is rehabbing after tearing an Achilles' tendon in October, remains the starter.
"Everybody saw last year what happened when (Ellis) wasn't here," said Phillips, referring to the Cowboys' lack of a pass rush after Ellis went down. "He can be sort of a dominant player."
Phillips said he hopes to have Ellis back by the start of training camp.
Jones looking strong: Phillips said he didn't have a problem with running back Julius Jones training in Arizona instead of participating in voluntary workouts at team headquarters.
"He looks like he's in good shape and running well," Phillips said. "We would rather have him work out here, but he came in with a great attitude and isn't that far behind."
posted by The Gryphon at 1:06 PM
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