Foxsports: Ellis' Status to be Resolved Soon

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - One way or another, Greg Ellis, the Cowboys' injured and disgruntled linebacker, could be a few days from ending the drama that's surrounded his relationship with Dallas the last year and a half.

Or maybe he's just adding to the drama.Ellis said Saturday that an announcement about his status is coming by the end of the week. He stuck by that Sunday, explaining the announcement will "clarify the air and know what we can expect the rest of the season."

"I think by that time in training camp it should be, 'This is what we're going to do and this is how we're going to do it,"' Ellis said.

Nobody has been on the Cowboys longer than Ellis. A captain the last two seasons, Ellis is among the most respected guys in the locker room.

Yet in the last year, only Terrell Owens has raised more of a ruckus.
Ellis began worrying whether the team still wanted him before last season, when Bill Parcells moved him from defensive end to linebacker. He did just fine until tearing an Achilles' tendon in mid-November.

Ellis' concerns resurfaced in April when the Cowboys used their top pick on someone who plays his position.

"People can say, 'He's not going to take your job.' But that's the nature of this beast," Ellis said. "You don't draft a first-rounder to sit on the bench."

So Ellis wants his contract restructured as proof of the team's commitment. If not, he's asked to be released or traded. He went 0-for-3 on the same requests last year.

Think about it from the team's perspective.

Owner Jerry Jones already has given Ellis a $4.2 million signing bonus in 2003 as part of a contract that pays him $2.5 million this season with two years remaining.

The Cowboys want him at linebacker for two reasons: He was tied for the team lead in sacks when he was hurt and the defense sagged without him.

In fact, the drop-off contributed to the Cowboys spending the 26th overall pick on Anthony Spencer, a defensive end from Purdue being converted to linebacker.

Having both isn't just a luxury, it's logical - fewer snaps will help preserve Ellis, who turns 32 on Aug. 14, and the rookie can be brought along slowly.
No wonder then that coach Wade Phillips said Sunday he's expecting to open the season with Ellis on the roster.

"I've expected that the whole time. I don't know why he wouldn't be," Phillips said. "He's got a contract for a while. We want him here. I think he fits in the scheme well. He's got an opportunity to do well. As a coach, you want players like Greg Ellis - guys who can make plays, that work hard, that have the right character, great people."

Ellis' only options are retiring or walking out of camp. He's ruled out retirement.

"I still want to play football," he said. "So you've narrowed that one down."

The team's choices are trading him, cutting him or keeping him. Considering there aren't many teams looking for players of his age and salary who are coming off a serious injury, that leaves two possibilities. And why would the Cowboys cut someone they expect to contribute once he's healthy?

Adding to the confusion is Ellis' recovery.

He squeezed the usual 12-month rehabilitation into eight months, taking the field for the first practice of training camp. Spencer hadn't signed his contract yet, so Ellis' spot on the first team was waiting for him.

But Ellis felt unbearable pain in his surgically repaired foot at the start of the workout. He had to stop before the first snap.

An MRI showed no damage, just bursitis. He's done more rehab and has stepped up his running while teammates practice. When not being put through solo drills, he wanders over with the linebackers, often listening in when the coaches are talking.

"When things are going good, you take it for granted," Ellis said. "Obviously it was a serious injury and it is to be expected to have some kind of - not setbacks, but hurdles to get in your way. You just have to give them time and jump over them when you can jump."

Ellis laughed off speculation that he might be faking the severity of his injury. Jones considered it ridiculous, too.

"When you look at what he's done as a player, you don't have to worry about him," Jones said. "He's going to give it all he's got."

At least through the end of the week.

Calvin Watkins: Energized Canty generating a buzz

SAN ANTONIO – It started the other day when defensive end Chris Canty tackled running back Julius Jones and the two started jawing at each other. There was another day when Canty knocked a running back down and raised his arms to pump up the crowd at training camp.
On Monday, Canty charged in to get a sack on quarterback Brad Johnson. Canty pumped his arm and did a high-flying back bump with DeMarcus Ware.
"Canty is just made for TV right now," linebacker Bradie James said. "He's doing well, but he's doing what he's always done."
Not really.
Canty enters his third NFL season with much to prove.


His stock dropped when he came out of Virginia because of concerns of an injury to his right eye suffered when someone threw a bottle at him in a nightclub.

But the Cowboys took a chance and drafted him in the fourth round because he performed in a 3-4 scheme in college.

In his first pro season, Canty started only two games. But last year he started 16 games, though at times he didn't perform to former coach Bill Parcells' standards.

Parcells threatened to bench Canty but didn't.

Canty finished with one sack and no tackles for loss. He did tie for the team lead in quarterback pressures with seven.

The Cowboys' defensive scheme called for the 6-7, 299-pounder to knock back opposing tackles and battle tight ends and running backs.

He didn't do much of it, primarily because of weight. He was too heavy in his chest and arms, and he couldn't get enough push on opposing tackles and tight ends to get to the quarterback.
Now, the new scheme calls for Canty to take on opponents one-on-one, and so far he's doing that well in training camp, according to coach Wade Phillips.

It's a scheme many Cowboys players are excited about.

"It puts pressure on them where they have to put up or shut up," defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers said. "Before, the players could say it was the system. Now we have the system, so what's the excuse now. That's one of the things Wade says: 'Ain't no time for excuses; it's time to play.' "

Canty wants to be faster, and though he's still 299, he's redistributed the weight so he can get a better burst.

He feels a sense of urgency. He sees where there is pressure on Marcus Spears, the other defensive end who was a first-round pick in 2005, to produce. Spears finished with one sack and had three quarterback pressures in 2006.

Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher are improving players who receive playing time in the nickel defense and could move into the first team at end.

Maybe that's why Canty is flying around knocking people down and yelling.

"He should be," Rodgers said. "He needs to play with a chip on his shoulder."

Canty said he's not. But it's hard not to believe him.

"I challenge myself out here in practice," he said. "And I challenge my teammates when we compete against each other that will make us a better team. You know, I'm guilty like everybody else is. Sometimes it's hard to push yourself, but when you feel good you can go hard."

Hurd listens to veteran DB

ERICH SCHLEGEL / DMN

Aaron Glenn has been referred to as the Yoda of the secondary, and not just because he's short and wrinkled. The man is a fountain of football knowledge.

Glenn, a 14-year veteran known for his study habits, doesn't just help the young defensive backs. He's become a valued tutor for second-year WR Sam Hurd (right), who often works with Glenn after practice.

Many of Glenn's lessons with Hurd focus on how to release off the line of scrimmage. Hurd came out of college as a guy that did well against press coverage, but he said he used to be confused when cornerbacks played other techniques. Glenn teaches him tricks that he knows firsthand give DBs trouble.

While T.O. made a public display of taking Hurd under his wing last season, Glenn frequently whispers tips to receivers in practice. Hurd asked Glenn to take the teaching to the next level with post-practice tutorials.
"You can learn so much from him," Hurd said. "I just love it. I love working with AG."

Happy 25th birthday, DeMarcus Ware!

DeMarcus Ware had 11.5 sacks last season, with the next best Cowboys defender recording 4.5 (Greg Ellis) in 2006. It also is the most for a Cowboys player in a seawson since Tony Tolbert's 12 in 1996.

Posted by Todd Davis at 7:00 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (7)

Terrell Owens sat out practice Tuesday with a hamstring injury

He missed a good chunk of camp last year, and it didn't hurt him. We'll let you know when he returns.

Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

reg Ellis and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones met face-to-face on Tuesday

The sides had discussed meeting for the last few weeks. Ellis wouldn't give details of the convo, but did say an announcement could come by Friday.

Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Terry Glenn will have his problematic knee scoped on Wednesday, but is only expected to miss two weeks of camp and the first preseason game.

Patrick Crayton should see action with the first team in his absence. Glenn dealt with what was at one point believed to be a career-threatening knee problem in 2006, but wound up recovering nicely and finished the season strong. Still, at age 33, he's going to be an injury risk during the year.

Source: Dallas Morning News

Romo's nerve his best asset

by Jean-Jacques Taylor

SAN ANTONIO – Perhaps Tony Romo's new contract will average $7 million per season. Maybe, it will be $8 million.

Does it really matter?

Whether he gets a contract closer to the $65 million deal St. Louis' Marc Bulger recently signed or the $48 million deal Houston's Matt Schaub signed a few months ago, he's still going to be wealthier than a kid growing up in Burlington, Wis., ever dreamed about.

More important, money doesn't drive Romo.

Let's be clear, he wouldn't play for free no matter what he might say from time to time. He enjoys not worrying about paying his electric bill and he delights in all of the things money can buy those he loves.

But he's not driven by money. There's a difference.

"You can't get caught up in money and all of that stuff," he said after Monday morning's practice. "If you're playing for money, you're only going to work so hard. I play for the right reasons – to be as good as I can be."

Last year, that was better than anyone had a right to expect him to perform, considering he had never started an NFL game. Bill Parcells benched Drew Bledsoe after a 3-3 start and Romo ran through the door of opportunity.

Romo passed for 2,903 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as he became the first Cowboys quarterback since Troy Aikman to be named to the Pro Bowl.

He wasn't flawless.

He committed too many turnovers, and the Cowboys fell apart in December, losing any chance to host a playoff game. Then there was the botched hold in Seattle that essentially cost the Cowboys their first playoff win since 1996.

His critics focus on his subpar performance in the final month of the season, especially the blowout home losses to New Orleans and Philadelphia that wrecked the season. They wonder whether he can duplicate the success of his first six starts, when the Cowboys were 5-1 and he performed like one of the league's best.

There's no question his statistics took a dive in the final month. You can blame Romo for the reduction in production. You can blame game plans that lacked creativity. Or you can blame better competition.

But you must look beyond the statistics that say he was really good in his first six starts and really bad in the last five. We all know statistics can say whatever you want them to.

That said, aside from wins and losses, there's one set of stats that show why Jerry should feel comfortable signing Romo long term.

In the fourth quarter, when the Cowboys were ahead or behind by seven points, Romo completed 33 of 43 passes for 512 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. When the pressure is high, Romo performs.

It doesn't mean the Cowboys always win, but it does mean Romo puts them in position to win.

Romo led fourth-quarter drives that put the Cowboys ahead for good or clinched victories against Indianapolis, the New York Giants and Atlanta. He put the Cowboys in position to win or tie games late in the fourth quarter against Washington, Detroit and Seattle.

Don't take that for granted.

Not every quarterback can handle the pressure of the fourth quarter. Not every quarterback plays well with the game on the line.

Some fold. Others, like Romo, embrace the moment. You can't teach that kind of confidence. That's what sets him apart from others.

He's smart, has a good and accurate arm and is agile enough to escape trouble in the pocket. But he's not a physical specimen like Aikman. And he doesn't have an arm like Brett Favre that can zip the ball into tight spots, though sometimes he thinks he does.

But just about every quarterback who's ever won a Super Bowl has that same demeanor. I'm not saying Romo will triumphantly hold the Lombardi Trophy one day, but he has the tools to get it done because he plays his best at the end of games.

"You believe in yourself at those times because you know the practice and the time that you've put in to prepare for those moments," Romo said. "Now, it's time to do it."

Romo understands why others question whether he can duplicate his success. No doubt resides in his mind.

He can't wait to prove it.

Then the pressure will be on Jerry.

Cowboys: Phillips' defense based on speed

Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News

Jimmy Johnson liked his defensive players fast.


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Bill Parcells liked them big.

Wade Phillips likes them big and fast.

With that in mind, it's no surprise that even the biggest of the Dallas Cowboys defensive players reported to training camp last week either below their playing weight from last season or right at the number coaches requested in the offseason.

"I want them to be able to run," Phillips said Monday. "I want them to run as fast as they can run.

"We will work on leverage and things like that if we need to, but I would rather have a guy that can run. A big guy that can run is better than just a big guy."

Rule No. 1 of Phillips' aggressive version of the 3-4 defense is swarm the ball. Parcells preferred a more cautious approach.

Under Phillips, inside linebackers will no longer be required to take direct hits from guards and centers, a staple of Parcells' version of the scheme. Under Phillips, inside linebackers Bradie James and Akin Ayodele will be covered up more by defensive tackles, which will allow the linebackers to roam the field.

Phillips' style is more in tune with that of Johnson, who led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories in the early 1990s with a speed heavy defense.

"We want them running to the football," Phillips said. "We want great pursuit. You still have to stuff people when it's time to. But there is a little more leeway with this defense."

That's why James weighs 245, a far cry from the 260 pounds he packed on his 6-foot-2 frame last season.

"I had to play at 260 last season to protect myself, but I know I can't play at that weight in this scheme because it's so demanding with all the running around," James said. "But I can't lose too much weight because I still have to deliver a punch."

Strength coach Joe Juraszek spearheaded Phillips' drive to make the defense leaner.

"I told Joe early when I got here what I wanted," said Phillips, who replaced the retired Parcells in February. "(Juraszek) doesn't just gear (his offseason conditioning program) to what the players want. He also gears it to what the coach wants.

"And he let them know pretty quick I want them to be able to run."

James wasn't the only big loser. Pro Bowl strong safety Roy Williams weighs 221 pounds, eight fewer than last year.

"We didn't have any fines for players being overweight, which is probably a first here," Phillips said. "We had people who came in under the weight we wanted, and some people like Roy came in even under what we had tagged for them."

Defensive end Chris Canty didn't lose any weight, choosing instead to add muscle mass to his 6-7, 299-pound frame.

"A lot of people said, 'Man, you look skinny,' but I still weigh the same," Canty said. "I did a lot of running, a lot of agility work to become a better athlete.

"Bill wanted us to get to the ball too. But this whole scheme, from linemen to the secondary, is based on speed. We're trying to create negative plays and disrupt the offense using our speed and athletic ability."

Communication Lines Open At Cowboys Training Camp

(AP) SAN ANTONIO When the Dallas Cowboys line up on defense these days, there's all sorts of chatter going on.

"We're telling each other, 'Hey, I'm gone.' Or, 'You've got to come to me,"' cornerback Terence Newman said.

The noise isn't caused by guys trying to figure out what to do and where to be in the scheme being implemented by new coach Wade Phillips. It's by design, a simple thing called communication.

And not only was it lacking under coach Bill Parcells, it was basically forbidden.

"Last year, it was really one guy speaking. Me," inside linebacker Bradie James said. "A lot of pressure was on me to make the calls. Really, my whole job was to manage the game. But now, we have a lot of guys talking. Communication is definitely big. You have to have communication on the back end and the front end so everyone knows what's going on.

"If you don't communicate well, you don't have a chance. It only takes one bad play to ruin a game. So now everyone is speaking up. It's not just on one guy. It's on everybody to make sure they know what's going on, from down and distance to what formation is in and what to expect."

Newman said that although he has experience playing with fellow defensive backs Anthony Henry, Aaron Glenn and Roy Williams, it's somewhat meaningless because of the new system and the new emphasis on communication.

"It's kind of like we're all being together for the first time," Newman said. "In this defense, everybody has to talk. If you watch practice, and you pay attention, you can hear everybody talking because everyone has to know exactly where the other person is at. ... If everyone is on the same page and you still mess up, it's better than half the side knowing the defense and half the side playing something else."

So is that part of what went wrong down the stretch last year?

"We don't even want to talk about last year," James said. "This year, it's totally different. Everyone is communicating, stepping up to the plate and doing what they're supposed to do."

New defensive coordinator Brian Stewart is so enthused that he's gone on record saying Dallas could have the best defensive in the league.

"That's good," Newman said. "If your D-coordinator doesn't think you can be the best in the NFL, that's bad. ... We definitely have the talent. We've got to take that to heart and take it over to the game."

Have you forgotten T.O.'s star?

Mark Van Paasschen
KXII Sports

The crowd reception day in and day out at Dallas Cowboys training camp in San Antonio is just amazing. For any given practice you are likely to find 5-10 thousand fans in the stands cheering every interception, sack and touchdown catch. Especially when it's a Terrell Owens touchdown catch.

You could probably hear it in the background of some of our post-practice interviews with the various Cowboy players. Fans chanting, yelling, screaming for T.O. He spent about 15 minutes after practice one day just signing autographs for crazed fans, and he didn't even come close to getting to everybody that wanted one. It's obvious that Cowboys fans are nuts about T.O.

That's what bothers me. Remember this?

"The player" that droves of fans crowd the Alamodome railing hoping to get a signature is still the same player that offended an entire stadium full of Cowboys fans back in 2000 with his pose on the most sacred spot of the most sacred stadium in Cowboys lore.

He was despised and ridiculed. He outraged fans across the country. But just 6 short years later he was wearing the Cowboy silver and by the reaction of fans so far. Apparently all is forgotten.

I think that's a shame.

If you are a true Cowboy fan there is nothing more enraging then an opposing player demeaning the star. If you are a true Cowboy fan that would have been the most dispicable thing that you have ever witnessed. If you are a true Cowboy fan you will never be able to forgive T.O. for that no matter what color jersey he is wearing.

But apparently most of you already have.

Cowboys WR Glenn to have right knee scoped

San Antonio, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Cowboys announced that wide receiver Terry Glenn will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Glenn left practice early on Sunday and has missed the last two days of practice. The 33-year-old has a tiny cyst on the back of his right kneecap.

Team owner Jerry Jones expects Glenn to miss just two weeks and be ready for the start of the season.

In his fourth season with Dallas last season, Glenn hauled in 70 catches for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns. For his career, Glenn has amassed 593 receptions for 8,823 yards and 44 touchdowns in 136 games with Dallas, Green Bay and New England.

Chad Peters: Both Glenns OK

by Tom Orsborn

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said during Monday's press conference that wide receiver Terry Glenn's MRI on his right knee came back negative. He remains day-to-day.

Meanwhile, cornerback Aaron Glenn did not need to get his knee drained, which Phillips described as good news. Aaron Glenn also is day-to-day.

Phillips said linebacker Kevin Burnett had headaches Monday morning after getting "dinged" in the head Sunday. He, too, is day-to-day.

Nose tackle joins brother at Cowboys camp

By Bill Spinks
Herald Democrat

SAN ANTONIO — Remi Ayodele was answering questions from a small group of reporters when he suddenly got a playful shove from behind by his older — and much smaller — brother, Akin.

Gathering himself after the surprise, Remi shook his head and smiled. “He’s lucky we’re not at home right now,” he said. “I would’ve knocked him out.”

Through high school and into college, and now in the NFL, Remi was following in Akin’s footsteps. Now the Ayodele brothers are together — for the first time — in training camp with the Dallas Cowboys.

“During camp it can get real stressful, so when you get a stress relief, it’s nice to have your brother here just to mess around with,” Remi said.

Because they are more than four years apart in age, Akin and Remi Ayodele had never been able to play alongside each other on the same team — except in their backyard.


“I always wondered what it would be like to play with my brother, and now I have an opportunity to,” Remi said. “I’m really excited about it.”

Both Ayodeles grew up in the shadow of Texas Stadium. Akin played at Irving MacArthur, Remi at South Grand Prairie after Akin moved on to Purdue University. In fact, Akin worked for the Cowboys at Texas Stadium on gamedays while in high school.

“Every player would love to play at home where they were raised with their football team,” Remi said. “Especially being the Cowboys, that makes it more special. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine.”

Akin Ayodele is an established linebacker in the league, in his sixth year overall and second with Dallas after signing as a free agent from Jacksonville. Akin has recorded 100 or more tackles in five straight seasons.

Remi, however, is still trying to catch on in the pros. The nose tackle out of Oklahoma is with his third NFL team, after being signed and cut by New England and then going through camp with Baltimore.

Last Nov. 7, he was signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad and spent three weeks there. He was released at the end of the month, but re-signed with Dallas at the end of the year.

Remi was allocated to NFL Europa this spring and recorded 15 tackles, one sack and one pass breakup for the Frankfurt Galaxy.

“I started out playing 30 snaps a game, and then as the season went along I usually played 60 snaps a game,” Remi said. “It was a real good experience going out there and getting the feel of the game, because it had been a whole year since I’d been on the field playing in a real-game situation.”

Remi was not a star at OU — he started only eight games and made only 22 tackles in his two seasons there — but learned immensely under defensive line coach Jackie Shipp, who helped Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek develop into all-Big 12 performers.

“I think it was one of the best decisions in my life I made, going to OU over the other schools,” Remi said. “I was fortunate to have a really good coach who got me ready for the next level. That was a really good experience because everyday when I was practicing my senior year (Shipp) was coaching me on how to get ready for the next level and the work ethic I was going to need.”

Akin says he tries to be a role model for his younger brother, helping him with the playbook, giving 100 percent effort and “do(ing) everything God’s way.”

“I look after him and try to help him out when I can, but I understand he has to find his own and bond with the rest of the D-line guys, and just let him be a man,” Akin said.

Remi — whose name is short for Remilekun — is battling with second-year player Montavious Stanley and undrafted rookie Ola Dagunduro for the right to back up starter Jason Ferguson at nose tackle.

“It’s the NFL,” Remi said. “Anywhere you go, you’re going to have competition. You’ve gotta compete and show them you want to be here and you can help them out. I think every team’s like that.”

Ferguson, an 11-year veteran, has taken Remi under his wing.

“I watch him a lot,” Remi said. “He always helps me when I need. In the meeting room, I sit right in front of him, and if I need to ask him a question I just turn around and he helps me out all the time.”

Does Akin think his brother has a chance to make the team? Of course he does.

“He’s athletic and strong and fast,” he said. “He can definitely make the team. It’s all about going out and proving what he can do. He has a good chance of doing that.”

At a svelte 240 pounds, Akin is the smaller of the two; Remi outweighs him by 60 pounds. The biggest one is the youngest: Harold, who is at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, is 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds.

“All my younger brothers are bigger than me,” Akin said. “During Thanksgiving, it’s a rush to the dining table. They eat so much. If I don’t get there first, the meal’s gone.”

If his younger brother Remi is still hungry to make the team by the end of August, there may be two Ayodeles wearing a star on Turkey Day.

Tony Romo Falls Victim To Camp Prank

by Elvira Sakmari
5nbc5I.com

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Players play pranks on each other at every Cowboys Camp. Sometimes we don't always hear about the pranks, but this time we have the inside scoop on one.

NBC 5 sends a still camera to camp every year to capture the events of the day. The best part is when the players sign autographs and take pictures with the fans in the stands -- and in San Antonio there are plenty.

On July 27, NBC 5 captured an innocent photo of Tony Romo signing autographs
After a few laughs in the media room, a member of the Cowboys staff came in to see the picture then asked for a copy so that they could give Romo some grief.

A copy was made and posted in the veterans' locker room at 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

We checked with the staff member and we were told the veterans all got a good laugh out of it, and apparently some tears were shed.

So after practice Newy Scruggs did what any good reporter would do, he showed Romo the picture and asked him if he saw it.

Newy: "I heard they put that in the locker man."
Romo: "I hadn't seen that"
Newy: "You didn't see that?"
Romo: "No, this is the first time. That's pretty funny though. Some people want to get up close and personal."

And when asked about it, Cowboys safety Roy Williams told Derek Castillo that the photo was priceless.

Cowboys want safety Roy Williams to hit more, cover less

Sportsbooks.com

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -Although it's only training camp, Roy Williams can't help himself when it comes to making big hits.

Seeing Oliver Hoyte catch a pass in his vicinity Monday morning, Williams lowered his shoulders and flattened his teammate - just like he'd done to Miles Austin the day before and to Terry Glenn the day before that.

Ferocious blows are Williams' signature statement. They're a big reason why the Dallas Cowboys gave him a $25.2 million contract extension last summer and why he's been invited to the last four Pro Bowls.

It's certainly not for his coverage skills.

Williams' weakness as a cover guy was exploited more than ever last season. Of the 25 touchdown passes thrown against Dallas, a good chunk came with No. 31 in the area, unable to prevent it.

While Williams contends it was often a case of mistaken identity - ``I'm supposed to be doing one thing, but then I try to help out with something and it looks like I'm getting burned'' - it may not be a coincidence that new coach Wade Phillips plans to use his hard-hitting safety differently this season.

Williams is going to backpedal less and play close to the line of scrimmage more. Sometimes he'll be blitzing and sometimes he'll be there to make quarterbacks think he's coming.

``I would expect that if I were the other team,'' Phillips said.

He'll still have some coverage duties, of course, giving him a chance to flatten guys wearing other jerseys. Part of his freedom comes from Dallas adding veteran Ken Hamlin to play free safety, ending last year's tag team of Keith Davis and Pat Watkins.

As Phillips likes to say about all his players, Williams will have a chance to do more of what he does best.

``He can strike a blow,'' said Phillips, who counts Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith as the ``really big-time hitters'' that he's coached, with Wes Hopkins also in their class, and Williams poised to join them.

``He's really got a knack and great timing as far as hitting somebody,'' Phillips said. ``Plus, he has no fear. Most of the big-time hitters I've ever been around, they have that mentality.''

Williams didn't have a sack last year and has only 6 1/2 over five seasons. But the way hits, and the way he runs now that he's down to his rookie weight of 221 pounds, could cause lots of problems for quarterbacks.

Williams likes the change, but realizes he's not becoming a linebacker. He'll still be used in coverage - and wants to be.

``It's cool to be back down there, but to be an all-around good player you have to be able to do a lot of things,'' he said. ``I just can't be just one-minded about being in the box. You have to be able to cover too. I still have to worry about that and other aspects of the game.''

One thing he insists he's not worried about is criticism, most of which has centered on his coverage problems.

``Is it unfair? Yes,'' he said. ``Because sometimes (complainers) really don't know what you are talking about. ... If you have your teammates supporting you, you don't have to worry about what everybody else is saying.''

Another criticism last year was that Williams was getting beefy. That can't be said now that he's dropped eight pounds from the start of last season and 25 pounds from his offseason peak. He also met a personal goal of coming in below the target weight of 225 the team set for him.

``I'm flying around, man,'' he said. ``I'm full of joy and a whole bunch of energy. I'm being real.''

Quarterbacks, beware.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Terrell Owens' day in training camp

Sportsbooks.com

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A look at Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens' day in training camp Monday:

CHEERLEADER: While loosening up before the afternoon practice, Owens led the crowd in cheers. He pointed to one section and they screamed, then pointed to another. They went back and forth until the horn blew and Owens had to go stretch. He walked away smiling.

SPOTLESS: With white tights, high white socks and long white shorts, T.O. took advantage of there being five weeks left until Labor Day, the last day to wear white, according to fashionistas. His Air Jordan shorts carried the monogram ``T.O. 81'' in Cowboys blue thread. It's a one-of-a-kind, Owens said.

IRVIN AND OWENS: With Michael Irvin headed to induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, Owens talked about their relationship: ``We have our moments, most of them are just kick-back moments and just have a good time. Football comes up, we'll talk about it.''

REALLY?: Cornerback Anthony Henry has been noticed most this camp when Owens runs by him for long gains. That's not totally the case, insisted coach Wade Phillips: ``He's held his own against T.O. Obviously, Terrell is an outstanding receiver so it's good work for both sides. If you've got guys that are playing well against each other, the competition makes them better.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Terry Glenn hurt his ankle today

Originally posted by Cowboys1Lakers1 from a sport forum:

Terry Glenn hurt his ankle today, from what i heard, it doesn't seem to be too serious, he was just limping, but still nonetheless, that is not good news.

Cowboys marvel at Davis' stature

By JAIME ARON
Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO - Only a few days into Dallas Cowboys training camp and the stories about Leonard Davis are already piling up.

• Team owner Jerry Jones tells about watching film of a practice and noticing something strange: Every time his new right guard hit someone, their head popped up. That wasn't happening with anybody else.

• Running back Julius Jones, generously listed at 5-foot-10, is telling people that his trick for avoiding defenders this season will be running right behind No. 70: "They can't even see me."

• Strength coach Joe Jur-aszek is awed by the way Davis runs, saying his strides are as fluent as any skill-position player. Adds cornerback Terence Newman, a former Big 12 sprint champion: "For a guy that doggone big, he's probably the most athletic guy I've seen. He runs with skill and grace."

• Earlier this summer, Davis used a tractor to rescue a horse stuck in mud. Said coach Wade Phillips: "I don't know that he needed that tractor."

Davis is listed as 6-foot-6, 354 pounds. After seeing him in pads and hearing the stories, it's tempting to add the word "only" before his dimensions.

A jolly giant, Davis has been larger than life as long as he can remember. His proportions were especially oversized growing up in Wortham, a town with a population of about 1,000 located 70 miles southeast of Dallas.

Davis really stood out at a high school with only 150 kids. Which, of course, leads to another story.

Playing in Class 1A, the smallest in the state, Davis was such a beast his senior year that he pulled off a rarity: winning offensive player of the year honors as a lineman and being named top defender, too.

Davis led Wortham to a state title in basketball, too. He was even agile enough to dunk.

"I don't believe it," teammate Terrell Owens said, laughing. "Show me the tape."

Davis played for the Texas Longhorns, then was taken second overall in the 2001 draft. Unfortunately for him, it was by the Arizona Cardinals.

He started at right guard, right tackle and left tackle, and helped the Cardinals set milestones like leading the NFL in passing offense for the first time, the second-fewest sacks in club history and their first 1,000-yard rusher since 1998. But Arizona never won more than seven games, and that was his rookie year.

Then again, Davis hasn't exactly made the most of his overwhelming physical skills. One barometer is the fact he's yet to make the Pro Bowl.

Once the Cardinals opted not to keep him, Davis hit free agency. Dallas was a perfect fit because of the proximity to home, the chance to join a playoff team and - the big reason - the money: a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million. He's guaranteed $18.75 million, having already pocketed a team-record $16 million signing bonus.

"It just happened to be the ideal situation," Davis said.

The Cowboys were swayed by his youth (he turns 29 the first week of the season), his versatility and the belief their coaches can make a dynamic player out of his dynamic physique.

"There are things I'm working on," he said. "For the most part, it's technical. It's just a matter of concentrating and doing those little things right, being consistent with everything."

Davis is taking over the right guard spot from Marco Rivera, a free agent signee who never lived up to expectations. It's the only change on a line that last season made way for a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers. It was just the second time the Cowboys pulled off that feat.

But Davis could be on the move, sooner if not later.

Starting tackles Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo are on the physically unable to perform list and expected back within weeks. Should either have a serious setback, Davis would be the first option. With Adams headed into free agency, Davis may wind up replacing him next season anyway.

"It's all good," Davis said. "Everything in life is a challenge. It's up to you to make the best of it."

NOTES - Injured, disgruntled LB Greg Ellis said he'll have an announcement late next week on his future. "I don't have the answers now," he said. Ellis declined to elaborate, and team officials weren't immediately available to comment. ... Tempers flared in the morning session, with DE Chris Canty ripping off his helmet and having to be restrained during a shouting match with RB Julius Jones. "That was more for the crowd than the real deal," coach Wade Phillips said. "They hit each other hard, but they are for each other. That is what I am looking for." Once things calmed down, Canty jumped and bumped mid-air with three defensive teammates, while Jones wandered back with the offensive guys. ... Phillips declined to give any specifics about players who've impressed him so far or about any position battles. "Right now, we could cut down to 53 guys and have pretty good football players, from what I've seen so far," he said. "We don't have a weakness that way, where you say we don't have enough guys who could contribute on special teams or as a backup player. But you still want them to develop. And, again, I have the right to change my mind."

COMMENTARY : Cowboys’ coach travailing in shadows

BY PAUL DOMOWITCH
PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

SAN ANTONIO — Wade Phillips has spent his entire coaching career futilely trying to establish his own identity. He’s been blowing a whistle for 37 years, the past 31 of them in the NFL. And yet, to many, he still is “Bum’s Boy.”

Never mind that he celebrated his 60 th birthday last month. Never mind that his daddy retired from coaching nearly a quarter century ago. Never mind that he’s taken two franchises to the playoffs as a head coach and is considered one of the best defensive coaches on the planet.

Once a father’s son, always a father’s son.

Now, as he begins what, in all likelihood, will be the last head-coaching job of his career, Phillips finds himself stuck in yet someone else’s shadow.

This one doesn’t belong to his father. This one belongs to his new boss, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Jones is about as hands-on as sports owners come. He not only wears the title of owner, but also club president and general manager.

“I bought this team to run it,” Jones said unashamedly.

Four years ago, after three consecutive 5-11 seasons, a desperate Jones swallowed hard and hired Bill Parcells to be his head coach. It seemed like a marriage made in hell. Two strongwilled guys with extra-large egos. But they managed to coexist for four years and even earn a couple of playoff invitations before Parcells called it quits in January.

When Jones replaced him with the mild-mannered Phillips, it appeared that the Cowboys’ boss wanted a coach who was the polar opposite of Parcells. It appeared he wanted someone he could control, much like the three men who preceded Parcells as Cowboys head coach: Dave Campo, Chan Gailey and Barry Switzer.

But Jones insisted nothing could be further from the truth.

“The big question when Bill came here was whether we’d be able to work together,” he said. “People were taking bets over how long it would last. We both worked hard to make it work. We both did some eggshell-walking. Were there issues that came and went ? Of course there were. But it was a pleasure working with him. Did I listen to him ? Yes. Will I listen to Wade as much as I listened to Bill when I have to make a decision ? You bet I will. You bet I will.

“ I’ve always believed we have a successful [management ] structure for winning. [By serving as GM ], we’ve eliminated a third person in the management of the team. I understand the criticism of the last 10 years [no playoff victories since ’ 96, no division title since ’ 98 ]. But this is the only way I could own the Dallas Cowboys, to basically have this type of structure.”

Phillips, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Pillsbury Doughboy, doesn’t have a problem working for a hands-on owner like Jones. After a 7-year wait, he’s just happy for another chance to be a head coach. And all the better that it’s with a team that went to the playoffs last year.

“I think I can make my mark in the league,” Phillips said. “I’ll go down as a great defensive coordinator. I don’t think anybody would say any different, even if my career ended today. But I’d like to go down as a great head coach. Jerry’s given me that opportunity, and I’m going to do it for him.”

Phillips has been an NFL coach for 31 years, but this is only his third headcoaching gig. He coached the Denver Broncos for two seasons (1993-1994 ) and the Buffalo Bills for three (1998-2000 ). Took the Broncos to the playoffs his first year there and took the Bills to the playoffs twice in three years, but was canned after an 8-8 finish in 2000. His phone didn’t ring for a head-coaching opportunity again until Jones called.

“If you get fired, people think you did bad,” said Phillips, who spent the past three years as the defensive coordinator of the Chargers. He also served as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator from 1986 to 1988. “I mean, 29-19 [his record in Buffalo ] is a pretty good record. It was in the top six for those three years.

“ But people don’t remember those kinds of things. They just think, ‘Well, he was fired in Buffalo. He couldn’t do it. ’”

Phillips’ personality and coaching style are night-and-day different from Parcells’. Parcells was North Jersey gruff. Phillips is South Texas kind and gentle. Parcells was a yeller and screamer. Phillips berates a player about as often as Lindsay Lohan goes to church (rehab chapels don’t count ).

“Nice guys don’t always finish last,” Phillips said. “They can end up first. It’s all about getting them to play, and play their best. It’s not whether you holler or scream at them or get in their face.

“ People think of coaches as guys who chew you out all the time. But to me, coaching is teaching. That’s the way I’ve always approached it, and I’ve had good results.”

Indeed he has. In his past 18 years as a head coach or coordinator, he has experienced only three losing seasons. Eight of those 18 teams finished in the top 10 in the league in defense. Twelve finished in the top 10 in sacks. His defenses finished in the top 10 against the run in six of the past eight seasons.

Like Parcells, Phillips employs a 3-4 defensive scheme. But Parcells preferred a conservative, don’t-giveup-the-big-play approach. He seldom blitzed. Phillips favors an attack defense that blitzes early and often and is heavy on slants and stunts.

“My expectations for the defense are really high,” Jones said. “I certainly agreed at the time with Bill’s approach to running a 3-4 and running a defensive scheme. It was with less risk by design than maybe the one Wade runs. The only problem was, we still were giving up the big plays.”

For “Bum’s Boy,” this likely is his last chance to escape the shadow of his father, his last chance to make his mark as an NFL head coach. He knows it and so does his boss.

“I’m into logic,” Jones said. “I like to see if we’re aligned with our interests. When I see someone that’s got something to prove, when I see someone that wants something real bad, then that kind of helps my decision making.”

Terrell Owens' day in training camp

By The Associated Press
Sunday, July 29, 2007

SAN ANTONIO - A look at Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens' day in training camp Saturday:

NO. 81 IS NO. 1 WITH FANS: The first lob pass thrown to Owens during the morning workout drew about as many camera flashes as a Barry Bonds at-bat. For the record, Tony Romo did hit Owens in stride. In the afternoon, Owens drew a loud roar just for coming out of the tunnel. When he did some loosening-up sprints in the end zone, nearby fans roared and chanted his initials. They got even more excited when he acknowledged the cheers with a smile and a wave. (Note to the guy waving a football and a pen: Autographs are given after practice, not during.)

WELCOME TO THE NFL, ROOK: Seventh-round picks Alan Ball and Courtney Brown had tight coverage on Owens, but he managed to tip a pass to himself for the catch drawing a chorus of "T-O! T-O!" from the crowd during the morning practice.

FASHION STATEMENT? For the afternoon practice, Owens wore the kind of baggy white shorts Terry Glenn has worn throughout camp. Romo and receivers Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd were sporting them for the first time, too.

Will he catch on?

By Bill Spinks
Herald Democrat

SAN ANTONIO — The distance from Celeste to Irving is only 75 miles, but the route Jamaica Rector took to get from one to the other seems like an eternity.

Rector was a star at both Celeste High School, from where he graduated in 2000, and Northwest Missouri State, where he was an NCAA Division II All-American and broke numerous records. But now in training camp for the third time with the Dallas Cowboys, Rector is once again in a fight to make the team — and hopes he can stick this time.

“I still feel like everything’s pretty much up to me,” Rector said. “If the good Lord blesses me, I will be here.”

Rector is one of three Cowboys who played small-school ball in Texas, joining Wortham’s Leonard Davis and Italy’s Keith Davis.

Rector, a 5-foot-10, 183-pound wide receiver and punt returner, first signed with the Cowboys in 2005 as a free agent.


At Northwest Missouri, Rector left as the most productive receiver in school and conference history with 4,497 yards (second on the Division II all-time list) on 289 receptions (third all-time).

Rector also set school records for career punt return yards, punt returns, kick return average and touchdown receptions.

Rector made it to the final cut of his first NFL camp and spent the entire season on the Cowboys’ practice squad. Last year, after a solid preseason in which he led the team with 20 receptions, Rector finally made the active roster.

He returned four punts in the season opener at Jacksonville, but sprained an ankle late in the game and was inactive for four weeks, finally returning to the practice squad for the rest of the year.

Now in his third camp with Dallas, Rector knows the routine, but nothing has changed.

“I feel a little more comfortable, but still, I can’t get too comfortable,” Rector said. “I’m still antsy. I have to do everything perfect. That’s just the way it is. ‘Not For Long,’ NFL, right?”

Being perfect may not be enough to crack a squad that includes star wideouts Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn and a rising star in Patrick Crayton. Rector is also battling returnees such as Miles Austin, Sam Hurd and Jerheme Urban for a job.

In all, there are a total of 11 wide receivers in camp and only a finite number of slots available.

“I’m behind everybody,” Rector said. “Everybody’s fighting for position. There’s really no set position until camp breaks.”

Rector is much more low-key than the flamboyant Owens, but has patterned his approach to the game after that of Owens and Glenn.

“They taught me a lot as far as how to practice, how to prepare for practice, (and) how to prepare for games,” Rector said. “These guys have been in (the league) for a while, and they took me under their wing.”

Coming from a Division II school, Rector’s adjustment to the pro game was more difficult than for most rookies who come in from Division I-A football factories.

“It was hard,” Rector said. “The (NFL) game is much faster. In time, with training and working out with (conditioning coach) Joe Juraszek, it’ll get you ready for it.”

Jamaica Rector is not the only member of his family playing professional football. His younger brother Andre, also a state all-star at Celeste, followed Jamaica to Northwest Missouri and is now in arena football with the Spokane Shock.

Andre was fourth on the team in catches and yardage with three touchdowns as the Shock won the afl2 Western Division championship.

Jamaica Rector has had numerous visitors from his hometown. His former high school basketball coach, Greg Robinson, is in San Antonio to visit, and members of his family have made the trip south as well.

He hopes to make them all happy by being somewhere on the field Sept. 9 at Texas Stadium against the New York Giants.

“I’ve got to take it one step at a time,” Rector said. “I’ve gotta stay healthy, then I gotta make the team.”

Tight bond: Witten learns from Novacek

By TODD ARCHER /
The Dallas Morning News

SAN ANTONIO – As the Cowboys ran through special teams drills Friday, Jason Witten and Jay Novacek, two of the best tight ends in team history, chatted.

The conversation lasted about six minutes, but the effect was felt.

"He was so patient on his routes," Witten said. "He was telling me how if things open up don't move too fast because you can cover yourself up, take that extra yard and then make your break."

Witten first met Novacek in 2003, his rookie year, and the two have had a number of conversations over the years. But with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett using largely the same passing game Novacek excelled in with Troy Aikman, Witten has spent more time picking his brain.

Witten and Tony Romo have developed a rapport both on and off the field that Witten believes will be beneficial as the years go by.

"He told me Troy always knew where 84 was all the time," Witten said.

Novacek aw-shucked his way through comparisons with Witten, saying, "he's a lot better than that. Come on."

But from 1990-96 Novacek served as Aikman's security blanket. From 1991-95, Novacek made the Pro Bowl and the Cowboys won three Super Bowls. In that span, he caught 280 passes for 2,919 yards and 18 touchdowns.

In Witten's four years, he has crept up on Novacek's career totals for catches (339) and receiving yards (3,576), both franchise highs for a tight end. Witten has posted 252 catches for 2,838 yards in 63 career games and has been to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons.

"I'm selling him more than what people are giving him credit for," Novacek said. "The thing that I see is his composure, his ability to always be in the right place and right time and not making mistakes."

Growing up in Elizabethton, Tenn., Witten was a huge Novacek fan.

"The Cowboys were winning Super Bowls, that was the biggest thing as a kid," Witten said. "And he was a key player."

When they met in '03, Witten was nervous meeting one of his idols and Novacek remembered Witten's anxiousness to succeed.

"He is able to learn and able to comprehend what you can tell him," Novacek said. "That was Bill [Parcells'] first year and it was tough for everyone to stay focused and do the right thing, but he made it through with flying colors."

Parcells harped on Witten to be a complete player, which meant improving his blocking, something Witten takes pride in.

In Garrett's system, the tight end will continue to be a featured part, but in different ways. Witten can line up wide or be used in motion more to make it difficult for defenses, especially with Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens on the outside.

That's fine with coach Wade Phillips, who witnessed Antonio Gates' work in San Diego.

"A Pro Bowl player like Witten, anytime you have the two outside receivers that we have, you want to stop them and double those guys," Phillips said. "You have to put a linebacker on the tight end, and that's what you want."

Investing in Romo has some risks

by Mike Finger
Express-News

There was little chance of buyer's remorse, if billionaires even experience such a thing. But seven months after announcing his new stadium would boast the biggest video board installation the world had ever seen, Jerry Jones had to have been at least a little nervous as he watched an amateur scientific experiment at the Alamodome on Friday.
Using a sporting-goods store range finder and the right leg of punter Mat McBriar, a group of Dallas Cowboys staffers was trying to determine how high the state-of-the-art scoreboard needed to be hung to avoid interfering with booming kicks.

Turns out, there was nothing for Jones to worry about. But can you imagine if, like a guy who springs for a Hummer to park in his single-car garage, Jones had brought his new toy home and the darn thing didn't fit?

With major purchases, there is always the risk of splurging too soon. That's why Jones is taking his time with his most important spending decision of the offseason, and it's also why he should wait until long after training camp is over to make it.

Sure, Tony Romo looks like he might be worth $20 million or so. But before Jones writes that check, shouldn't he do a little more measuring first?

That issue — whether or not to extend Romo's contract, which expires after this season — is one that has hung over the Cowboys for months. It reared its head again Friday, with word that the St. Louis Rams had signed Marc Bulger to a six-year extension worth $27 million in guaranteed money.

Because Bulger has a longer, more distinguished track record, it probably wouldn't cost the Cowboys that much to lock up Romo for the foreseeable future. But Romo is coming off a Pro Bowl appearance, and he won't be a bargain.

The question for Jones is, does he shell out the cash for Romo now and run the risk of committing to a quarterback who might have been nothing more than a 12-game flash in the pan? Or does Jones wait, and potentially cost himself millions more dollars if Romo fares even better this fall?

Jones this week has danced all around this problem, other than to say "it's a good one to have." Some think the Cowboys will focus on the Romo negotiations now that they've signed all of their draft picks. Others are saying Jones will wait, which, considering the uncertainty about how Romo will respond to last season's disappointing finish, is probably the wisest thing to do.

But it's not that simple. There are other factors at play, the most important one being that the Cowboys have no long-term answer in case Romo fails. Brad Johnson is a fine backup for this season, but he has about as much of a chance of being a franchise quarterback in 2008 as Priest Holmes has of playing for the Chiefs in 2007.

(Memo to Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, who the Chiefs are trying to scare into signing a new deal by invoking Holmes' name: I spoke to Holmes two weeks ago, and he said he hadn't been working out all summer, but added that his poker game was in fine shape. So when he says he's coming back, here's betting he's bluffing.)

As for Jones' options, he limited himself in April, when he passed on Notre Dame's Brady Quinn on draft day. By choosing not to select a quarterback, Jones was saying he believes Romo was the man for the team's future. And if that's still the case, then an extension probably is coming soon.

Romo, for his part, insists he doesn't care. The stability of a long-term deal would obviously be nice, but he said that wouldn't relax him any more than playing for a big contract would motivate him.

"It doesn't really enter my mind as far as being a reason to play or an extra incentive in any way," Romo said Friday. "If I ever thought that, I'd probably diminish myself, as far as work habits or work ethic that I have. All I know is, it's not fun if you're not trying to win."

Romo seemed a bit perturbed that he had to answer the question, which is another argument for an extension — the sooner he signs a new contract, the sooner the distraction goes away.

But sooner isn't always best. As Jones watched and measured with McBriar, he knew: If you're going to spend that kind of money on something, you better be sure it fits.

Owens opens Cowboys camp happy and healthy

By JAIME ARON

After all his antics over the past few years, it's understandable to be braced for anything. That's why the reality might be a surprise: T.O. is healthy, happy and ready for a calm second season with the Dallas Cowboys.

"I hope so," he said. "I'm feeling good, looking good -- so I've got to play good."

Last season was a weird one, even by his standards.

It can't be called a disappointment because Owens led the NFL in touchdown catches and Dallas made the playoffs after missing out for two years. However, Owens constantly was in the news for all the wrong reasons: a preseason hamstring injury, an accidental overdose on painkillers, squabbles with his position coach, a testy relationship with head coach Bill Parcells, the most dropped passes in the league ... and more.

"I think there was a lack of concentration on my part and I can't fault anybody but myself," Owens said, referring to the drops and the overall season. "I can't really put my finger on it. I just know it wasn't there."

Further probing is useless. With a smile, Owens cites "a memory lapse" when it comes to specifics about the dramas of 2006.

"Anything with reference to last year is a non-issue," he said. "We are trying to really focus on this year. ... We are going to make this a happy season."

In that case, he's off to a good start.

Evidence of a new T.O. began in May, when he caught passes at the team's first offseason minicamp despite having a doctor's note to be on the sideline because he was coming off two surgeries on his right ring finger. How's that for a first impression on new coach Wade Phillips and the new offensive coaches?

The rest of the summer, quarterback Tony Romo landed on the gossip pages more than Owens. He certainly had his fun, but working out was always a priority.

Fitness may be the one area where Owens' reputation is golden. Still, he stepped things up this summer, spending more time with his trainer, lifting weights and watching his diet as usual.

"What do I look like? I look good," said Owens, his long-sleeve, full-leg tights showing off a 33-year-old body that's as sleek and muscular as ever.

Owens caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards last season, numbers that picked up drastically when Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe.

Should Owens come close to those totals again, he'll easily move into the top 10 on the NFL career list in both categories. He's already fourth on the career TDs list, with 14 last season putting him at 114. He's years away from Jerry Rice's record (197) but within reach of No. 2 Cris Carter (130), although Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison (122) is closing in, too. Owens has plenty of reasons to expect a big season, starting with his surgically repaired finger. He said the pain bothered him so much that it was like playing "with 1 hands."

"I know I can be better," he said.

The coaching change should help, too. It's not just that Parcells is gone, but also that Phillips is here.

While defense is Phillips' specialty, he has a track record of getting the most out of his best receivers. The coach proudly noted that Shannon Sharpe's career took off when Phillips became the head coach in Denver and that the same happened with Eric Moulds in Buffalo.

Phillips isn't too involved in the offensive game plan, but he tells his coaches what he wants, even if it's as vague as "get the ball to 81 a lot." That message seems to be getting through. In the first few days of camp, Owens ran routes from both outside receiving spots, something he didn't do last year. Phillips also likes the idea of lining him up in the slot.

"He hasn't played much in the slot, which surprises me," Phillips said. "I just don't know how you'd play him in there, from a defensive standpoint. Playing against him, we were always glad that he was on one side and staying over there so we could double him."

A coaching staff that's looking for new ways to use him, a quarterback he trusts and an owner that didn't hesitate to pay him a $3 million roster bonus in June -- no wonder Owens is controversy-free and looking to keep it that way.

"If you are having fun playing football, you are going to be happy," Owens said. "There are going to be days where you aren't going to be as happy as others. Overall, you just want to go out there and be fun and be a kid playing a game that you like."

He's counting on the fun lasting into February.

"This is our year," Owens said. "I think we have more than a good opportunity to get this team to the Super Bowl."

News briefs: Morgan back on field after missing 15 games last season

Tall tales of Cowboys' guard
SAN ANTONIO -- Only a few days into Dallas Cowboys training camp and the stories about Leonard Davis are already piling up.

• Team owner Jerry Jones tells about watching film of a practice and noticing something strange: Every time his new right guard hit someone, their head popped up. That wasn't happening with anybody else.

• Running back Julius Jones, generously listed at 5-foot-10, is telling people that his trick for avoiding defenders this season will be running run behind No. 70: "They can't even see me."

• Strength coach Joe Juraszek is awed by the way Davis runs, saying his strides are as fluent as any skill-position player. Adds cornerback Terence Newman, a former Big 12 sprint champion: "For a guy that doggone big, he's probably the most athletic guy I've seen. He runs with skill and grace."

Stories about Cowboys' 6-foot-6, 354-pound Davis already growing

JAIME ARON
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO - Only a few days into Dallas Cowboys training camp and the stories about Leonard Davis are already piling up.

_ Team owner Jerry Jones tells about watching film of a practice and noticing something strange: Every time his new right guard hit someone, their head popped up. That wasn't happening with anybody else.

_ Running back Julius Jones, generously listed at 5-foot-10, is telling people that his trick for avoiding defenders this season will be running run behind No. 70: "They can't even see me."

_ Strength coach Joe Juraszek is awed by the way Davis runs, saying his strides are as fluent as any skill-position player. Adds cornerback Terence Newman, a former Big 12 sprint champion: "For a guy that doggone big, he's probably the most athletic guy I've seen. He runs with skill and grace."

_ Earlier this summer, Davis used a tractor to rescue a horse stuck in mud. Said coach Wade Phillips: "I don't know that he needed that tractor."

Davis is listed as 6-foot-6, 354 pounds. After seeing him in pads and hearing the stories, it's tempting to add the word "only" before his dimensions.

A jolly giant, Davis has been larger than life as long as he can remember. His proportions were especially oversized growing up in Wortham, a town with a population of about 1,000 located 70 miles southeast of Dallas.

Davis really stood out at a high school with only 150 kids. Which, of course, leads to another story.

Playing in Class 1A, the smallest in the state, Davis was such a beast his senior year that he pulled off a rarity: winning offensive player of the year honors as a lineman and being named top defender, too.

Davis led Wortham to a state title in basketball, too. He was even agile enough to dunk.

"I don't believe it," teammate Terrell Owens said, laughing. "Show me the tape."

Davis played for the Texas Longhorns, then was taken second overall in the 2001 draft. Unfortunately for him, it was by the Arizona Cardinals.

He started at right guard, right tackle and left tackle, and helped the Cardinals set milestones like leading the NFL in passing offense for the first time, the second-fewest sacks in club history and their first 1,000-yard rusher since 1998. But Arizona never won more than seven games, and that was his rookie year.

Then again, Davis hasn't exactly made the most of his overwhelming physical skills. One barometer is the fact he's yet to make the Pro Bowl.

Once the Cardinals opted not to keep him, Davis hit free agency. Dallas was a perfect fit because of the proximity to home, the chance to join a playoff team and - the big reason - the money: a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million. He's guaranteed $18.75 million, having already pocketed a team-record $16 million signing bonus.

"It just happened to be the ideal situation," Davis said.

The Cowboys were swayed by his youth (he turns 29 the first week of the season), his versatility and the belief their coaches can make a dynamic player out of his dynamic physique.

"There are things I'm working on," he said. "For the most part, it's technical. It's just a matter of concentrating and doing those little things right, being consistent with everything."

Davis is taking over the right guard spot from Marco Rivera, a free agent signee who never lived up to expectations. It's the only change on a line that last season made way for a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers. It was just the second time the Cowboys pulled off that feat.

But Davis could be on the move, sooner if not later.

Starting tackles Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo are on the physically unable to perform list and expected back within weeks. Should either have a serious setback, Davis would be the first option. With Adams headed into free agency, Davis may wind up replacing him next season anyway.

"It's all good," Davis said. "Everything in life is a challenge. It's up to you to make the best of it."

RECAP: Mickey's Ranch Report on the Ticket 7/27/07...

Recap by InmanRoshi from a sports forum:

Anything you’ve noticed different in this camp than Parcells’ camp?

Parcells didn’t have the air conditioner on full blast, but it looks pretty much the same. Football practice is all kind of the same. Not really any noticeable difference in drills or the order of the drills.

Leonard Davis can push some people around. I don’t know what he did in Arizona, but when he got an opportunity to lay it on people with pads yesterday, there were some defenders falling to the ground. And when he got in space, which I was told was where his problems were, he was knocking people around. He’s absolutely huge. When he gets on people, they can’t get off of him. There was one play where he pulled and he didn’t get good contact, but he just kind of flicked him and the guy just went flying. I think what happens with guys like that is you get drafted with the 6th pick and all these expectations, and anything less than a Pro Bowl every year and people just dog pile on you. I’ve also heard from a couple of guys that he’s got a little mean streak to him, like Larry Allen. I know people are down on him because they think he was overpaid in free agency, but everyone in free agency is overpaid. There is a chance he could work out here and still be overpaid. But if you got the need, what choice do you have? If your air conditioner gives out on you in the middle of summer and the guy wants to charge you $150 to fix it, are you just going to sit and sweat all summer because you don’t want to overpay? That’s why the draft is so important. Draft and develop these guys, so you don’t have to pay for them on the open market.

I kind of had a feeling about Matt Baker being released. They’ve had Baker for a year and they kind of knew what he was about, so they want to see the two new guys. Baker spent all last year on their practice squad, and no one really tried to pick him up, so I’m sure the Cowboys think he’ll still be there if they decide they want him back. But Moore and Bartel both have real nice arms, so they probably want to give them more reps to take a look at him.

Taking care of Romo

Are the Cowboys going to take care of quarterback Tony Romo?
Well, Dallas could sign Romo to a long-term deal before the start of the season and risk him struggling.

Or Dallas could wait until the end of the season and Romo has a great year and then might ask for more than what the Cowboys are willing to offer.

"If the conditions were right, then I could be real happy before the season starts or going into a long-term deal," Jerry Jones said. "If it’s the other way, I can make that work. And I’m not negotiating over the microphone. I’m just really realistically saying both. There’s a way that you could do it right now and under the wrong kinds of caveats I’d be miserable. There’s a way that you could not do it right now…and I’m really not speaking for him and his representation. I really shouldn’t even be implying that because Stephen [Jones] got the direct line to his representatives. I know that Tony wants to be here and I know that he wouldn’t be human – and he’s smart as a whip – if he didn’t want security. That is something to get security. And we both know that not having something done is not as secure for either party as getting something done under those circumstances. But if you do it the wrong way then that was a bad decision. So both."

Expect the Cowboys to sign Romo during the season. That's what I think.

Posted by Calvin Watkins at 9:41 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (2)

Ellis out of luck

Tom Orsborn: Ellis out of luck

It's time for Greg Ellis to forget about getting more money from the Cowboys and move on.

Club vice president Stephen Jones made it clear Thursday afternoon Ellis isn't going to get what he wants.

"Greg's under contract," Jones said forcefully. "He's been a great leader for this team. I know he's going to go out and play hard, but he's under contract. That's the long and short of it."

Considering his age and injury problems, Ellis has no leverage. The smart thing to do would be forget about his contract and concentrate on getting healthy.

Marten No Longer "Miserable"

Third-round pick James Marten got some good-natured ribbing from his fellow offensive linemen once he arrived at camp Thursday afternoon, but said it was nothing compared to what he called a "miserable" last two days in Dallas while he waited for his contract to get done.

Marten said he looked over his playbook, stretched, ran a little and generally tried not to go stir crazy.

"I just sit in my house and there's nothing there," Marten said. "It's just me. The only person I know in Texas is me."

Veteran Jim Molinaro has practiced at first-team right tackle with starter Marc Colombo recovering from a knee scope. With Colombo expected to miss at least a week, we'll see how it takes before Marten gets some first-team reps in his place.

Posted Jul 27 2007, 11:29 AM by rphillips with 26 comment(s)

Scare tactics: Cowboys will turn Ware loose

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

SAN ANTONIO – Two plays show what kind of difference outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware can make.

The first one had quarterback Tony Romo scrambling. The second one ended with running back Marion Barber losing his helmet.

Lining up across from tight end Anthony Fasano, Ware's burst off the snap left Fasano helpless and forced Romo up the field, hough Ware quickly tracked him down from behind. Two plays later he forced Barber to bounce outside by stoning left tackle Pat McQuistan, which gave Bradie James time to make the helmet-popping tackle.

"Monster," new free safety Ken Hamlin said. "He's doing things in games you don't see from a lot of guys. He can stop the run, and he's definitely a helluva pass rusher. I'm glad he's on our side. I've seen him get our quarterback a little bit in the past. Now, that I'm a teammate I know the pressure he creates."

Ware made his first Pro Bowl last season, picking up 11 ½ sacks and scoring the first two touchdowns of his career – the first a fumble return 69 yards against Philadelphia and the second a glue-like interception of a pass from the Falcons' Michael Vick, which Ware returned 41 yards.

But this year promises to be a little different. Among the adjustments coach Wade Phillips is bringing to the defensive scheme this year is moving Ware around the field, allowing him to rush the passer more and cover tight ends and running backs less.

"I'm at the point now where I know what I'm supposed to do before the play, and I can just go," Ware said.

Ware's sacks last season are the most in team history by an outside linebacker, but he is not putting out a number for public consumption for this year's sack total. In Phillips, however, Ware has a coach with the ability to make pass rushers into game changers.

"He's a natural pass rusher," Phillips said. "You only have a few of those guys that really have a great feel and the quick feet and the speed – the things that he has ... I've had a few of them. Bruce Smith comes to mind. He had the great feet and the quickness and the speed. They play a little bit different position, obviously, but DeMarcus is going to be a really good player for a long time."

Relying more on his hands and speed to work around blockers than power, Phillips and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart have Ware opening his hips more on his pass rush to make it more difficult for tackles to get a hold of him.

It's difficult to argue with Phillips' success.

From 1989-93 in Denver, Simon Fletcher recorded 66 sacks. In Buffalo, Bryce Paup earned defensive MVP honors when he had 17 ½ sacks in 1995. The last three seasons in San Diego, three different linebackers (Steve Foley, Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips) posted double-digit sacks. Before Ware's sacks last season, the Cowboys had gone 10 years without a defender posting double-digit figure sacks.

"He gets you in matchups that for the guys blocking you don't usually see," Paup said of Phillips. "A bigger guy, stronger guy against a tight end or running back or maybe a guard popping out, most of the time if you're a decent pass rusher you'll have success. He just tries to find ways to put you in position to make plays and then it's up to you to make plays. He's found guys that can do that and do a very good job."

DeMarcus Ware's 11½ sacks last season are the most in team history by an outside linebacker. Ware is the next in line, but he is not going to be Merriman, with whom he has been compared to since they were selected in back-to-back picks in the 2005 draft. He is actually playing the same position as Shaun Phillips, who had a career-high 11 ½ sacks in 2006.

Besides, Ware and Merriman are two different personalities, according to Stewart. Merriman's brash, "Lights out," style contradicts Ware's easy-going smile.

Wade Phillips doesn't care if Ware is mean or not.

"He knocks them down and gets to the ball and gets to the quarterback," Phillips said. "I think the guys being hit feel like he's pretty mean."

Phillips faces Super challenge with Cowboys

By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (July 26, 2007) -- Wade Phillips hadn't even coached his first practice of his first training camp with the Dallas Cowboys when his boss, Jerry Jones, cranked up the heat.

Jones didn't go anywhere near the thermostat controls of the Alamodome, the Cowboys' summer address. He didn't have to. All the Cowboys owner had to do was say the following to a room packed with media: "I think we have every right to think we will be better than we were last year." Oh, and he also pointed out that the Cowboys play in a conference that "gives us an opportunity," which was a diplomatic way of saying there are no dominant teams in the NFC.

Add it up and you have a pretty substantial challenge for Phillips. Jones expects his team, which has gone a franchise-record 10 years without a playoff victory, to improve over last year's 9-7 record and quick elimination from the postseason. He believes that the upgrades made to the offensive line and secondary, along with solid players in most other areas, give the Cowboys the most talented club they have had in a while. Although Jones didn't say it, he certainly did nothing to pour water on a widely held notion that the Cowboys will be a serious Super Bowl contender.

Now all Phillips and his assistant coaches have to do is make sure they don't screw things up.

As one of the easier-going men to ever guide a team in the ultra-high-strung world of the NFL, Phillips predictably is unruffled by the enormity of the chore. In fact, he calls it "a positive." He finds it more attractive than the previous two situations he entered as a head coach, in Denver and Buffalo, where expectations were much lower.

"I'd rather go to a team that thinks they can win than one (that says), 'Boy, we want to rebuild and then we're going to have a winner,' " Phillips said. "Most of the time, that's what I've gone into -- rebuilding. So I think this is a good situation."

He is filling a sizeable void. His predecessor, Bill Parcells, cast an enormous shadow as one of the top coaches in league history. Parcells' two Super Bowl victories with the New York Giants and rebuilding success with multiple teams had created lofty expectations, along with considerable disappointment, in Dallas. His retirement left unfinished business for someone else to complete.

Jones thought the 60-year-old Phillips, with 31 years of NFL coaching experience, was the right man for the job. Phillips' 48-42 record as a head coach (including three playoff losses and season-ending interim appointments with the Saints and Falcons) didn't necessarily make him an obvious choice.

But Jones, recognizing the Cowboys' need to get much more from their defense, focused on Phillips' reputation for being one of the all-time great defensive coordinators in the NFL. Specifically, he zeroed in on Phillips' attack-oriented, 3-4 scheme, which has an impressive track record (most recently with the Chargers) of smothering offenses and creating big plays with defenders rushing often and from all angles. The Cowboys owner wanted that to replace the "fundamental, straight-line" version of the 3-4 that Parcells employed. Parcells' plan sacrificed the ability to generate consistent heat on the quarterback for the sake of preventing big plays. The only problem, which was particularly evident late in the 2006 season, was that the Cowboys not only didn't produce a strong enough pass rush, but also didn't stop enough game-breaking plays.

Cowboys defensive players agreed with the change. Several became frustrated with Parcells' philosophy of remaining mostly in a base defense and then adapting to each opponent's offense.

"Last year, when (the media) were worried, saying we were a team that lost our swagger, we were playing a lot of basic defense and teams really took us apart," linebacker Akin Ayodele said. "But this year it seems that we're going to be who we are. We won't change ourselves for anybody under Wade Phillips. We're going to be more proactive in the sense of just guys in different places and not being so predictable."

Through the first two days of training camp, Phillips' defensive roots have been unmistakable. He has spent far more time talking with and encouraging defensive players than those on the offensive side.

Phillips' arrival has brought considerable change to the atmosphere around the team. Gone is Parcells' gruff, often surly nature, which caused everyone connected with the team to feel a constant sense of tension and insecurity. In its place is Phillips' folksy, plainspoken, and far more relaxed style.

One clear difference in the approaches was obvious on the Cowboys' first practice of camp. Phillips had his players out of pads and put them through a series of non-contact drills. Parcells' teams always had pads on from the very first day of camp practice.

No walking on eggshells around Phillips.

"When Coach Parcells was here, it seemed a lot of guys couldn't breathe around the locker room and held their breath," Ayodele said. "But with Wade here now, you can see a sense of guys more relaxed, guys really understanding that they're going to have fun and actually taking the time to enjoy being around each other and playing this game."

The biggest difference Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo sees between the two coaches is "language." Profanities frequently flew from Parcells. Phillips rarely uses them. However, Romo believes the men are more similar than a lot of us might assume.

"I think that they both actually demand a lot," Romo said. "Bill may put a little more fear into cutting you and stuff, where with Wade, either you can do it or you can't. It's simple. There's no, 'I'm going to scare you. If you can't (do the job), you're not going to play.' It's not rocket science."

Phillips' body of work, including three years as head coach of the Bills that showed the promise of blossoming with a bit more patience from owner Ralph Wilson, was good enough to merit another -- and likely last -- chance to run the whole show.

It won't be easy, but Phillips has a golden opportunity to demonstrate that hiring him was a risk worth taking.

"I told Jerry during my interview, I'll go down as a really great defensive coordinator," Phillips said. "I don't think anybody would say any different had my career ended last year. But I would like to go down as a great head coach. (Jones) gave me that opportunity, and I'm going to do it for him."

Cowboys Insider: Owens capable of monster season

by Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News

Terrell Owens sounds like a changed man, but I'm not so sure that's the case.

Asked at a recent practice if he'd like a controversy-free season, Owens said: “I hope so” before quickly adding with a sly grin, “Controversy always finds me, though.”

Everything seems in place for Owens to concentrate on nothing but football this season. In Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett, he has got a head coach and offensive coordinator who desperately want to get him the ball. It also helps that quarterback Tony Romo is also on his side.

And, of course, Bill Parcells and Todd Haley aren't around to try to break his will.

“I'm happy,” Owens said.

But what happens if the Cowboys stumble out of the gate? Or if Garrett stumbles as a play-caller and Romo falls in love with other targets?

Will Owens' Leonard Davis-sized ego allow him to hold his tongue and go about his business in a professional manner?

My guess is that's when controversy finds him again.

But if everything goes smoothly, if the Cowboys start strong, Garrett sizzles up in the booth and Romo plays like he did in his first five starts last season, watch out.

Owens is in excellent shape (no surprise there) and is having a strong camp. He seems relaxed, at ease with his teammates and focused on winning. It could all add up for a monster season for a player who still has the tools to be one of the best in the game.

FSN Southwest Reaches Agreement with Dallas Cowboys to Telecast Cowboys Programming

FSN SOUTHWEST

Daily Updates, Weekly Shows Added to Network’s Lineup Former Cowboys Ismail, Newton, Woodson, Brown Contribute

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FSN Southwest and the Dallas Cowboys today announced an agreement that adds a series of Cowboys programming to the network’s lineup for the 2007 NFL season and designates FSN Southwest as the regional cable and satellite television home for Dallas Cowboys programming.

From training camp through the regular season and playoffs, FSN Southwest will follow the Cowboys with daily and weekly shows covering America’s Team, plus monthly legends specials profiling former Cowboy stars.

The extensive coverage kicks off with training camp updates from San Antonio on nights following the network’s major league baseball postgame shows. Throughout the season, viewers in the network’s coverage area will be treated to game night wrapup shows, a weekly Cowboys Insider player’s show, regular Cowboys updates from the team’s Valley Ranch headquarters, and live coverage of coach Wade Phillips’ weekly press conference.

“This is a milestone agreement for us,” said FSN Southwest Senior Vice President/General Manager Jon Heidtke. “We’re aligned with one of the most powerful and popular brands in all of professional sports. The Cowboys resonate with football fans not only in our region but across the globe. Cowboys fans everywhere will really benefit from our commitment to covering the team because we’re the source where die-hard fans can turn to get the most up-to-date and behind-the-scenes information on their favorite team.”

“This is a relationship that will benefit all of the parties involved,” said Cowboys Vice President Jerry Jones, Jr. “FSN Southwest has created a visible impact on the sports media landscape in our region, and we look forward to this association. Our coverage will increase because of the reach of FSN Southwest, and in doing so provide a welcome service to a broad audience of Dallas Cowboys fans.”

FSN Southwest anchors, former Cowboys players, Cowboys radio voice Brad Sham, Cowboys insider Mickey Spagnola, and veteran Dallas sportscaster Bill Jones host the programs. Shows from Valley Ranch originate from a special FSN Southwest studio set located inside the Cowboys’ facility.

FSN Southwest Cowboys lineup:

Cowboys Roundup: Pre-Season Edition (Sundays, 10:00 p.m. CT. Premieres July 29 – Sept. 2): The 30-minute program hosted by FSN anchor Ric Renner with analysis from former Cowboys Rocket Ismail and Nate Newton, and reports from Sham, Spagnola and Jones is the final word on the team every Sunday night during training camp.
Cowboys Game Night (Sundays or game days, 10:00 p.m. CT. Premieres Sept 9): A 30-minute recap show breaking down the day’s game with highlights, analysis, interviews, stats and at-the-scene reports. Hosted by Renner with analysis from Ismail and Newton and reports from Sham, Spagnola and Jones.

FSN Live: Cowboys Training Camp (Mon.-Sun., on nights following the network’s major league baseball postgame shows. Premieres July 25): Jones and Spagnola check in from San Antonio for 15-minute updates with the day’s training camp news and notes.
Cowboys Update (Mon.-Sun. nights during the regular season): A special segment within the night’s FSN Live featured event postgame show provides the latest Cowboys news and insider reports from Spagnola and Jones from Valley Ranch.
Cowboys Insider (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. CT. Premieres Sept. 12): Hosted by former Cowboys Larry Brown and Darren Woodson, the 30-minute show features in-depth and behind-the-scenes access to a selected Cowboys player each week. Players are wired for sound on Sundays and revisit their comments from the heat of the battle in studio on Wednesdays.

Wade Phillips Press Conference (Mondays live, replayed that evening): Live coverage of the head coach’s Monday afternoon press conference with analysis afterward by Sham, Spagnola and Jones.

Cowboys Legends (Monthly specials, Sept.-Dec.): Sham spotlights legendary Cowboys, showcasing the mythic figures from the team’s unmatched winning tradition. Segments focus on favorite players from the past and what they’re doing now. Player interviews, classic highlights and personal insights from Sham highlight the monthly specials.

FSN Southwest, one of FSN’s 18 owned-and-operated regional sports networks across the country, reaches more than 9.5 million cable and satellite TV homes in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and parts of New Mexico. The network produces over 700 events and nearly 3,000 hours annually of local original sports programming.

T.O. 'feeling good, looking good' at camp

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO - Guess what Terrell Owens is up to now.

After all his antics over the past few years, it’s understandable to be braced for anything. That’s why the reality might be a surprise: T.O. is healthy, happy and ready for a calm second season with the Dallas Cowboys.

“I hope so,” he said. “I’m feeling good, looking good — so I’ve got to play good.”
Last season was a weird one, even by his standards.

It can’t be called a disappointment because Owens led the NFL in touchdown catches and Dallas made the playoffs after missing out for two years. However, Owens constantly was in the news for all the wrong reasons: a preseason hamstring injury, an accidental overdose on painkillers, squabbles with his position coach, a testy relationship with head coach Bill Parcells, the most dropped passes in the league ... and more.

“I think there was a lack of concentration on my part and I can’t fault anybody but myself,” Owens said, referring to the drops and the overall season. “I can’t really put my finger on it. I just know it wasn’t there.”

Fitness may be the one area where Owens’ reputation is golden. Still, he stepped things up this summer, spending more time with his trainer, lifting weights and watching his diet as usual.

“What do I look like? I look good,” said Owens, his long-sleeve, full-leg tights showing off a 33-year-old body that’s as sleek and muscular as ever.

Owens caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards last season, numbers that picked up drastically when Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe.

Should Owens come close to those totals again, he’ll easily move into the top 10 on the NFL career list in both categories. He’s already fourth on the career TDs list, with 14 last season putting him at 114. He’s years away from Jerry Rice’s record (197) but within reach of No. 2 Cris Carter (130), although Indianapolis’ Marvin Harrison (122) is closing in, too.

Further probing is useless. With a smile, Owens cites “a memory lapse” when it comes to specifics about the dramas of 2006.

“Anything with reference to last year is a non-issue,” he said. “We are trying to really focus on this year. ... We are going to make this a happy season.”

In that case, he’s off to a good start.

T.O. Says He's Ready For The New Season

(AP) SAN ANTONIO Dallas Cowboy Terrell Owens is healthy, happy and ready for a calm second season.

The player known as T.O., who's at training camp in San Antonio, says, "I'm feeling good, looking good -- so I've got to play good."

Owens' last season led the NFL in touchdown catches and Dallas made the playoffs after missing out for two years.

But Owens also made news for all the wrong reasons: a preseason hamstring injury, an accidental overdose on painkillers, squabbles with his position coach, a testy relationship with head coach Bill Parcells, the most dropped passes in the league ... and more.

Owens says he thinks there was a lack of concentration on his part and he doesn't fault anybody but himself.

Evidence of a new T.O. began in May.

He caught passes at the team's first offseason minicamp -- despite having a doctor's note to be on the sideline because he was coming off two surgeries on his right ring finger.

Owens caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards last season.

RECAP: Wade Phillips Press Conference - 07/26/07

Recap by InmanRoshi from a sports forum:

Greg?
We took MRI’s on Greg and showed no problem. He had a little bursitis, but we’re going to bring him along slowly.

How much is James Martin missing out?
If it’s a long term thing, he’s missing quite a bit. Short term he can catch up. He has an opportunity to get more reps with Colombo out, but we should get him back here soon.

Julius
He’s got some explosion, you can tell that. He’s in good shape. A little lighter than I think he’s been. He feels good at 208, and he’s running fast. He’s catching the ball out of the backfield well.

Experience with players in a contract year.
I think a guy with pride will play hard every year. I’m not really sure being in a contract year has anything to do with it. Players are basically playing for their contract every year.

Are you a RB buy committee guy?
Whatever we have. Used to be you just had 1 RB, but now teams utilize two good ones. That’s what I’ve walked into here, and we’ll continue to do it.

What do you talk to Jason about regarding the offense?
Game strategy and what we want to get accomplished. Not necessarily this play or that play. Utlizing our personnel. When I was in Denver I told Jim Fassel to get get Sharpe the football more. Same thing with Eric Moulds at Buffalo. Those players hadn’t been used as much before. I help because I know defenses. I know what a defense will try to do against our offense.

Did you have a conversation about getting the ball to TO more?
We have several on offense. TO, Glenn and Witten.

Move him around more?
Versaltility helps to get a matchup you want. Sometimes you want a bigger WR on a smaller DB. He hasn’t played much in the slot, I think he would be hard to cover there. Playing against him we were always glad he didn’t play the slot. Same thing with Witten. We’ll split him out to get him out on the strong safety. That’s my input on offense.

Were you excited to see Leonard Davis in pads?
The OL was more excited than anyone. They were excited to get the pads on and push people around a little bit. All offseason they’ve been in shorts and haven’t got to hit anyone. We’ll have to look at the tape to see what they did.

McQuinstan?
We’ve only had one practice. Its hard to tell. I thought timing wise on offense we were all off a little bit. He’s worked hard and in good shape.

Leonard Davis?
The reason we got him in the first place is he can play both tackles or either guard. RG is probably he’s strongest position, so that’s where we have him. But if an injury or something comes up, we can move him to tackle. We don’t want to move him right now because we think we’ll have both of our starters back soon.

Defense ahead of the offense?
Usually defense are ahead a little bit, because offense takes a little more timing. The team is still just getting used to wearing pads. They looked aggressive, and made plays. We were doing run emphasis this morning. Afternoon will be more passing. I want to get really strong on run game on offense and defense and look at the tape tonight and correct some things.

Father here?
You always draw upon your father whether your in the same profession or not. But having played and coached with him, it’s really special. If we make a mistake or something, he’ll let me know about it. He’s a good second guesser, like you guys.

OLB’s getting reps with Spencer and Ellis out?
Its an opportunity for them. You want your first guys to get the work, but someone else has to step up. These things will happen throughout the season. We got to find people who can step up and play.

Find common ground with TO?
We want to win. With all the players, not just TO. Our common bond is we’re on the Dallas Cowboys and we got lofty goals, and we got to work together to do that.

Better shape than last year?
I wasn’t here last year. Our whole team is in shape. No one was fined for being out of shape. I know one guy it was the first time in 5 years he wasn’t fined for coming into camp overweight.

Carpenter or Burnett work outside?
Not right now. We hope to get Ellis and Spencer back. We think those guys can help us inside right now. They could both probably help outside, but we want their coverage ability inside especially on our dime and nickel packages.

Brian Stewart.
I’ve worked with him two or three years, and he knows what I want. He’s very organized. He helps me relate to the coaches on defense. I don’t have to do it all, and I can lean on him. He can relate things to the other coaches and be an extension of me.

Have you had a connection with the team yet?
I came in feeling connected to the Cowboys. They’re my team. This is my football family. I still got to find out some things … I don’t know how much heart they have because I haven’t seen them under stress in a ball game. But its been positive both sides.

Brad Johnson.
It was a key acquisition, because he can play. He’s shown it and he has won as a QB. He doesn’t need a lot of practice, which is good because we want to get Tony a lot of work. But he can go in and play and not make mistakes. You need two QB’s. Not many teams make it through a season with just one .

Picked anything up watching Ware?
We had him in before the draft at SD to look at him. We knew about him and had a good feel for him. Everyone liked him. I thought he would be picked sooner. He’s ready to play and has a smile on his face all the time, but he comes hard every play. He’s not perfect, but he’s the type of guy you want. He works hard every play. He’s a really good pass rusher, but I think he can be better. He’s a natural pass rusher. Its rare to get a guy with a natural feel and feet and speed. Bruce Smith was like that, but he played a different position. Ware works hard and will get better.

Does he have a mean streak?
I don’t know about mean. He gets to the QB. The guys he hits probably feel he’s pretty mean.

What do the DL in your 3-4 do?
Depends on the call and who it is. The quicker guys will stunt more. The bigger guys won’t stunt as much. It’s a 1 gap defense and we’ll penetrate some.

How often do you put guys in pads?
These first couple of weeks I want them to get used to the pads. I don’t want to take the pads off until they mature some.

Scrimmages?
We have Denver coming in to practice with. We’ll practice twice with them. We’ll work two days in Dallas with them the week they come in.

What do you need to see from Spencer?
Things he’s shown all along. He’s been in the entire offseason program with us all the way to July. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. I was glad he did. Merriman didn’t do it, but he turned out alright. He’ll fit in because he’s had a lot of work.

Are you working on fundamentals or putting in new things?
We’re working on things we already went over in the offseason, but now we’re working on them in pads. We had good recall.

How many WR’s do you see using in games?
I don’t know yet. It depends on the palyers. If my 5th WR is better than my extra DB, I’ll keep him.

How many starting positions are open?
All of them or none of them. Depending on how they play.

Spears?
I think he has ability and I expect him to do well. He came in shape. We didn’t have to fine anyone because of weight. But a lot of guys are in good shape, but we got to get in football shape. They’ll get tired, but you got to work them through this period.

How long does it take to get in football shape?
A couple of weeks. Depends on their physical shape. Timing and things like that come quicker, but playing a full game with pads in 60 snaps it takes 6 weeks .. whatever we have until the first week.

Working dome vs. working outside.
Working outside in Texas, we wouldn’t have the zip in practices we have. The teaching would be slower. I like that we get used to the pads first and then get used to the heat, rather than both at the same time.

With the resources invested in the defense, do you feel pressure to take it to a higher level?
Sure. That’s why I’m here. I’m known as a defensive coach. That’s my strength. But if you look at the stats, the offensive teams I’ve had have been pretty good. Every team I’ve been a head coach of has had a Top 10 offense except 1, and they finished 11. I don’t want to be known as only a defensive coach.

Stanback?
Having been a QB he understands schemes and the passing game. When you call a play, he knows what he should do and what everyone else should do. So he should pick things up quicker than most. We’re more worried about the shin splints than we are with his foot. He was running pretty fast today. I’ll check with the drs but I don’t think it will be very long.

Do you think your coaching will elevate some players play?
That’s what coaching is. Get players to play better. If they’ve played a long time, you try to get them to stay the same level. But that’s why I coach … I want to get kids to play better.

You said you want to be known as a great HC ,and not just a DC. Do you think coaches think about their legacy and don’t admit it?
I was just asked a question and said what I believe.

One of your players said this should be the best defense in the league.
If he did, he shouldn’t have.