Is the honeymoon over between Phillips, players?

Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News

Wade Phillips could do no wrong during training camp.

He was the defensive mastermind who was going to bring the team out of the dark ages, the perfect antidote for a club beaten down by Bill Parcells' whip.

But in a matter of weeks, Phillips – in the eyes of some players – went from being the man with the golden touch to the guy behind the questionable decisions to cut Aaron Glenn and Junior Glymph.

"I'm pissed off," safety Roy Williams said of Glenn being cut, a move that came at a time when the Cowboys are uncertain about cornerback Terence Newman's status for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Linebacker Bradie James questioned the wisdom of releasing Glymph while Greg Ellis remains out and rookie Anthony Spencer is struggling to master strongside linebacker after playing defensive end in college.

"I was surprised," James said of the Glymph whacking. "There were a few surprises in this 53 that came up. But, hey, they got the plan. It's my job to execute it."

Williams and James didn't mention Phillips by name, but everybody knows the buck stops with the head coach, especially one who basically coordinates the defense.

Phillips' stock, of course, will be on the rise again with a victory over the Giants. But if New York pulls off the upset at Texas Stadium, look for more unrest to build in what was once a harmonious locker room filled with nothing but love for Phillips.