Phillips must keep injuries from causing bigger problems

Associated Press - September 11, 2007 7:25 PM ET

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys opened this season with high hopes for their new decision-makers -- coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Still, there were some nagging questions.

For Garrett, it was whether someone three years removed from suiting up was ready to call plays.

For Phillips, it was what kind of leader would he be when the going gets tough.

Now Dallas opened the season with a 45-35 victory over the New York Giants.

Garrett seems to be off the hook. He did such a good job that Terrell (TER'-el) Owens was shut out through two quarters -- and was smiling anyway.

But the defense that Phillips was brought in to improve -- looked terrible.

Yes, it was without expected starters Terence Newman and Greg Ellis, two pivotal pieces, but that's life in the NFL.

So is the fact that another key player, Jason Ferguson, was lost for the entire season in the opening quarter of the opening game.

Newman and Ellis should practice this week and could play Sunday in Miami.