Cowboys notebook: Adams always has Romo's back

By Bob Buttitta (Contact)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Knowing how important the health of quarterback Tony Romo is to his football team, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones signed a big insurance policy on Romo's health this past offseason when he gave Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams a long-term contract extension.

Adams is an important cog in the Cowboys' offensive machine, protecting Romo's blind side and opening holes for star running back Marion Barber.

With his future secured, Adams showed up to training camp in top shape, and his play through the first few days has been stellar.

"He's one of the strongest guys we have on the team," head coach Wade Phillips said. "I think last year — and I don't know this for a fact — but they told me last year was the first time he came in at the right weight. The weight we put him down for. This year he came under the weight. He's worked hard at what he does.

"I think he gave up one sack the whole last season. ... He has a great disposition as a lineman, and he's a really good team player."

All coaches love players who they don't have to worry about once they step on the field.

"I think you've got to appreciate those guys," Phillips said. "Sometimes you tend to overlook them because they do a good job all the time.

"Those are the kind of guys you've got to tell them every once in a while, Hey, you're a great player, you're doing a great job for us and we appreciate it.'

"He's a smart player, but he doesn't get flustered. I think he has a quiet confidence about him that I think everyone feels, not just him, certainly the quarterback. I think Tony has that confidence in him that we all do."

Newman tweaks groin: Cornerback Terrance Newman got tangled up with a teammate during drills on Monday morning and slightly strained his groin.

Newman spent part of the morning practice in the trainer's tent and then left the field before the rest of the team.

Phillips said there is no timetable on how long Newman might be out while owner Jerry Jones said it is day to day. Phillips added that since they have a lot of corners to look at, there is no sense in rushing the veteran cornerback on the field.

Arkansas connection: Steve Thomas, owner of Steve Thomas BMW in Camarillo and a University of Arkansas graduate, stopped by practice Monday afternoon to visit with fellow Arkansas alum Jones.

Thomas brought his granddaughter Rieanne Thomas with him to practice. The younger Thomas brought a football on which she got the autographs of Jones, Marion Barber and first-round pick Felix Jones, another Arkansas graduate.

Football in Los Angeles: Jones told reporters he is encouraged about the possibility of football returning to Los Angeles. He said he has talked to Ed Roski, co-owner of the Los Angeles Kings and Lakers, who has stated his intent to build a stadium in the City of Industry.

"I am encouraged by the dynamics of the situation," Jones said. "As an owner, we need to find a way to get this done."

Carpenter builds momentum: Linebacker Bobby Carpenter has looked strong throughout the early days of camp. The Ohio State graduate was all over the field during Monday morning's practice, making plays against both the run and the pass. Carpenter is in a battle with Kevin Burnett for playing time.

First pick looking good: Over the last few days, first-round pick Felix Jones has given coaches and teammates a chance to see what kind of potential impact he may have on the offense this season. During a sequence of plays on Monday, the rookie running back took a routine swing pass and made several defenders miss as he made his way down the field. He also showed quickness on a draw play later in the practice and has been blocking well.

With the top team: Mike Jenkins, the team's other No. 1 pick, ran some with the first team on Monday morning. Jenkins is expected to contribute in the nickel and dime packages this season.