With the addition of Terrell Owens this offseason, I expected there to be some off-the-field issues in Dallas this season. What I didn’t expect is that the soap opera would be in full swing before the season started. Owens is already causing headaches for Coach Bill Parcells by not practicing because of injuries, missing a rehab session and being late to a team meeting. There’s no questioning Owens’ talent when he’s on the field, but whether he is an asset or a detriment to the team is debatable because of all his baggage.
Other than the addition of Owens, the Cowboys revamped their offensive line and linebacking corps in the offseason. Another change will be that they will use more two tight end sets and phase out the fullback position. If the tight ends steal some catches from T.O., that could be a problem too.
Key Additions:</strong> WR Owens, OLs Jason Fabini and Kyle Kosier, DB Marcus Coleman, PK Mike Vanderjagt, LBs Akin Ayodele, Rocky Boiman and Bobby Carpenter (rookie), TE Anthony Fasano (rookie).
Key Subtractions: DT La’Roi Glover, LB Scott Fujita, TE Dan Campbell, WR Keyshawn Johnson, OLs Larry Allen and Torin Tucker.
The Cowboys are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. If they can get through their division, they will have a good chance to fulfill those predictions. Sportsbooks have Dallas as +$175 to win the NFC East, +$400 to win the NFC championship and +$800 to win Super Bowl XLI.
Player To Watch: With all the attention on T.O., it’s easy to forget what will really make this Cowboys team go – the running game. Dallas has two good running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber III. Parcells would love to see Jones solidify his grip on the No. 1 job and stay healthy. Jones has shown flashes of brilliance the past two seasons – putting up two games of more than 190 yards. He rushed for more than 800 yards in the final seven games of 2004. Last season Jones set a goal of rushing for 1,700 yards (he finished with 993 yards and 5 TDs in an injury-plagued season). His numerical goal this season is a little different. "Sixteen games," he said. Jones has been taking steps to assure he won’t be beset by injuries again. "I do a lot of running, I eat right, I take really good care of my body," said Jones, who has missed 11 games and played 21 in his career. "I've just had some unfortunate events happen to me. If I can stay away from those, I think it will be a pretty big year."
Outlook:The Cowboys are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Owens has finally started practicing again and should be a huge weapon along with fellow WR Terry Glenn for QB Drew Bledsoe to stretch defenses with. That will open up the running game, where Jones and Barber will be an excellent 1-2 punch. Dallas upgraded its 10th ranked defense from a year ago and should improve, especially against the run. The addition of Vanderjagt will solidify the kicking game, which has given Parcells fits the past couple of seasons. If the Cowboys can hold off the Giants and get everyone on the same page – easier said than done when you have T.O. on your team – this could be a banner year in Big D.
Other than the addition of Owens, the Cowboys revamped their offensive line and linebacking corps in the offseason. Another change will be that they will use more two tight end sets and phase out the fullback position. If the tight ends steal some catches from T.O., that could be a problem too.
Key Additions:</strong> WR Owens, OLs Jason Fabini and Kyle Kosier, DB Marcus Coleman, PK Mike Vanderjagt, LBs Akin Ayodele, Rocky Boiman and Bobby Carpenter (rookie), TE Anthony Fasano (rookie).
Key Subtractions: DT La’Roi Glover, LB Scott Fujita, TE Dan Campbell, WR Keyshawn Johnson, OLs Larry Allen and Torin Tucker.
The Cowboys are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. If they can get through their division, they will have a good chance to fulfill those predictions. Sportsbooks have Dallas as +$175 to win the NFC East, +$400 to win the NFC championship and +$800 to win Super Bowl XLI.
Player To Watch: With all the attention on T.O., it’s easy to forget what will really make this Cowboys team go – the running game. Dallas has two good running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber III. Parcells would love to see Jones solidify his grip on the No. 1 job and stay healthy. Jones has shown flashes of brilliance the past two seasons – putting up two games of more than 190 yards. He rushed for more than 800 yards in the final seven games of 2004. Last season Jones set a goal of rushing for 1,700 yards (he finished with 993 yards and 5 TDs in an injury-plagued season). His numerical goal this season is a little different. "Sixteen games," he said. Jones has been taking steps to assure he won’t be beset by injuries again. "I do a lot of running, I eat right, I take really good care of my body," said Jones, who has missed 11 games and played 21 in his career. "I've just had some unfortunate events happen to me. If I can stay away from those, I think it will be a pretty big year."
Outlook:The Cowboys are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Owens has finally started practicing again and should be a huge weapon along with fellow WR Terry Glenn for QB Drew Bledsoe to stretch defenses with. That will open up the running game, where Jones and Barber will be an excellent 1-2 punch. Dallas upgraded its 10th ranked defense from a year ago and should improve, especially against the run. The addition of Vanderjagt will solidify the kicking game, which has given Parcells fits the past couple of seasons. If the Cowboys can hold off the Giants and get everyone on the same page – easier said than done when you have T.O. on your team – this could be a banner year in Big D.
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