Monday, September 12, 2005

Cowboys Win But Parcells Focuses on Problems

The pessimistic side of Bill Parcells reappeared on Monday.

“I've said it five times already, it is what is right now. its not perfect,” he said at his Monday press briefing.

He does like the fact that his team won on Sunday, by beating San Diego 28-to-24, but he remains skeptical about his teams performance. Too many mistakes, he says, even if they didn't cost him the game.

“We've got a lot of problems here, we really do. I'm not inventing them, a day after a win, they're the same problems we had before the game, and we need to get some these things fixed, as best we can. Or its just a matter of time before they show up and hurt us.”

His biggest concern, coverage on their kickoffs from his special teams, and the Cowboys punt returns. He was also bothered by the 8 penalties for 46 yards as well.

But despite their mistakes, Dallas had a successful debut, even if Bill Parcells doesn't seem to be enjoying himself.

“Oh no, no, no, he's not enjoying it,” says Tight End Jason Witten. “I'm sure he's ready to go here in about fifteen minutes. We're going to get an earful, but I think he was happy after the game.”

The Cowboys won by not giving up, an encouraging sign by anyone's standards.

“You have a lead, you lose a lead,” says Defensive Tackle La’Roi Glover. “They make a big play, we make a big play, we strike right back and made a big play, we make two big plays at the end, we win the game, and so, that kind of tells you what kind of group you have. You take a shot to the chin, and you don't get knocked out.”

Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson had a great opening day. He had 5-catches for 65-yards, and 2-touchdowns.

“That's one behind us, and its on the road,” he said. “That's one of the three or four games that we have to go to the West coast, is behind us. Its behind us now, and we can look forward to Washington.”

Dallas went 8-and-8 the last time they won a season opener, and even made the playoffs. The year was 1999, but even a great start does not guarantee anything.

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