Dale Earnhardt Junior interrupted his cross country flight from North Carolina to California, to spend a few hours at the Texas Motor Speedway on Wednesday. Earnhardt won his first career NASCAR Busch Series race at this track in 1998, and also won his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race here.
But on this day, track president Eddie Gossage provided him with a different challenge.
"Have you ever run from the cops before?" asked Gossage.
"No I haven't, I promise," said Earnhardt, to which Gossage replied, "I believe that. I'd stick to that story if I were you."
Earnhardt used his stop to talk about the second NEXTEL Cup race here in November, and participated in pursuit training. It didn't take long before you could smell the brakes on his new Corvette, heating up.
Trying to catch Earnhardt on this infield road course, may be asking a little too much for the Roanoke Police Department, so consider it an advanced course of high speed pursuit.
"I'm always running from people on Sunday's but ah," said Earnhardt. "But those sirens, they don't have sirens on their cars on Sunday's, so that was pretty interesting ha ha."
Just as interesting is Earnhardt's season in racing. He is currently 15th, 117-points behind the last spot for the Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship with two races to go. If he doesn't win the next two races in California and Richmond, Earnhardt may miss the Chase entirely.
At the infield media center, Earnhardt took time to talk one on with with television reporters.
"It's not one guy," he said. "We're a hundred points behind, there's a few in between that we also have to be in front off, that we're 20- behind, 30-behind or fifty behind, so circumstances certainly have to go in our favor."
Which brings us back to this demonstration on the infield road course. If only the rest of the NASCAR field were chasing Earnhardt this season.
Robert Crawford from the Roanoke Police Department was the pursuit car, that was trying to catch Earnhardt on the track. "It's our job is to sit back and visualize everything, ah, and once they crash out or run out of gas, or whatever, that's when we're going to take control of the situation." Of course he never caught Earnhardt in the Corvette.
But, if the Roanoke Police Department could add a Corvette to level the playing field, then the outcome might be a little different. "Ah, its very doubtful," said Crawford laughingly. "We might talk to our mayor and city council, but I doubt it."
Earnhardt seemed to enjoy the pursuit. "You see this stuff on TV all the time," he said. "One thing about our job is we have control. one thing about their job is they don't have control of the guy they're after, that's the scary part."
Arnold Payne, photographer for WFAA TV asked, "Maybe you should drive the squad car?"
"Yeah, that's what i'm saying," Earnhardt replied. "I don't know if the insurance would cover it."
Probably not.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
SMU Opens Season Against Baylor Saturday
SMU’s season opener on Saturday marks the beginning of Phil Bennett's fourth season as the schools head coach. Last year's three win season came with players that didn't have much experience, but he hopes this year will be different.
Talking at a weekly luncheon, Bennett said, “Last year when we played Texas Tech, we had a bunch of guys who had never played in a college game. This year, we're going to have twenty five or twenty six guys who have started 3-or more college games during their career.”
A move to Conference USA also shows a change in philosophy, as the school tries to play more and more teams that are geographic neighbors.
Bennett says playing teams in Texas saves travel money. A trip to Hawaii for the football team, cost $200,000.
So is he yearning for the good old, days of the Southwest Conference? “Yeah, in some ways,” he says, “With a little more integrity. Ha! Ha! Ha!”
Bennett says his team has also matured enough, that they’re finally showing signs of growing up.
Rolando Humphrey, a cornerback from nearby Cedar Hill says, “We've been so young for so long, but after a while, you can't be young forever. Everybody is progressing and maturing and the more we mature, the better we get out here.”
Humphrey is expected to be a leader on defense this year, even if he is a Junior. “I'm more confident coming into this year. We have a lot more senior leadership. As far as the younger players they have a lot more to expect, because we're leading them in the right direction. I'm looking forward to this season, because I know its going to be a different team. Its not the same team.”
SMU will host Baylor in their season opener Saturday, one of five former Southwest Conference teams on their schedule, and six teams from Texas.
SMU has had only one winning year since 1986. It’s been a long time since winning had a home in University Park, but Phil Bennett hopes this is the year, that history begins to change. Afterall, it has to change sometime
Here is a look at the games ahead.
09/03/2005
Baylor Dallas, Texas 7:00 PM Live Video
09/10/2005
TCU Dallas, Texas CSTV 8:30 PM
09/17/2005 at Texas A&M College Station, Texas FSN 11:30 AM
09/24/2005 Tulane* Dallas, Texas 7:00 PM
10/01/2005 at Marshall* Huntington, W.V. 3:30 PM
10/08/2005 at UAB* Birmingham, Alabama 6:00 PM
10/15/2005 East Carolina* Dallas, Texas 2:00 PM
10/22/2005 at Tulsa* Tulsa, Oklahoma 2:00 PM
11/05/2005 Rice* Dallas, Texas 2:00 PM
11/12/2005 at Houston* Houston, Texas TV (PAX) 6:00 PM
11/26/2005 UTEP* Dallas, Texas 2:00 PM
12/03/2005 C-USA Championship TBA
Talking at a weekly luncheon, Bennett said, “Last year when we played Texas Tech, we had a bunch of guys who had never played in a college game. This year, we're going to have twenty five or twenty six guys who have started 3-or more college games during their career.”
A move to Conference USA also shows a change in philosophy, as the school tries to play more and more teams that are geographic neighbors.
Bennett says playing teams in Texas saves travel money. A trip to Hawaii for the football team, cost $200,000.
So is he yearning for the good old, days of the Southwest Conference? “Yeah, in some ways,” he says, “With a little more integrity. Ha! Ha! Ha!”
Bennett says his team has also matured enough, that they’re finally showing signs of growing up.
Rolando Humphrey, a cornerback from nearby Cedar Hill says, “We've been so young for so long, but after a while, you can't be young forever. Everybody is progressing and maturing and the more we mature, the better we get out here.”
Humphrey is expected to be a leader on defense this year, even if he is a Junior. “I'm more confident coming into this year. We have a lot more senior leadership. As far as the younger players they have a lot more to expect, because we're leading them in the right direction. I'm looking forward to this season, because I know its going to be a different team. Its not the same team.”
SMU will host Baylor in their season opener Saturday, one of five former Southwest Conference teams on their schedule, and six teams from Texas.
SMU has had only one winning year since 1986. It’s been a long time since winning had a home in University Park, but Phil Bennett hopes this is the year, that history begins to change. Afterall, it has to change sometime
Here is a look at the games ahead.
09/03/2005
Baylor Dallas, Texas 7:00 PM Live Video
09/10/2005
TCU Dallas, Texas CSTV 8:30 PM
09/17/2005 at Texas A&M College Station, Texas FSN 11:30 AM
09/24/2005 Tulane* Dallas, Texas 7:00 PM
10/01/2005 at Marshall* Huntington, W.V. 3:30 PM
10/08/2005 at UAB* Birmingham, Alabama 6:00 PM
10/15/2005 East Carolina* Dallas, Texas 2:00 PM
10/22/2005 at Tulsa* Tulsa, Oklahoma 2:00 PM
11/05/2005 Rice* Dallas, Texas 2:00 PM
11/12/2005 at Houston* Houston, Texas TV (PAX) 6:00 PM
11/26/2005 UTEP* Dallas, Texas 2:00 PM
12/03/2005 C-USA Championship TBA
Monday, August 29, 2005
Jason Ferguson Returns from Injury
Monday's practice for the Dallas Cowboys at Valley Ranch was all about a quick recovery. The team played a preseason game Saturday night and began preparing for the last preseason game on Thursday. This day was also about getting Nose Tackle Jason Ferguson back on the field.
Cowboys Head Coach Bill Parcells said “We're going to work him out in pads before the practice today, and we'll see how he does. He's doing better. But I don't want to set him back either.”
For Ferguson, it will be his last chance to try and get on the field with the Cowboys, before the season starts. But if he can't play Thursday, Ferguson says, he isn't worried one bit.
“I’m a football player,” he said, “so that's all I've been doing. I’ve learned how to cover plays where I'm at. So if it takes that long, (until the season opener) I'm hoping it won't, but if it takes that long, I think I'll be fine.”
Ferguson was drafted by Parcells in 1997, and wanted him back to anchor his defense, signing a 5-year contract, with a 9-million dollar bonus.
The last time we saw him on the field, before today, was training camp in Oxnard, California. His ankle injury has kept him from playing a single play in preseason, yet he will not doubt himself.
“Naw naw, I won't have any doubt. If I'm taking that field, I'm taking it knowing what's at stake. I'm definitely not looking down, looking back. What if I step wrong, you can't go out then, then they'll wonder, what did they give him that money for,” he said laughing.
Parcells thing his big off seasoning will be on the field opening day. “I think he'll definitely be ready for San Diego. I'd like to get him some plays Thursday night if I can, but if I can't, I can't,” said Parcells. “I mean, its not like he hasn't played in the league before, but I would like him to get some if he can.”
Getting back on the field will allow Ferguson to get off the stationary bike. “Yeah yeah, I've got the lance Armstrong jokes, they've been killing me,” he said.
Ferguson knows how to play football, that's the issue, but he hasn't played any in Dallas, and playing at least a few plays in the last preseason game should put him and his teammates at ease. At least, Parcells hopes that happens.
Cowboys Head Coach Bill Parcells said “We're going to work him out in pads before the practice today, and we'll see how he does. He's doing better. But I don't want to set him back either.”
For Ferguson, it will be his last chance to try and get on the field with the Cowboys, before the season starts. But if he can't play Thursday, Ferguson says, he isn't worried one bit.
“I’m a football player,” he said, “so that's all I've been doing. I’ve learned how to cover plays where I'm at. So if it takes that long, (until the season opener) I'm hoping it won't, but if it takes that long, I think I'll be fine.”
Ferguson was drafted by Parcells in 1997, and wanted him back to anchor his defense, signing a 5-year contract, with a 9-million dollar bonus.
The last time we saw him on the field, before today, was training camp in Oxnard, California. His ankle injury has kept him from playing a single play in preseason, yet he will not doubt himself.
“Naw naw, I won't have any doubt. If I'm taking that field, I'm taking it knowing what's at stake. I'm definitely not looking down, looking back. What if I step wrong, you can't go out then, then they'll wonder, what did they give him that money for,” he said laughing.
Parcells thing his big off seasoning will be on the field opening day. “I think he'll definitely be ready for San Diego. I'd like to get him some plays Thursday night if I can, but if I can't, I can't,” said Parcells. “I mean, its not like he hasn't played in the league before, but I would like him to get some if he can.”
Getting back on the field will allow Ferguson to get off the stationary bike. “Yeah yeah, I've got the lance Armstrong jokes, they've been killing me,” he said.
Ferguson knows how to play football, that's the issue, but he hasn't played any in Dallas, and playing at least a few plays in the last preseason game should put him and his teammates at ease. At least, Parcells hopes that happens.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Preseason Woe's
Cowboys Head Coach Bill Parcells knows his team made some improvement Saturday night, but he also knows, they're still not ready for primetime just yet.
“I'm happy we could win,” says Parcells. “I did see some good things, but we've got a lot of work to do. I'm not under an illusions about anything, here.”
Drew Bledsoe was 11-of-18 for 113 yards, including 8-straight completions. The stretch included an 80-yard drive, the free agent quarterbacks first good drive of preseason, his second 80-yard drive in preseason.
“I was going to play them the same amount of time,” says Parcells. Whether they got anything going or not, so we finally got started a little bit.”
But 0-for-7 on third down conversions, under Bledsoe's leadership remains a dark spot.
“We're still not near where we want to be on third own, its something that we talked about and worked on extensively this past week, and obviously we have some work to do there,” said Bledsoe. “One of the important things is we've got to be in third and shortage yardage situations. If we're going to get to where we want to be, our third down percentage, offensively, has to come up a lot.”
Julius Jones averaged a cool 5-yards per carry in 10-attempts, and scored on a 21-yard touchdown, but he is also getting so cool that he can't stop long enough to talk about it.
On his way out the door, Jones said, “We needed that man, we need that, we needed to go out and show ah what we can do, just prove to ourselves that we can get it done, early, alright,” as he escaped out the door.
Patrick Crayton averaged 21-yards per catch, while Quincy Morgan is trying to earn the back up spot to Keyshawn Johnson. Morgan dropped a pass near the goal line in the third, but redeemed himself with a touchdown in the fourth.
“I told the guys, now I can enjoy my off day a little bit,” said Morgan. I might have gone home and done something to myself if I wouldn't have gotten that play. I'm glad i was able to come back. I think the coaches even called that so i could redeem myself.”
Tony Romo continued to improve his stock as Bledsoe's backup, leading the team to twice as many touchdowns as the first team, but he’s not ready to accept the backup position.
“That’s not for me to decide, just trying to get better,” said Romo. Whatever the coaches feel is best for this team.”
Defensively, one thing has become very obvious. Dallas has improved at Safety, with Roy Williams's resurgence, and the additions at cornerback, seems to have made Terrence Newman a better player as well.
Anthony Henry, who was signed a free agent cornerback said, “I feel like I understand and realize why we put in a new defense. I think we came together fairly quickly, although we do have some things we do need to work on. I feel like we're going to have a pretty solid defense.”
Aaron Glenn, who joined the team as free agent cornerback along with Henry, will play the nickel primarily. “They have a bunch of explosive guys over there, says Glenn, “and for us to go out there and hold those guys, I think they had 52-yards or whatever when we came out, so that was, upbeat.”
But as the defense improved, special teams didn't exactly win Parcells heart.
“Ha, because we gave up a kick off return and missed a field goal, I would rate it superb, Parcells said sarcastically. “We didn't have a real good group out there, but there is still no excuse for it, don't get me wrong, but we did work on that mayday field goal. I think the snap was good, the hold was good, and ah, we just didn't kick it.”
This is a team that has an under developed offense, key injuries on defense, and lapses on special teams. It is only preseason, but preseason is about to run out. Dallas will play their last preseason game Thursday night.
“I'm happy we could win,” says Parcells. “I did see some good things, but we've got a lot of work to do. I'm not under an illusions about anything, here.”
Drew Bledsoe was 11-of-18 for 113 yards, including 8-straight completions. The stretch included an 80-yard drive, the free agent quarterbacks first good drive of preseason, his second 80-yard drive in preseason.
“I was going to play them the same amount of time,” says Parcells. Whether they got anything going or not, so we finally got started a little bit.”
But 0-for-7 on third down conversions, under Bledsoe's leadership remains a dark spot.
“We're still not near where we want to be on third own, its something that we talked about and worked on extensively this past week, and obviously we have some work to do there,” said Bledsoe. “One of the important things is we've got to be in third and shortage yardage situations. If we're going to get to where we want to be, our third down percentage, offensively, has to come up a lot.”
Julius Jones averaged a cool 5-yards per carry in 10-attempts, and scored on a 21-yard touchdown, but he is also getting so cool that he can't stop long enough to talk about it.
On his way out the door, Jones said, “We needed that man, we need that, we needed to go out and show ah what we can do, just prove to ourselves that we can get it done, early, alright,” as he escaped out the door.
Patrick Crayton averaged 21-yards per catch, while Quincy Morgan is trying to earn the back up spot to Keyshawn Johnson. Morgan dropped a pass near the goal line in the third, but redeemed himself with a touchdown in the fourth.
“I told the guys, now I can enjoy my off day a little bit,” said Morgan. I might have gone home and done something to myself if I wouldn't have gotten that play. I'm glad i was able to come back. I think the coaches even called that so i could redeem myself.”
Tony Romo continued to improve his stock as Bledsoe's backup, leading the team to twice as many touchdowns as the first team, but he’s not ready to accept the backup position.
“That’s not for me to decide, just trying to get better,” said Romo. Whatever the coaches feel is best for this team.”
Defensively, one thing has become very obvious. Dallas has improved at Safety, with Roy Williams's resurgence, and the additions at cornerback, seems to have made Terrence Newman a better player as well.
Anthony Henry, who was signed a free agent cornerback said, “I feel like I understand and realize why we put in a new defense. I think we came together fairly quickly, although we do have some things we do need to work on. I feel like we're going to have a pretty solid defense.”
Aaron Glenn, who joined the team as free agent cornerback along with Henry, will play the nickel primarily. “They have a bunch of explosive guys over there, says Glenn, “and for us to go out there and hold those guys, I think they had 52-yards or whatever when we came out, so that was, upbeat.”
But as the defense improved, special teams didn't exactly win Parcells heart.
“Ha, because we gave up a kick off return and missed a field goal, I would rate it superb, Parcells said sarcastically. “We didn't have a real good group out there, but there is still no excuse for it, don't get me wrong, but we did work on that mayday field goal. I think the snap was good, the hold was good, and ah, we just didn't kick it.”
This is a team that has an under developed offense, key injuries on defense, and lapses on special teams. It is only preseason, but preseason is about to run out. Dallas will play their last preseason game Thursday night.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Decisions Decisions
Almost one month after the start of training camp, Bill Parcells admits he is still faced with lots of player personnel decisions. Overall, he says, he’s behind in getting his team together.
“Yeah, I'm a little behind,” says Parcells, “and I am behind because of the uncertainy that I have in several areas. That's just being honest.”
Saturday night, Dallas will play its third preseason game, a game usually designed to sort out final details about the teams personnel, but since he is running behind, this year may be different.
“I haven’t had the preparation time,” says Parcells, referring to the short week this week. Dallas played in Seattle on Monday night.
There are plenty of areas that need improvement, and it starts with the offense.
“You got to continue to just keep, you know, just plucking away at it,” says wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. “Hopefully this week against Houston, we'll do a little bit more offensively.”
Drew Bledsoe's back up has yet to be determined, but it appears that Tony Romo has the inside track over Drew Henson.
At wide receiver, Quincy Morgan's stock appears to have dropped, thanks to the emergence of Patrick Crayton, who has quickly become a Parcells favorite.
Says Morgan, “Its nothing, its not a big deal, its nothing to get blown out of proportion at all.”
Parcells is a bit more sarcastic. “Morgan will get more chances this week to play, and ah, I'm sure he's worried.”
When asked if Crayton already feels like the number three receiver on the team behind Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn, Crayton says, “No, not at all. I'll wait until September 11th when we play San Diego, before I can even say that to myself.
What all this means is that the final two preseason games are important. Are they more important than in previous years, who knows. But the final cut down date, September 4th, will be here in a hurry.
“Yeah, I'm a little behind,” says Parcells, “and I am behind because of the uncertainy that I have in several areas. That's just being honest.”
Saturday night, Dallas will play its third preseason game, a game usually designed to sort out final details about the teams personnel, but since he is running behind, this year may be different.
“I haven’t had the preparation time,” says Parcells, referring to the short week this week. Dallas played in Seattle on Monday night.
There are plenty of areas that need improvement, and it starts with the offense.
“You got to continue to just keep, you know, just plucking away at it,” says wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. “Hopefully this week against Houston, we'll do a little bit more offensively.”
Drew Bledsoe's back up has yet to be determined, but it appears that Tony Romo has the inside track over Drew Henson.
At wide receiver, Quincy Morgan's stock appears to have dropped, thanks to the emergence of Patrick Crayton, who has quickly become a Parcells favorite.
Says Morgan, “Its nothing, its not a big deal, its nothing to get blown out of proportion at all.”
Parcells is a bit more sarcastic. “Morgan will get more chances this week to play, and ah, I'm sure he's worried.”
When asked if Crayton already feels like the number three receiver on the team behind Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn, Crayton says, “No, not at all. I'll wait until September 11th when we play San Diego, before I can even say that to myself.
What all this means is that the final two preseason games are important. Are they more important than in previous years, who knows. But the final cut down date, September 4th, will be here in a hurry.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Search for Right Tackle
The Cowboys had two practices at Valley Ranch Thursday, one day after they cut right tackle last years second round draft pick Jacob Rogers. It was their first day outside, in the Texas heat, since returning from Oxnard, California.
Dallas is still looking for a right tackle. Will it be Rob Petitti, Torrin Tucker or Kurt Vollers? Who knows.
Tucker and Vollers have a combined 26-starts in the NFL, which may make it tougher for Petitti to get the job.
Says Parcells, “Well I don't know that I could ever feel, a hundred percent confident in starting any rookie, to start the season. And I don't know that he will start. I really don't. But that's the way it is right now.”
Petitti was the teams second pick in the 6th round, and the 209th player taken overall. He doesn't think its his job to lose just yet, but he knows he would rather start than be a backup. Of course, Rogers had the job, but according to the Cowboys, couldn’t handle the pain or the injuries.
“It is hard, but like I said, guys have helped me out,” says Petitti. “I've just got to study my book. I'm starting to learn how to watch film, what to look for, but there's a lot of things that I'm starting to realize I have to do that I didn't have to do in college.”
Tucker knows its a matter of pride every time he takes the field and would like to add to his 14-starts in two seasons.
“Its always a matter of pride when you step out here on the football field,” says Tucker, “because its you and him. Either your going to win on that play, or he is going to win at that play.”
The right tackle spot has been an issue all through training camp. It hasn't been settle yet, and the release of Jacob Rogers has taken competition at that spot in a whole new direction. There’s a chance Larry Allen might still be moved, but that would open up the middle, and give Drew Bledsoe less protection in the pocket.
Just another day at training camp.
Dallas is still looking for a right tackle. Will it be Rob Petitti, Torrin Tucker or Kurt Vollers? Who knows.
Tucker and Vollers have a combined 26-starts in the NFL, which may make it tougher for Petitti to get the job.
Says Parcells, “Well I don't know that I could ever feel, a hundred percent confident in starting any rookie, to start the season. And I don't know that he will start. I really don't. But that's the way it is right now.”
Petitti was the teams second pick in the 6th round, and the 209th player taken overall. He doesn't think its his job to lose just yet, but he knows he would rather start than be a backup. Of course, Rogers had the job, but according to the Cowboys, couldn’t handle the pain or the injuries.
“It is hard, but like I said, guys have helped me out,” says Petitti. “I've just got to study my book. I'm starting to learn how to watch film, what to look for, but there's a lot of things that I'm starting to realize I have to do that I didn't have to do in college.”
Tucker knows its a matter of pride every time he takes the field and would like to add to his 14-starts in two seasons.
“Its always a matter of pride when you step out here on the football field,” says Tucker, “because its you and him. Either your going to win on that play, or he is going to win at that play.”
The right tackle spot has been an issue all through training camp. It hasn't been settle yet, and the release of Jacob Rogers has taken competition at that spot in a whole new direction. There’s a chance Larry Allen might still be moved, but that would open up the middle, and give Drew Bledsoe less protection in the pocket.
Just another day at training camp.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Another Parcells Guy
For the second straight year, Bill Parcells has surrounded himself with a familiar face at quarterback.
No, its not Vinny Testaverde. This time around, it’s Drew Bledsoe. For Parcells, now in his third year with the Dallas Cowboys, it represents familiar territory.
“We want to go back and be a good game manager, try to avoid the bad play, be a good decision maker, and just reiterate the same things that I reiterated to you when you were a rookie player,” says Parcells in his conversations with Bledsoe. “That's really what I said to him. That's the way I want you to start.”
Bledsoe certainly brings a lot of things to this team, but one thing Parcells doesn't talk about much is his own comfort zone. It seems, every time he brings in a player he has worked with before, he appears more comfortable, and maybe that's really what all these old quarterbacks are about.
“Bill and I understand each other very well,” says Bledsoe. “We worked together before. The first think that he wants out of the quarterback position is for me to play the game in a way where I first and foremost, don't screw it up,” he says laughingly, “which is exactly the way he would put it.”
Still, no one is perfect, but Parcells believes, adding experience takes away some of the uncertainty, even if he wants Bledsoe to start at square one. But regardless of age, it marks the third straight year that Dallas will have a different starter at quarterback.
“I think he can make all the throws, when he was young he could make all the throws,” says Parcells confidently. “I think there are several quarterbacks in the league that can do that. For one reason or another, something just keeps him from, and it might be the people around him, but I think drew has had a solid career. “He has played winning football, on winning teams, and I think he's at the point where he realizes, this isn't going to go on forever. I think he wants to finish on a good note. I really believe that very much.”
Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson likes what the Cowboys did during the off season, by adding a vetran quarterback, but he's adjusting to Bledsoe as well. In fact, during his 10-year career, Bledsoe will be Johnson's 12th different quarterback.
“I'm pretty excited, its a plus,” says Johnson. “You have a guy who has the ability to be one of the better quarterbacks in this league, he has the ability to do a lot of good things, he's played in the super bowl before, he's been to a number of playoff games, he's been the captain of every ship, so, you know, all of those things are a plus.
Owner Jerry Jones, who spent more than 30-million dollars during the off season, signed Bledsoe to a three year contract. “We each know what we want to do,” he says. “He's the quarterback, he can put the ball out there for receivers, and he's gotten on me to kind of open the passing game for him. We kind of know that, but we have got a lot of work to do.”
“I think bill and are definitely linked together now,” says Bledsoe. “Now that we're together for the second time, and if this thing works out, its gonna be a great success for both of us, and if it doesn't, we'll be linked together on that side of it. I look forward to great success this time around.”
Testaverde spend just one season in a Dallas uniform. Bledsoe has a chance to be with the Cowboys three years, but only if he wins.
“What Vinny did is pretty special. He played at a high level, for a very long time, how long I play will depend entirely on what kind of success we're having, what kind of success I'm having, and whether I feel like I'm still playing at a level that meets my expectations.”
As for his relationship with Parcells this time around, Bledsoe doesn’t see much change.
“He's the same. He's still just looking for a chance to jump somebody,” says Bledsoe. “He looks for those coachable moments and then he jumps on those whenever he can. He's the same guy, people say he may have softened over the years, but I'm certainly not seeing that. I think he's the same guy that he always has been. He’s going to coach us and coach us hard, and demand greatness from the team, and that's been a successful winning formula for him for a long time.”
Bledsoe says he things the Cowboys are capable of winning a lot of games this year. He won’t predict a number. But if success can come his way in a Dallas uniform, so much the better.
“Its something that I'm very, very proud to be a part of,” he says. “When you play quarterback for the cowboys, it’s an honor. You've got a lot of hall of fame guys that came before you, so, its definitely a position where I feel that history and hopefully, when I'm done, I'll be a small part of that history
No, its not Vinny Testaverde. This time around, it’s Drew Bledsoe. For Parcells, now in his third year with the Dallas Cowboys, it represents familiar territory.
“We want to go back and be a good game manager, try to avoid the bad play, be a good decision maker, and just reiterate the same things that I reiterated to you when you were a rookie player,” says Parcells in his conversations with Bledsoe. “That's really what I said to him. That's the way I want you to start.”
Bledsoe certainly brings a lot of things to this team, but one thing Parcells doesn't talk about much is his own comfort zone. It seems, every time he brings in a player he has worked with before, he appears more comfortable, and maybe that's really what all these old quarterbacks are about.
“Bill and I understand each other very well,” says Bledsoe. “We worked together before. The first think that he wants out of the quarterback position is for me to play the game in a way where I first and foremost, don't screw it up,” he says laughingly, “which is exactly the way he would put it.”
Still, no one is perfect, but Parcells believes, adding experience takes away some of the uncertainty, even if he wants Bledsoe to start at square one. But regardless of age, it marks the third straight year that Dallas will have a different starter at quarterback.
“I think he can make all the throws, when he was young he could make all the throws,” says Parcells confidently. “I think there are several quarterbacks in the league that can do that. For one reason or another, something just keeps him from, and it might be the people around him, but I think drew has had a solid career. “He has played winning football, on winning teams, and I think he's at the point where he realizes, this isn't going to go on forever. I think he wants to finish on a good note. I really believe that very much.”
Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson likes what the Cowboys did during the off season, by adding a vetran quarterback, but he's adjusting to Bledsoe as well. In fact, during his 10-year career, Bledsoe will be Johnson's 12th different quarterback.
“I'm pretty excited, its a plus,” says Johnson. “You have a guy who has the ability to be one of the better quarterbacks in this league, he has the ability to do a lot of good things, he's played in the super bowl before, he's been to a number of playoff games, he's been the captain of every ship, so, you know, all of those things are a plus.
Owner Jerry Jones, who spent more than 30-million dollars during the off season, signed Bledsoe to a three year contract. “We each know what we want to do,” he says. “He's the quarterback, he can put the ball out there for receivers, and he's gotten on me to kind of open the passing game for him. We kind of know that, but we have got a lot of work to do.”
“I think bill and are definitely linked together now,” says Bledsoe. “Now that we're together for the second time, and if this thing works out, its gonna be a great success for both of us, and if it doesn't, we'll be linked together on that side of it. I look forward to great success this time around.”
Testaverde spend just one season in a Dallas uniform. Bledsoe has a chance to be with the Cowboys three years, but only if he wins.
“What Vinny did is pretty special. He played at a high level, for a very long time, how long I play will depend entirely on what kind of success we're having, what kind of success I'm having, and whether I feel like I'm still playing at a level that meets my expectations.”
As for his relationship with Parcells this time around, Bledsoe doesn’t see much change.
“He's the same. He's still just looking for a chance to jump somebody,” says Bledsoe. “He looks for those coachable moments and then he jumps on those whenever he can. He's the same guy, people say he may have softened over the years, but I'm certainly not seeing that. I think he's the same guy that he always has been. He’s going to coach us and coach us hard, and demand greatness from the team, and that's been a successful winning formula for him for a long time.”
Bledsoe says he things the Cowboys are capable of winning a lot of games this year. He won’t predict a number. But if success can come his way in a Dallas uniform, so much the better.
“Its something that I'm very, very proud to be a part of,” he says. “When you play quarterback for the cowboys, it’s an honor. You've got a lot of hall of fame guys that came before you, so, its definitely a position where I feel that history and hopefully, when I'm done, I'll be a small part of that history
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Pet Commandments
I heard this on Mike Gallagher Show on KRLD the other day. It may not be sports related, but you can't go wrong with pets.
10 Commandments for Responsible Pet Ownership
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. 3. Place your trust in me; it is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you!
5. Talk to me even if I don't understand your words. I understand your voice and when it's speaking.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to because I love you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long; or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember I love you.
10 Commandments for Responsible Pet Ownership
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. 3. Place your trust in me; it is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you!
5. Talk to me even if I don't understand your words. I understand your voice and when it's speaking.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to because I love you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long; or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember I love you.
Friday, August 12, 2005
No Choice
Football is all about team work and making sacrifices, and this year for the Cowboys, no one is being forced to make more sacrifices in their careers than Greg Ellis and La'Roi Glover.
Ellis came to camp, knowing that his smaller body size, will be needed to play defensive end in the newly installed 3-4 defense. The teams leading in sacks the past four years, may be a backup.
Says Ellis, “I'm going to go out there and do what I am asked to do, to the best of my ability. If i can't get it done, in my mind, if a player can't get his job done, he's a problem. He doesn't have a place on the football team. To be honest with you, that was my concern, that I won't be able to go out there and get done, what needs to be done."
Glover, who has been to five consecutive pro bowls, may be seeing reserve duties behind Jason Ferguson at nose tackle. It’s not like he may have a choice.
“I'll do it. I'll do it,” Glover says reluctantly, “I'll be a professional about it, but who doesn't want to start. It’s as simple as that. If I can Bill Parcells him that I can have some success in the 3-4, then anything can happen. That's the approach I'm taking."
Ellis and Glover aren’t alone. Even Eric Ogbogu, who is starting his 8th year in the league, is having a to learn a new position. He is switching from the defensive line to linebacker, but has to be prepared to play both positions.
“You have an option, you can go somewhere else, but I like the Cowboys organization, says Ogbogu. “I think that Bill Parcells is a great coach, Jerry Jones is a great owner, and I think this team is going somewhere. If this is what the team wants to do to win, then this is what I'm going to try to do to help this team win."
Ellis, Glover and Ogbogu are learning an important lesson at this training camp. If you want to play, you better be flexible, because in Bill Parcells world, its his way, or the highway.
Ellis came to camp, knowing that his smaller body size, will be needed to play defensive end in the newly installed 3-4 defense. The teams leading in sacks the past four years, may be a backup.
Says Ellis, “I'm going to go out there and do what I am asked to do, to the best of my ability. If i can't get it done, in my mind, if a player can't get his job done, he's a problem. He doesn't have a place on the football team. To be honest with you, that was my concern, that I won't be able to go out there and get done, what needs to be done."
Glover, who has been to five consecutive pro bowls, may be seeing reserve duties behind Jason Ferguson at nose tackle. It’s not like he may have a choice.
“I'll do it. I'll do it,” Glover says reluctantly, “I'll be a professional about it, but who doesn't want to start. It’s as simple as that. If I can Bill Parcells him that I can have some success in the 3-4, then anything can happen. That's the approach I'm taking."
Ellis and Glover aren’t alone. Even Eric Ogbogu, who is starting his 8th year in the league, is having a to learn a new position. He is switching from the defensive line to linebacker, but has to be prepared to play both positions.
“You have an option, you can go somewhere else, but I like the Cowboys organization, says Ogbogu. “I think that Bill Parcells is a great coach, Jerry Jones is a great owner, and I think this team is going somewhere. If this is what the team wants to do to win, then this is what I'm going to try to do to help this team win."
Ellis, Glover and Ogbogu are learning an important lesson at this training camp. If you want to play, you better be flexible, because in Bill Parcells world, its his way, or the highway.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Parcells' Paranoia
Watching Bill Parcells get all wound up and worried because a high school coach was taking notes in the bleachers at training camp this week, reminds me again, how paranoid this man is. I keep thinking if he made a little more effort to get to know the people around him, maybe he wouldn’t have to be so paranoid.
Parcells was hired by Jerry Jones on January 02, 2003. Being around and covering the team, I kept thinking I might someday actually run across the guy in a hallway, and say hello. I’m not a beat writer, but I am there a lot. Even Tom Landry could be stopped in the hallway, for a quick hello.
So on Thursday August 04, 2005, more than two and a half years after he was hired, I decided to approach the man. He was busy chumming with a writer, so I stepped in and introduced myself. It wasn’t a long conversation, in fact, there was no conversation. But at least, I had finally shaken his hand.
I mentioned this to Dale Hansen, who informed me that he had yet to meet the guy, and doesn’t mind keeping the streak unbroken. You direct questions at the man during press conferences, but that’s where the relationship ends. How strange that Parcells would not find it necessary, to meet some of the local members of the media, but this is how he operates. Folks close to him at Valley Ranch tell me, that he has his so-called, inner circle, and that’s it. If you can’t bring something to the Bill Parcells table, then he apparently doesn’t have time for you. Shame! Shame! But apparently, his mole like behavior is just as apparent around the Cowboys offices.
If he is that overly consumed in doing his job, than maybe he needs to hire a staff that can help him out a bit. Yet in his defense, people tell me all the time, this is exactly what makes him a great coach. He is totally focused, has a no nonsense approach, and that means, no time for anything but football.
Of course the media is still not allowed to shoot eleven on eleven drills, which kills any chance of getting some good, hard hitting video during training camp. He gives a lame excuse, dating back to the 1991 Super Bowl. He claims he was watching TV, and saw Buffalo run a draw play during practice. So, he prepared his defense to stop it. Only trouble is, Thurman Thomas ran for 135 yards on just 15 plays, not to mention a 31-yard touchdown in the fourth period to give the Bills the lead. A lot of good his preparations did, but he did win the game.
Perhaps some day he will step away, and actually take time to meet the local sports reporters and anchors. Why not sit down with Dale Hansen, or the other local anchors. I don’t think he’s a terrible man, just a man that has no time for the media. Maybe one day he’ll realize his job wouldn’t be so lucrative if it wasn’t for the media, but then again, probably not. Paranoia reins supreme.
Parcells was hired by Jerry Jones on January 02, 2003. Being around and covering the team, I kept thinking I might someday actually run across the guy in a hallway, and say hello. I’m not a beat writer, but I am there a lot. Even Tom Landry could be stopped in the hallway, for a quick hello.
So on Thursday August 04, 2005, more than two and a half years after he was hired, I decided to approach the man. He was busy chumming with a writer, so I stepped in and introduced myself. It wasn’t a long conversation, in fact, there was no conversation. But at least, I had finally shaken his hand.
I mentioned this to Dale Hansen, who informed me that he had yet to meet the guy, and doesn’t mind keeping the streak unbroken. You direct questions at the man during press conferences, but that’s where the relationship ends. How strange that Parcells would not find it necessary, to meet some of the local members of the media, but this is how he operates. Folks close to him at Valley Ranch tell me, that he has his so-called, inner circle, and that’s it. If you can’t bring something to the Bill Parcells table, then he apparently doesn’t have time for you. Shame! Shame! But apparently, his mole like behavior is just as apparent around the Cowboys offices.
If he is that overly consumed in doing his job, than maybe he needs to hire a staff that can help him out a bit. Yet in his defense, people tell me all the time, this is exactly what makes him a great coach. He is totally focused, has a no nonsense approach, and that means, no time for anything but football.
Of course the media is still not allowed to shoot eleven on eleven drills, which kills any chance of getting some good, hard hitting video during training camp. He gives a lame excuse, dating back to the 1991 Super Bowl. He claims he was watching TV, and saw Buffalo run a draw play during practice. So, he prepared his defense to stop it. Only trouble is, Thurman Thomas ran for 135 yards on just 15 plays, not to mention a 31-yard touchdown in the fourth period to give the Bills the lead. A lot of good his preparations did, but he did win the game.
Perhaps some day he will step away, and actually take time to meet the local sports reporters and anchors. Why not sit down with Dale Hansen, or the other local anchors. I don’t think he’s a terrible man, just a man that has no time for the media. Maybe one day he’ll realize his job wouldn’t be so lucrative if it wasn’t for the media, but then again, probably not. Paranoia reins supreme.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Experienced or Just Old
Having just returned from Oxnard after nine days, I’m reminded why the Cowboys moved their camp to that location. I remember covering the team in Thousand Oaks during the 70’s and 80’s, and couldn’t believe how perfect the weather was for outdoor activities, especially football.
As for Bill Parcells, who knows what he’s really up to. Will he have a better team than last year? On paper, anything is an improvement over last year. He has certainly added size and speed. No more Dexter Coakley’s. It’s a bigger, more experienced team.
But is this team too old? One thing is obvious, Parcells likes the number 30. Since he arrived, the Cowboys are 13-and-4, when they rush the ball 30-or more times. But there is another 30 that may be more frieghtening, and that's the number of players on the roster who are 30 years of age and older.
Parcells down plays the teams age. "It is a young man's game, there is no doubt. but, thirty doesn't necessarily mean your old. I mean, i don't think, thirty means your old. There's some pretty good thirty year old football players around.”
Ask some of the 30 something guys, like KeyShawn Johnson. "When you look at the position that the old players are in, is there a young guy out there that can take that position. Because if there was, they would be here. Obviously, that's not the case.”
Marco Rivera was 33 in April. “You've got guys of all kind of ages. its how the guys mentally prepare, and physically, and gets ready. Age is just a number in this league, i mean guys are really tough in this league. You've got guys playing into their forties now, so i don't see that being a problem.”
Bill Parcells drafted Jason Ferguson in 1997, and wanted him back to anchor his defense at nose tackle. But he didn't come cheap, signing a 5-year contract, with a 9-million dollar signing bonus. “In college, if I had what I have now, I would have been an all-american,” he laughs. “I would have been a heisman trophy winner. I would have been like a Warren Sapp. That's what everyone says, once they get to the league. If I knew then what i know now, oh yeah, but at the same time, I would not change the road I took at all.”
But how old is too old to play in the NFL. Jerry Jones spend more than 30-million dollars on signing bonuses during the off season. Anthony Henry is the only one that is under 30.
Does age mean anything in this league? “Not at all,” says Henry, “If you saw Aaron Glenn move out there, you would realize, its not a problem.”
Dat Nguyen is part of a group that will be 30 by the end of the year. “Man i don't know. When you first come into the league, you just want to reach the average which is three years.”
Drew Bledsoe was 33 in February. “You know, physically i still feel very, very good," he says. "You know I feel like i'm throwing the ball well. I feel like my arm strength is very, very close to the same as it was when I was young. Father time, no, it hasn't caught up with me yet.”
If you add the number of players who will have their 30th birthday during the season, the over 30-bunch balloons to 15. That's a big number by anyone’s count. The list includes the following.
Player Birthdate
Flozell Adams 5/18/75
Larry Allen 1/27/71
Drew Bledsoe 2/14/72
Gregg Ellis 8/14/75
Jason Ferguson 11/28/74
Aaron Glenn 7/16/72
Terry Glenn 7/23/74
La’Roi Glover 7/4/74
Keyshawn Johnson 7/22/72
Dat Nguyen 9/25/75
Eric Ogbogu 7/18/75
Izell Reese 5/7/74
Marco Rivera 4/26/72
Jeff Robinson 2/20/70
Al Singleton 8/7/75
As for Bill Parcells, who knows what he’s really up to. Will he have a better team than last year? On paper, anything is an improvement over last year. He has certainly added size and speed. No more Dexter Coakley’s. It’s a bigger, more experienced team.
But is this team too old? One thing is obvious, Parcells likes the number 30. Since he arrived, the Cowboys are 13-and-4, when they rush the ball 30-or more times. But there is another 30 that may be more frieghtening, and that's the number of players on the roster who are 30 years of age and older.
Parcells down plays the teams age. "It is a young man's game, there is no doubt. but, thirty doesn't necessarily mean your old. I mean, i don't think, thirty means your old. There's some pretty good thirty year old football players around.”
Ask some of the 30 something guys, like KeyShawn Johnson. "When you look at the position that the old players are in, is there a young guy out there that can take that position. Because if there was, they would be here. Obviously, that's not the case.”
Marco Rivera was 33 in April. “You've got guys of all kind of ages. its how the guys mentally prepare, and physically, and gets ready. Age is just a number in this league, i mean guys are really tough in this league. You've got guys playing into their forties now, so i don't see that being a problem.”
Bill Parcells drafted Jason Ferguson in 1997, and wanted him back to anchor his defense at nose tackle. But he didn't come cheap, signing a 5-year contract, with a 9-million dollar signing bonus. “In college, if I had what I have now, I would have been an all-american,” he laughs. “I would have been a heisman trophy winner. I would have been like a Warren Sapp. That's what everyone says, once they get to the league. If I knew then what i know now, oh yeah, but at the same time, I would not change the road I took at all.”
But how old is too old to play in the NFL. Jerry Jones spend more than 30-million dollars on signing bonuses during the off season. Anthony Henry is the only one that is under 30.
Does age mean anything in this league? “Not at all,” says Henry, “If you saw Aaron Glenn move out there, you would realize, its not a problem.”
Dat Nguyen is part of a group that will be 30 by the end of the year. “Man i don't know. When you first come into the league, you just want to reach the average which is three years.”
Drew Bledsoe was 33 in February. “You know, physically i still feel very, very good," he says. "You know I feel like i'm throwing the ball well. I feel like my arm strength is very, very close to the same as it was when I was young. Father time, no, it hasn't caught up with me yet.”
If you add the number of players who will have their 30th birthday during the season, the over 30-bunch balloons to 15. That's a big number by anyone’s count. The list includes the following.
Player Birthdate
Flozell Adams 5/18/75
Larry Allen 1/27/71
Drew Bledsoe 2/14/72
Gregg Ellis 8/14/75
Jason Ferguson 11/28/74
Aaron Glenn 7/16/72
Terry Glenn 7/23/74
La’Roi Glover 7/4/74
Keyshawn Johnson 7/22/72
Dat Nguyen 9/25/75
Eric Ogbogu 7/18/75
Izell Reese 5/7/74
Marco Rivera 4/26/72
Jeff Robinson 2/20/70
Al Singleton 8/7/75
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