Mr Cowboy
01-03-2005, 08:12 PM
Cowboys frustrate Parcells to the end
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer
January 3, 2005
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Bill Parcells is heading into the offseason knowing what he must change about the Dallas Cowboys.
After all, they've had the same problems since training camp.
Dallas wrapped up its slide from 10-6 to 6-10 in fitting fashion late Sunday, ruining its own dramatic comeback by making a bunch of mistakes in the final minute. So instead of going out in a good way, the Cowboys gave up a touchdown in the closing seconds and lost 28-24 to the New York Giants, reaffirming many of the things Parcells already thought about his club.
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``We've been the same since preseason. The team has never changed,'' Parcells said. ``We don't take care of the ball, we're not mentally tough and we're not physically tough enough at certain spots and it transcends to the rest of the team.''
Parcells didn't speak to reporters very long after the loss, saying he was tired and wanted to go home. The 63-year-old coach was not available Monday and planned to take his time before publicly discussing his offseason plans.
That is, his plans for the team. He's expected back for his third season, especially after saying on his weekly television show broadcast Sunday, ``My intention is to continue to coach here.''
Although Parcells knew what had to be fixed six months ago, he couldn't do it. Tweaks to scheme and personnel weren't enough and coaches were unable to get players to break bad habits, such as false starts on offense.
Dallas started 2-1, then won once in October, once in November and twice in December. As bad as the NFC was, the Cowboys still had a chance to make the playoffs with a strong final month, but lost three of their last four.
``A pretty good percentage of the guys fight to do well, then another percentage -- that's more than you can tolerate -- do not,'' Parcells said.
The changes will begin on defense, overhauling a unit that went from giving up the fewest yards in the NFL in 2003 to middle-of-the pack in '04.
The Cowboys allowed at least 30 points five times and struggled to produce takeaways. They didn't have a return touchdown for the first time since 1961; while special teams is to blame, too, they could've used a fumble or interception taken into the end zone.
``It's very disappointing, frustrating,'' linebacker Dat Nguyen said. ``We've just got to figure out what's wrong. Coach will find a way.''
Parcells believes it starts with getting more pressure up front. End Marcellus Wiley was the top offseason acquisition, but was practically invisible this season and probably won't be back.
Dallas also needs a tackle to pair with Pro Bowl pick La'Roi Glover -- unless Parcells opts for a major shakeup, dropping the 4-3 alignment preferred by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and going to the 3-4 he's used most of his career.
The secondary will be another priority. Right cornerback already was a hole and the retirement of Darren Woodson means the Cowboys need a safety, too.
Other areas of concern are the offensive line and depth at running back behind Julius Jones, who was among the few bright spots in 2004.
Tight end Jason Witten also made that short list by becoming the team's most dependable receiver.
``When guys went down, I had to step up and show my talent,'' Witten said. ``I took advantage of every opportunity I had.''
Quarterback is the team's most talked-about position, but the big decision there will be whether Parcells wants Drew Henson and Tony Romo to spend the offseason in Europe or at team headquarters. Going overseas would provide experience, but might leave them too banged-up to be counted on next season.
Parcells has said one of them could be the starter in 2005, although they'll probably have to beat out Vinny Testaverde. The 41-year-old said Sunday night he wants to keep playing and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already has said the team wants him back.
Henson threw just 18 passes his rookie season and Romo has yet to take a snap in two seasons. Parcells insisted Testaverde gave the team a better chance to win, but he may find himself wishing the youngsters had played more.
The best news for Dallas is having a lot to work with this offseason: plenty of room under the salary cap and two of the top 20 picks in the draft.
The Cowboys have No. 11 and they own Buffalo's first-rounder, which is 20th. It would improve a spot if St. Louis or Minnesota reach the Super Bowl.
Parcells worries that the available free agents may not play the positions he's looking to upgrade. Considering all the work that's needed, there should still be plenty of good candidates.
By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer
January 3, 2005
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Bill Parcells is heading into the offseason knowing what he must change about the Dallas Cowboys.
After all, they've had the same problems since training camp.
Dallas wrapped up its slide from 10-6 to 6-10 in fitting fashion late Sunday, ruining its own dramatic comeback by making a bunch of mistakes in the final minute. So instead of going out in a good way, the Cowboys gave up a touchdown in the closing seconds and lost 28-24 to the New York Giants, reaffirming many of the things Parcells already thought about his club.
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``We've been the same since preseason. The team has never changed,'' Parcells said. ``We don't take care of the ball, we're not mentally tough and we're not physically tough enough at certain spots and it transcends to the rest of the team.''
Parcells didn't speak to reporters very long after the loss, saying he was tired and wanted to go home. The 63-year-old coach was not available Monday and planned to take his time before publicly discussing his offseason plans.
That is, his plans for the team. He's expected back for his third season, especially after saying on his weekly television show broadcast Sunday, ``My intention is to continue to coach here.''
Although Parcells knew what had to be fixed six months ago, he couldn't do it. Tweaks to scheme and personnel weren't enough and coaches were unable to get players to break bad habits, such as false starts on offense.
Dallas started 2-1, then won once in October, once in November and twice in December. As bad as the NFC was, the Cowboys still had a chance to make the playoffs with a strong final month, but lost three of their last four.
``A pretty good percentage of the guys fight to do well, then another percentage -- that's more than you can tolerate -- do not,'' Parcells said.
The changes will begin on defense, overhauling a unit that went from giving up the fewest yards in the NFL in 2003 to middle-of-the pack in '04.
The Cowboys allowed at least 30 points five times and struggled to produce takeaways. They didn't have a return touchdown for the first time since 1961; while special teams is to blame, too, they could've used a fumble or interception taken into the end zone.
``It's very disappointing, frustrating,'' linebacker Dat Nguyen said. ``We've just got to figure out what's wrong. Coach will find a way.''
Parcells believes it starts with getting more pressure up front. End Marcellus Wiley was the top offseason acquisition, but was practically invisible this season and probably won't be back.
Dallas also needs a tackle to pair with Pro Bowl pick La'Roi Glover -- unless Parcells opts for a major shakeup, dropping the 4-3 alignment preferred by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and going to the 3-4 he's used most of his career.
The secondary will be another priority. Right cornerback already was a hole and the retirement of Darren Woodson means the Cowboys need a safety, too.
Other areas of concern are the offensive line and depth at running back behind Julius Jones, who was among the few bright spots in 2004.
Tight end Jason Witten also made that short list by becoming the team's most dependable receiver.
``When guys went down, I had to step up and show my talent,'' Witten said. ``I took advantage of every opportunity I had.''
Quarterback is the team's most talked-about position, but the big decision there will be whether Parcells wants Drew Henson and Tony Romo to spend the offseason in Europe or at team headquarters. Going overseas would provide experience, but might leave them too banged-up to be counted on next season.
Parcells has said one of them could be the starter in 2005, although they'll probably have to beat out Vinny Testaverde. The 41-year-old said Sunday night he wants to keep playing and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already has said the team wants him back.
Henson threw just 18 passes his rookie season and Romo has yet to take a snap in two seasons. Parcells insisted Testaverde gave the team a better chance to win, but he may find himself wishing the youngsters had played more.
The best news for Dallas is having a lot to work with this offseason: plenty of room under the salary cap and two of the top 20 picks in the draft.
The Cowboys have No. 11 and they own Buffalo's first-rounder, which is 20th. It would improve a spot if St. Louis or Minnesota reach the Super Bowl.
Parcells worries that the available free agents may not play the positions he's looking to upgrade. Considering all the work that's needed, there should still be plenty of good candidates.