Cowboys stuff from PP

[dmq]

Well, PP is what I usually think of Pete Prisco's writing!

Notes: Galloway still has wheels to make Bucs scary
June 24, 2004
By Pete Prisco
SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!



Insider | Notes
TAMPA -- The man known for his speed sure isn't showing it on this day. As Joey Galloway slowly settles onto a chair, ice packs on both of his surgically repaired knees, he moves at a pace that certainly defies the notion that he can fly.

"Have to take care of these," he said pointing down at his knees.


Joey Galloway and Jon Gruden begin as a mutual admiration society.(AP)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his newest employer, certainly hope so. Despite the two surgeries, Galloway is still one of the fastest receivers in the game, a deep threat who puts fear in crowding corners.

"He gives you that rare instant acceleration, that blinding speed," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

The word around Tampa is that Gruden is giddy about Galloway, telling anyone and everyone how excited he is to have him in his offense. Seeing Gruden's face light up at the mere mention of Galloway's name confirms that excitement.

The Bucs acquired Galloway this spring in a trade from Dallas for disgruntled receiver Keyshawn Johnson, which is like trading a durable truck for a Ferrari that flies.

"I can run, everybody knows I can run," said Galloway. "That's what people think of me when my name is mentioned. That's the way it is."

Blazing 4.3 speed, which Galloway says he hasn't lost despite his knee surgeries, is quite a luxury for an offense, something Gruden has not had with the Bucs.

Since taking over the coaching duties in Tampa in 2002, Gruden has led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory, but even that team relied more on the dink-and-dunk passing game than anything vertical.

Then despite finishing sixth in the league in passing yards last season, the Bucs had just 47 passing plays of 20 yards or longer. By comparison, St. Louis had 70 and Tennessee and Minnesota had 67. As a team, Tampa Bay averaged 10.6 yards per catch, which ranked 29th in the league.

It clearly was more of a horizontal offense. Galloway will change that -- and he already has.

"Ask our defensive players," said Gruden. "We've had more explosive plays in this minicamp than we've had in two years."

Galloway came into the league as a first-round pick by Seattle in 1995 with the reputation for the big play. He didn't disappoint. In his first four seasons, he had 38 touchdowns and 72 catches of 20 yards or more.

But in 1999 he missed eight games in a contract dispute, which led to Seattle trading him to Dallas for two first-round picks the following spring. Dallas thought he'd be the speed guy to help Troy Aikman, but Galloway suffered a torn ACL in the first game that season.

Since then, he's had to deal with changing coaching staffs, inexperienced quarterbacks and the stigma that the Cowboys gave up way too much to get him.

"That stuff really didn't bother me as much as the losing did," Galloway said. "I hate to lose."

Galloway caught 34 passes last season, a career-low for any season in which he's played more than eight games. He was still able to average 19.8 yards per catch -- the best of his career -- which is a sign that he can still get deep.

"People think you have to lose a step when you get hurt like I did," said Galloway. "If you train like you haven't lost a step, than I don't think you will."

Galloway was in Mexico with some friends when he saw on television that he had been traded, the deal getting worked out when he agreed to a new contract. Getting the chance to play for Gruden was something Galloway badly wanted, something he wasn't going to let pass him by.

"I have tremendous confidence in coach Gruden," Galloway said. "He has the greatest knowledge of offensive football. He can do whatever he wants to do. He can beat whatever coverage he wants to beat, create whatever matchup he wants to make. I've never been around a guy as good as him. Going through some of the things I've gone through as a receiver, to have the chance to play for Gruden ... what more could a receiver want?"

Gruden is adept at creating matchups to his team's advantage, getting his players in a favorable position to make plays in the passing game. Galloway said Gruden already is devising new ways to get him singled up, and not just to make plays down the field. Gruden says Galloway is much more than just a straight-line speed guy.

"I look at him different than everyone else," Gruden said. "I don't see him as just a fast guy. I know what he could do with Seattle when I was at Oakland. He scared me to death when I was with the Raiders. What I see is a gung-ho guy who loves football and he's fast as hell and tough. We're trying to take Joey back to Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State), and get that edge back that made Joey one of the scariest guys in football."

Sitting in that chair with the ice packs on his knees during a break from minicamp work this week, with water dripping off his legs, it's hard to imagine Galloway scaring anybody. As he walked away from the interview, he did so slowly and carefully.

Is this really the speed guy who will open up the Tampa Bay offense?

"I can still run," Galloway said. "As fast as I ever did. You'll see."

If he can, the Tampa Bay offense may finally throw balls down the field instead of toward the sidelines, which is always a good thing.

Run, Joey, run.


Around the league

When Galloway heard about the recent on-field exchange between Cowboys receiver Antonio Bryant and coach Bill Parcells, it didn't shock him. Having spent the past two years with Bryant, and last season with Parcells, Galloway knew something could happen. "The Antonio thing was not a surprise to me," said Galloway. "He's wound tight and he's stuck in a situation where he can't get the chance to be the guy. He's coming into his third season and he wants the chance to be the guy. All of sudden, you bring in Keyshawn and Terry Glenn is there, guys who have years, and it's tough on a young guy. Eventually, it came to a head." Galloway said he had one verbal exchange with Parcells, but nothing that serious. "I got along with Bill as well as anyone can get along with Bill," Galloway said. One other thing Galloway heard about that exchange. There have been reports that Parcells was ready for a fight if indeed Bryant wanted one, but Galloway said Parcells talked the talk but when Bryant started back at him, that was the end of it. As for Bryant as a player, Galloway thinks he might have a beef. "He does some things I haven't seen many guys do," Galloway said. "He has special ability." Fans often seem to have a soft spot for those try-hard special teams players who somehow always seem to be the first guys around the ball on kicks and punts. Guys like former Buffalo Bills player Steve Tasker. Miami Dolphins fans might have a new one to fawn over in rookie linebacker Tony Bua. He has impressed the team with his ability to run under kicks and punts and he plays with a nastiness that will be evident when the pads go on in training camp. "That guy gets after it," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said. Bua is undersized at 5-feet-11, 218 pounds, and he played some safety at Arkansas, but there is no doubting his ability to hit people. We loved him coming out as a potential special-teams standout, and word out of Miami is that he's doing everything to confirm that assessment. Watch out for Boom Boom Bua.

There is some talk around the league that the Cowboys are considering making a run at a veteran back, perhaps Antowain Smith. But privately the Cowboys are excited about second-year player Rashard Lee. He didn't play last year, spending his time on the Cowboys practice squad, but at 5-10, 233 he has the power to run inside. If he has a good training camp, look for him to get some carries spelling rookie first-round pick Julius Jones. If the Cowboys are smart, they will refrain from signing a veteran back. Young players are the way to go at that position.
The Falcons are excited about what they've seen from veteran receiver Dez White, who was signed as a free agent. White has helped stretch the field, and word is he will get a chance to be the second receiver. But as one league scout cautioned: Let's wait until camp. "Without pads, he's always looked good," said the scout. "We know what he does when the pads go on. He isn't getting hit now. He would look good." White has been known to shy away from contact. "Look, the Bears aren't exactly loaded with receivers," said the scout. "If he could play, wouldn't he be there?" The Falcons are looking for a complement to Peerless Price, with the idea that White or rookie Michael Jenkins will push Brian Finneran for the starting job. White was a third-round pick by the Bears in 2000 and started 32 games. He caught 49 passes last season.

One of the saddest things I've seen on a football field in a long time happened Tuesday at Bucs minicamp. Receiver Sylvester Morris went down with a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his chance to play again. Morris, a first-round pick in 2000 by Kansas City, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during his rookie season with the Chiefs in 2000 and has spent the past three seasons trying to recover. He was viewed as a longshot to make the Tampa Bay roster, but when he went down, the concern by the players made it clear they were well aware of his road to get back on the field. They immediately responded to him being on the ground, and many came to him as he was loaded onto the cart. Sadly, that's probably the end of Morris' career. We'll never know how good he could have been, but before the injury he was big and fast with a long stride.

If you're looking for a rookie who might make a major impact on defense, look to New Orleans. And we're not talking about top pick Will Smith, either. The Saints are thrilled with what they've seen so far from rookie linebacker Courtney Watson, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame. Watson has picked up the defense as fast as any rookie they've had, and he handles himself like a veteran already. Watson will compete with Orlando Huff and Cie Grant for the starting middle linebacker job, but Watson might be the safest choice, if you can believe that about a rookie. Smith had some trouble with the heat during the team's recent minicamp, but he hasn't been around all offseason because his class didn't graduate until mid-June. The Saints staff feels he'll be fine during training camp.

Dennis Green is a good football coach. There's no arguing that. But his decision to name Emmitt Smith as a starter is a bad one. Smith doesn't have anything left. It takes him a month and a day to get to the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals should be starting Marcel Shipp, who is much faster to the hole. We give this move a couple of weeks into camp before it is reversed. The name Emmitt Smith means something, but he isn't the same player. That was clear last year. As one veteran player recently said, "Why doesn't Emmitt just retire?" Why should he? He's a starter now.


George remains in Tennessee limbo McMahon pleads no contest to DUI Lost SB ring returned to Patriots LB Hambrick faces challenge in Oakland 'Skins coach says Gibb me a break Haynesworth mellowing for Titans On Lookout for Next Gym Dandies ; Not Since Retton Has Diva Been in Spotlight - Rocky Mountain News

[Doomsday101]

I wish Galloway the best of luck in Tampa and have no hard feelings aginst the man.

[dmq]

Not a suprise that Parcells and Galloway had a little tiff. BP probably asked Galloway to stop running like a panzy!

[Doomsday101]

Not a suprise that Parcells and Galloway had a little tiff. BP probably asked Galloway to stop running like a panzy!

Come on Parcells has gotten in many tiffs with many player even those he likes a lot. That is Parcells, he love to push a guys buttons

[dmq]

Just kidding, but I have never been happy with Joey being here. I don't expect him to do that much in Tampa.

[Juke99]

In his book, Parcells talks about how he likes confrontation because it brings out the best in guys. Well, that said, he should have LOVED his exchange with Bryant.

And as far as Galloway is concerned, I think he took a lot of heat because of Jerry's stupidity in trading two number ones for him. It wasn't HIS fault that Jerry was a moron.

Expectations were set too high for the guy.

Last thought. Galloway obviously has talent. I think he is going to be on of those guys who is doomed to never reach his potential because of his surroundings. Look at how many different QB's (none of them very good) he has had during his career. AND he's never had a guy on the opposite side who required attention...a possession guy who could free him up to do what he does best.

[Hostile]

Notes: Galloway still has wheels to make Bucs scary
June 24, 2004
By Pete Prisco
SportsLine.com Senior Writer

TAMPA -- The man known for his speed sure isn't showing it on this day. As Joey Galloway slowly settles onto a chair, ice packs on both of his surgically repaired knees, he moves at a pace that certainly defies the notion that he can fly.

"Have to take care of these," he said pointing down at his knees.


Joey Galloway and Jon Gruden begin as a mutual admiration society.(AP)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his newest employer, certainly hope so. Despite the two surgeries, Galloway is still one of the fastest receivers in the game, a deep threat who puts fear in crowding corners.

"He gives you that rare instant acceleration, that blinding speed," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

The word around Tampa is that Gruden is giddy about Galloway, telling anyone and everyone how excited he is to have him in his offense. Seeing Gruden's face light up at the mere mention of Galloway's name confirms that excitement.

The Bucs acquired Galloway this spring in a trade from Dallas for disgruntled receiver Keyshawn Johnson, which is like trading a durable truck for a Ferrari that flies.

"I can run, everybody knows I can run," said Galloway. "That's what people think of me when my name is mentioned. That's the way it is."

Blazing 4.3 speed, which Galloway says he hasn't lost despite his knee surgeries, is quite a luxury for an offense, something Gruden has not had with the Bucs.

Since taking over the coaching duties in Tampa in 2002, Gruden has led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory, but even that team relied more on the dink-and-dunk passing game than anything vertical.

Then despite finishing sixth in the league in passing yards last season, the Bucs had just 47 passing plays of 20 yards or longer. By comparison, St. Louis had 70 and Tennessee and Minnesota had 67. As a team, Tampa Bay averaged 10.6 yards per catch, which ranked 29th in the league.

It clearly was more of a horizontal offense. Galloway will change that -- and he already has.

"Ask our defensive players," said Gruden. "We've had more explosive plays in this minicamp than we've had in two years."

Galloway came into the league as a first-round pick by Seattle in 1995 with the reputation for the big play. He didn't disappoint. In his first four seasons, he had 38 touchdowns and 72 catches of 20 yards or more.

But in 1999 he missed eight games in a contract dispute, which led to Seattle trading him to Dallas for two first-round picks the following spring. Dallas thought he'd be the speed guy to help Troy Aikman, but Galloway suffered a torn ACL in the first game that season.

Since then, he's had to deal with changing coaching staffs, inexperienced quarterbacks and the stigma that the Cowboys gave up way too much to get him.

"That stuff really didn't bother me as much as the losing did," Galloway said. "I hate to lose."

Galloway caught 34 passes last season, a career-low for any season in which he's played more than eight games. He was still able to average 19.8 yards per catch -- the best of his career -- which is a sign that he can still get deep.

"People think you have to lose a step when you get hurt like I did," said Galloway. "If you train like you haven't lost a step, than I don't think you will."

Galloway was in Mexico with some friends when he saw on television that he had been traded, the deal getting worked out when he agreed to a new contract. Getting the chance to play for Gruden was something Galloway badly wanted, something he wasn't going to let pass him by.

"I have tremendous confidence in coach Gruden," Galloway said. "He has the greatest knowledge of offensive football. He can do whatever he wants to do. He can beat whatever coverage he wants to beat, create whatever matchup he wants to make. I've never been around a guy as good as him. Going through some of the things I've gone through as a receiver, to have the chance to play for Gruden ... what more could a receiver want?"

Gruden is adept at creating matchups to his team's advantage, getting his players in a favorable position to make plays in the passing game. Galloway said Gruden already is devising new ways to get him singled up, and not just to make plays down the field. Gruden says Galloway is much more than just a straight-line speed guy.

"I look at him different than everyone else," Gruden said. "I don't see him as just a fast guy. I know what he could do with Seattle when I was at Oakland. He scared me to death when I was with the Raiders. What I see is a gung-ho guy who loves football and he's fast as hell and tough. We're trying to take Joey back to Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State), and get that edge back that made Joey one of the scariest guys in football."

Sitting in that chair with the ice packs on his knees during a break from minicamp work this week, with water dripping off his legs, it's hard to imagine Galloway scaring anybody. As he walked away from the interview, he did so slowly and carefully.

Is this really the speed guy who will open up the Tampa Bay offense?

"I can still run," Galloway said. "As fast as I ever did. You'll see."

If he can, the Tampa Bay offense may finally throw balls down the field instead of toward the sidelines, which is always a good thing.

Run, Joey, run.


Around the league

When Galloway heard about the recent on-field exchange between Cowboys receiver Antonio Bryant and coach Bill Parcells, it didn't shock him. Having spent the past two years with Bryant, and last season with Parcells, Galloway knew something could happen. "The Antonio thing was not a surprise to me," said Galloway. "He's wound tight and he's stuck in a situation where he can't get the chance to be the guy. He's coming into his third season and he wants the chance to be the guy. All of sudden, you bring in Keyshawn and Terry Glenn is there, guys who have years, and it's tough on a young guy. Eventually, it came to a head." Galloway said he had one verbal exchange with Parcells, but nothing that serious. "I got along with Bill as well as anyone can get along with Bill," Galloway said. One other thing Galloway heard about that exchange. There have been reports that Parcells was ready for a fight if indeed Bryant wanted one, but Galloway said Parcells talked the talk but when Bryant started back at him, that was the end of it. As for Bryant as a player, Galloway thinks he might have a beef. "He does some things I haven't seen many guys do," Galloway said. "He has special ability."

Fans often seem to have a soft spot for those try-hard special teams players who somehow always seem to be the first guys around the ball on kicks and punts. Guys like former Buffalo Bills player Steve Tasker. Miami Dolphins fans might have a new one to fawn over in rookie linebacker Tony Bua. He has impressed the team with his ability to run under kicks and punts and he plays with a nastiness that will be evident when the pads go on in training camp. "That guy gets after it," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said. Bua is undersized at 5-feet-11, 218 pounds, and he played some safety at Arkansas, but there is no doubting his ability to hit people. We loved him coming out as a potential special-teams standout, and word out of Miami is that he's doing everything to confirm that assessment. Watch out for Boom Boom Bua.

There is some talk around the league that the Cowboys are considering making a run at a veteran back, perhaps Antowain Smith. But privately the Cowboys are excited about second-year player Rashard Lee. He didn't play last year, spending his time on the Cowboys practice squad, but at 5-10, 233 he has the power to run inside. If he has a good training camp, look for him to get some carries spelling rookie first-round pick Julius Jones. If the Cowboys are smart, they will refrain from signing a veteran back. Young players are the way to go at that position.

The Falcons are excited about what they've seen from veteran receiver Dez White, who was signed as a free agent. White has helped stretch the field, and word is he will get a chance to be the second receiver. But as one league scout cautioned: Let's wait until camp. "Without pads, he's always looked good," said the scout. "We know what he does when the pads go on. He isn't getting hit now. He would look good." White has been known to shy away from contact. "Look, the Bears aren't exactly loaded with receivers," said the scout. "If he could play, wouldn't he be there?" The Falcons are looking for a complement to Peerless Price, with the idea that White or rookie Michael Jenkins will push Brian Finneran for the starting job. White was a third-round pick by the Bears in 2000 and started 32 games. He caught 49 passes last season.

One of the saddest things I've seen on a football field in a long time happened Tuesday at Bucs minicamp. Receiver Sylvester Morris went down with a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his chance to play again. Morris, a first-round pick in 2000 by Kansas City, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during his rookie season with the Chiefs in 2000 and has spent the past three seasons trying to recover. He was viewed as a longshot to make the Tampa Bay roster, but when he went down, the concern by the players made it clear they were well aware of his road to get back on the field. They immediately responded to him being on the ground, and many came to him as he was loaded onto the cart. Sadly, that's probably the end of Morris' career. We'll never know how good he could have been, but before the injury he was big and fast with a long stride.

If you're looking for a rookie who might make a major impact on defense, look to New Orleans. And we're not talking about top pick Will Smith, either. The Saints are thrilled with what they've seen so far from rookie linebacker Courtney Watson, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame. Watson has picked up the defense as fast as any rookie they've had, and he handles himself like a veteran already. Watson will compete with Orlando Huff and Cie Grant for the starting middle linebacker job, but Watson might be the safest choice, if you can believe that about a rookie. Smith had some trouble with the heat during the team's recent minicamp, but he hasn't been around all offseason because his class didn't graduate until mid-June. The Saints staff feels he'll be fine during training camp.

Dennis Green is a good football coach. There's no arguing that. But his decision to name Emmitt Smith as a starter is a bad one. Smith doesn't have anything left. It takes him a month and a day to get to the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals should be starting Marcel Shipp, who is much faster to the hole. We give this move a couple of weeks into camp before it is reversed. The name Emmitt Smith means something, but he isn't the same player. That was clear last year. As one veteran player recently said, "Why doesn't Emmitt just retire?" Why should he? He's a starter now.

[Smith22]

Repost I believe.

[LaTunaNostra]

Oh. So Joey "got along with Tuna about as well as anyone could get along with Tuna".

That means he'll be joing the ranks of the many, many many players who credit Bill Parcells with being not just the instrumental coach in their lives, but the influential person.

Gallowaste was on Total Access this week tossing both subtle and pointed barbs at Tuna.

I hated the little twerp's game last year, but now he's shown how unprofessional he is, it won't be difficult to extend the sentiment to the man himself.

PUNK. I hope he gets booed out of Tampa.

[Chocolate Lab]

What did Galloway say that was so bad?

Whatever it was, it can't have been even close to what Keyshawn said and did regarding Gruden.

[LaTunaNostra]

What did Galloway say that was so bad?

The usual digs at Tuna's ability to coach an offense, the difficulty of getting along with him, and the insinuations of the great great loss Parcells caused the Cowboys by not understanding what he had in one Joey Galloway.

Whatever it was, it can't have been even close to what Keyshawn said and did regarding Gruden.

Correct, CL! ;) But I don't give a hoot what anyone says about Jon
Gruden.

I care what is said about Bill Parcells.

Joey isn't the first player ever sent packing for not getting the job done. And not the first to be making sour grapes remarks. Of course, he's got a nice little audience in Tampa, where some fans and media still hold it against Bill for backing out of the coaching job there, regardless of the fact they then scored Gruden.

But JG's no better than Tham in Oakland, really, with the boo-hooing about how other areas of the team kept him down. They are having a minicamp in Tampa and Joey managed to get some whining in about the QB situation in Dallas.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040625/SPORTS/406250599/1006

Yeah, we know you were drafted for Aikman, but that's just tough luck. Make the most of it. I don't hear Terry whining that Quincy isn't Drew Bledsoe. Or Key that he's NEVER played with an elite QB.

It will be an interesting little side plot this season, how Key does with the coach
he loves in a system that suits him, and how Joey does in the self same situation. (He just read Gruden's book, but I don't recall him saying he read Bill's last summer. Maybe if he HAD. he'd have understood being a fat cat self-complacent wuss treating the middle of the field like a plutonium dump was not the way to impress Bill Parcells. But obviously he's learned he's got to TRY this year, or at least he's paying lip serve to it).

I hope Gallowaste stays 100% healthy this year.

And ends up with 30 receptions.

[big dog cowboy]

Dennis Green is a good football coach. There's no arguing that. But his decision to name Emmitt Smith as a starter is a bad one. Smith doesn't have anything left. It takes him a month and a day to get to the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals should be starting Marcel Shipp, who is much faster to the hole. We give this move a couple of weeks into camp before it is reversed. The name Emmitt Smith means something, but he isn't the same player. That was clear last year. As one veteran player recently said, "Why doesn't Emmitt just retire?" Why should he? He's a starter now.

I would love to hear Emmitt's response to this.

[p1_]

Notes: Galloway still has wheels to make Bucs scary
June 24, 2004
By Pete Prisco
SportsLine.com Senior Writer

TAMPA -- The man known for his speed sure isn't showing it on this day. As Joey Galloway slowly settles onto a chair, ice packs on both of his surgically repaired knees, he moves at a pace that certainly defies the notion that he can fly.

"Have to take care of these," he said pointing down at his knees.


Joey Galloway and Jon Gruden begin as a mutual admiration society.(AP)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his newest employer, certainly hope so. Despite the two surgeries, Galloway is still one of the fastest receivers in the game, a deep threat who puts fear in crowding corners.

"He gives you that rare instant acceleration, that blinding speed," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

The word around Tampa is that Gruden is giddy about Galloway, telling anyone and everyone how excited he is to have him in his offense. Seeing Gruden's face light up at the mere mention of Galloway's name confirms that excitement.

The Bucs acquired Galloway this spring in a trade from Dallas for disgruntled receiver Keyshawn Johnson, which is like trading a durable truck for a Ferrari that flies.

"I can run, everybody knows I can run," said Galloway. "That's what people think of me when my name is mentioned. That's the way it is."

Blazing 4.3 speed, which Galloway says he hasn't lost despite his knee surgeries, is quite a luxury for an offense, something Gruden has not had with the Bucs.

Since taking over the coaching duties in Tampa in 2002, Gruden has led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory, but even that team relied more on the dink-and-dunk passing game than anything vertical.

Then despite finishing sixth in the league in passing yards last season, the Bucs had just 47 passing plays of 20 yards or longer. By comparison, St. Louis had 70 and Tennessee and Minnesota had 67. As a team, Tampa Bay averaged 10.6 yards per catch, which ranked 29th in the league.

It clearly was more of a horizontal offense. Galloway will change that -- and he already has.

"Ask our defensive players," said Gruden. "We've had more explosive plays in this minicamp than we've had in two years."

Galloway came into the league as a first-round pick by Seattle in 1995 with the reputation for the big play. He didn't disappoint. In his first four seasons, he had 38 touchdowns and 72 catches of 20 yards or more.

But in 1999 he missed eight games in a contract dispute, which led to Seattle trading him to Dallas for two first-round picks the following spring. Dallas thought he'd be the speed guy to help Troy Aikman, but Galloway suffered a torn ACL in the first game that season.

Since then, he's had to deal with changing coaching staffs, inexperienced quarterbacks and the stigma that the Cowboys gave up way too much to get him.

"That stuff really didn't bother me as much as the losing did," Galloway said. "I hate to lose."

Galloway caught 34 passes last season, a career-low for any season in which he's played more than eight games. He was still able to average 19.8 yards per catch -- the best of his career -- which is a sign that he can still get deep.

"People think you have to lose a step when you get hurt like I did," said Galloway. "If you train like you haven't lost a step, than I don't think you will."

Galloway was in Mexico with some friends when he saw on television that he had been traded, the deal getting worked out when he agreed to a new contract. Getting the chance to play for Gruden was something Galloway badly wanted, something he wasn't going to let pass him by.

"I have tremendous confidence in coach Gruden," Galloway said. "He has the greatest knowledge of offensive football. He can do whatever he wants to do. He can beat whatever coverage he wants to beat, create whatever matchup he wants to make. I've never been around a guy as good as him. Going through some of the things I've gone through as a receiver, to have the chance to play for Gruden ... what more could a receiver want?"

Gruden is adept at creating matchups to his team's advantage, getting his players in a favorable position to make plays in the passing game. Galloway said Gruden already is devising new ways to get him singled up, and not just to make plays down the field. Gruden says Galloway is much more than just a straight-line speed guy.

"I look at him different than everyone else," Gruden said. "I don't see him as just a fast guy. I know what he could do with Seattle when I was at Oakland. He scared me to death when I was with the Raiders. What I see is a gung-ho guy who loves football and he's fast as hell and tough. We're trying to take Joey back to Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State), and get that edge back that made Joey one of the scariest guys in football."

Sitting in that chair with the ice packs on his knees during a break from minicamp work this week, with water dripping off his legs, it's hard to imagine Galloway scaring anybody. As he walked away from the interview, he did so slowly and carefully.

Is this really the speed guy who will open up the Tampa Bay offense?

"I can still run," Galloway said. "As fast as I ever did. You'll see."

If he can, the Tampa Bay offense may finally throw balls down the field instead of toward the sidelines, which is always a good thing.

Run, Joey, run.

When Galloway heard about the recent on-field exchange between Cowboys receiver Antonio Bryant and coach Bill Parcells, it didn't shock him. Having spent the past two years with Bryant, and last season with Parcells, Galloway knew something could happen. "The Antonio thing was not a surprise to me," said Galloway. "He's wound tight and he's stuck in a situation where he can't get the chance to be the guy. He's coming into his third season and he wants the chance to be the guy. All of sudden, you bring in Keyshawn and Terry Glenn is there, guys who have years, and it's tough on a young guy. Eventually, it came to a head." Galloway said he had one verbal exchange with Parcells, but nothing that serious. "I got along with Bill as well as anyone can get along with Bill," Galloway said. One other thing Galloway heard about that exchange. There have been reports that Parcells was ready for a fight if indeed Bryant wanted one, but Galloway said Parcells talked the talk but when Bryant started back at him, that was the end of it. As for Bryant as a player, Galloway thinks he might have a beef. "He does some things I haven't seen many guys do," Galloway said. "He has special ability."

Fans often seem to have a soft spot for those try-hard special teams players who somehow always seem to be the first guys around the ball on kicks and punts. Guys like former Buffalo Bills player Steve Tasker. Miami Dolphins fans might have a new one to fawn over in rookie linebacker Tony Bua. He has impressed the team with his ability to run under kicks and punts and he plays with a nastiness that will be evident when the pads go on in training camp. "That guy gets after it," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said. Bua is undersized at 5-feet-11, 218 pounds, and he played some safety at Arkansas, but there is no doubting his ability to hit people. We loved him coming out as a potential special-teams standout, and word out of Miami is that he's doing everything to confirm that assessment. Watch out for Boom Boom Bua.

There is some talk around the league that the Cowboys are considering making a run at a veteran back, perhaps Antowain Smith. But privately the Cowboys are excited about second-year player Rashard Lee. He didn't play last year, spending his time on the Cowboys practice squad, but at 5-10, 233 he has the power to run inside. If he has a good training camp, look for him to get some carries spelling rookie first-round pick Julius Jones. If the Cowboys are smart, they will refrain from signing a veteran back. Young players are the way to go at that position.

The Falcons are excited about what they've seen from veteran receiver Dez White, who was signed as a free agent. White has helped stretch the field, and word is he will get a chance to be the second receiver. But as one league scout cautioned: Let's wait until camp. "Without pads, he's always looked good," said the scout. "We know what he does when the pads go on. He isn't getting hit now. He would look good." White has been known to shy away from contact. "Look, the Bears aren't exactly loaded with receivers," said the scout. "If he could play, wouldn't he be there?" The Falcons are looking for a complement to Peerless Price, with the idea that White or rookie Michael Jenkins will push Brian Finneran for the starting job. White was a third-round pick by the Bears in 2000 and started 32 games. He caught 49 passes last season.

One of the saddest things I've seen on a football field in a long time happened Tuesday at Bucs minicamp. Receiver Sylvester Morris went down with a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his chance to play again. Morris, a first-round pick in 2000 by Kansas City, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during his rookie season with the Chiefs in 2000 and has spent the past three seasons trying to recover. He was viewed as a longshot to make the Tampa Bay roster, but when he went down, the concern by the players made it clear they were well aware of his road to get back on the field. They immediately responded to him being on the ground, and many came to him as he was loaded onto the cart. Sadly, that's probably the end of Morris' career. We'll never know how good he could have been, but before the injury he was big and fast with a long stride.

If you're looking for a rookie who might make a major impact on defense, look to New Orleans. And we're not talking about top pick Will Smith, either. The Saints are thrilled with what they've seen so far from rookie linebacker Courtney Watson, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame. Watson has picked up the defense as fast as any rookie they've had, and he handles himself like a veteran already. Watson will compete with Orlando Huff and Cie Grant for the starting middle linebacker job, but Watson might be the safest choice, if you can believe that about a rookie. Smith had some trouble with the heat during the team's recent minicamp, but he hasn't been around all offseason because his class didn't graduate until mid-June. The Saints staff feels he'll be fine during training camp.

Dennis Green is a good football coach. There's no arguing that. But his decision to name Emmitt Smith as a starter is a bad one. Smith doesn't have anything left. It takes him a month and a day to get to the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals should be starting Marcel Shipp, who is much faster to the hole. We give this move a couple of weeks into camp before it is reversed. The name Emmitt Smith means something, but he isn't the same player. That was clear last year. As one veteran player recently said, "Why doesn't Emmitt just retire?" Why should he? He's a starter now.

[TruBlueCowboy]

I have nothing but the best wishes for Galloway. We wasted a lot of money on him but he was always a classy guy who never had tantrums, blame fests and some of the other traps high paid athletes fall into when the team starts to lose.

[slick325]

The most important thing we should glean from this article is Coach Parcells should have an open competition for EVERY position including WIDE RECEIVER. Galloway, unlike any of us has played the same position with AB for two seasons and stated "he does some things I haven't seen many guys do.......He has special ability". If camp finishes and AB has outplayed Key or Glenn he should start! I just want Coach Parcells to hold no grudge and not play favorites in camp/preseason allowing the kid to be the playmaker he can be. Sorry LTN but I don't know if Terry Glenn will be a starter if there is a truly open competition.

[LaTunaNostra]

Sorry LTN but I don't know if Terry Glenn will be a starter if there is a truly open competition.

I can take it slick, lol.

I think there will be an open competition, even if Bill is still ticked off at AB. Heck, maybe especially if Bill's still ticked at AB.

Last year Terry came in as the 3, and due to his experience in running many different patterns, reading defenses, ability to help young QBs, etc, he was the better bet than AB, even if he was not utilized to the best of his abilities as an erstwhile possession receiver. Tuna didn't hand him the slot...he was just more polished than AB.

This summer that could all change. "Year three" has been a major one for many a receiver. I won't be upset if Terry is third on the depth chart - he'll see plenty of action, and like one of the DMN columnists wrote so accurately recently, "starting" in this offense might mean little more than getting introduced at the game's start. It's going to be a complicated O with many differerent personnel packages - all good players will get their chance to shine. Specially those who can do more things.

In Bill's words last year, Terry had lost "half a step but none of his quickness" since Bill coached him in 96, but eventually all succumb to time - unless you play in Oakland. I believe T has some very good football left in him, (especially with Key on the field) but when the time comes to make way for any receiver with more skill, talent , or upside, hey, that's life.

One thing I don't worry about is Bill playing favorites. Like's been said "he has favorites, but he doesn't play favorites." When AB brings more to the table than Terry, he'll be starting, and that could be this year..

http://photos.imageevent.com/hermsherald/key/small/terrybanner4.jpg
..by IRVINITE

[Hostile]

I can take it slick, lol.

One thing I don't worry about is Bill playing favorites. Like's been said "he has favorites, but he doesn't play favorites." When AB brings more to the table than Terry, he'll be starting, and that could be this year.
Maybe I'm still reeling form the medication, but I just found that take on who Parcells starts and how we react to it to be a refreshing change from the norm. Thank you very much.

~Nodding Appreciatively~

[LaTunaNostra]

Maybe I'm still reeling form the medication, but I just found that take on who Parcells starts and how we react to it to be a refreshing change from the norm. Thank you very much.

~Nodding Appreciatively~


I can afford to be magnaminous, Th. After Galloway (who since he was the most similar to Terry, was his "real" competition) got sent packing. ;)

I'm trying to think of a situation in which Tuna played a "favorite" over a guy who was more deserving to play. Can't remember any on the Jets or Pats anyway. I don't really remember if at the Jints he played past his peak for sentimental reasons, but I sort of doubt it. At the Jets he platooned "stars" like Atwood and top ten draft picks like Farrior. Too bad if they didn't like it. Kyle Brady, tough.

Bill was very fond of a tail he drafted named Leon Johnson, aka. The Natural. So fond of him that when he suffered one of his critical injuries, Bill kept him active and around for extra days to make sure he got an extra amount of insurance..might have been a vestment issue. (where Bill's favoritism did show itself was in paying too much to guys who had performed well for him..which is why you are lucky he is NOT a GM here). But when another better performing "favorite" came in, Curtis Martin, Johnson had to play second fiddle. For all the publicized love between Tuna and Curtis, Bill was also crazy about Leon, who got wrecked by knee injuries. Parmalee, Megget, (another one he calls "honey"), he loved them too, but when their time was up, it was up.

He does like his right "mix" of youth and vet experience, tho, so it might look like his old guys are getting favored. That's because what they're bringing is stability, mentoring, fewer mistakes, and usually, more diversity of skills. Did he really want to have Richie on the field so much last year? I don't think so. But as RA's receiving skill became more and more critical, Martins' power blocking, important as it was, often seemed to play second fiddle.

TH, call me a BC homer, but I'm dying to see what Tuna does with Sean Ryan this year. Certainly he is not going to compete with Witten as a receiving TE. Certainly Campbell's experience and toughness aren't going to be ignored. But I think Tuna (from press reports)is real real high on this kid, and it will be interesting to see how he's employed.

[jterrell]

In his book, Parcells talks about how he likes confrontation because it brings out the best in guys. Well, that said, he should have LOVED his exchange with Bryant.

And as far as Galloway is concerned, I think he took a lot of heat because of Jerry's stupidity in trading two number ones for him. It wasn't HIS fault that Jerry was a moron.

Expectations were set too high for the guy.

Last thought. Galloway obviously has talent. I think he is going to be on of those guys who is doomed to never reach his potential because of his surroundings. Look at how many different QB's (none of them very good) he has had during his career. AND he's never had a guy on the opposite side who required attention...a possession guy who could free him up to do what he does best.

The QB excuse just doesnt fly. Galloway has never been a true lead Wr and someone has to for each team each year. There is a reason he has always had middling catch totals. He is a great explosion guy but not a consistent threat. He drops lots of passes, runs sloppy routes and quits on plays when he doesnt think he is open.

Look at his career totals and they tell the story as they usually do when a guy has had 8 years.

Galloway is as likely to finish 3rd in catches for the Bucs as he is to finish 1st. He could very well have more TD catches than KJ but he wont catch as many balls or have as many first downs.

[Nors]

I can afford to be magnaminous, Th. After Galloway (who since he was the most similar to Terry, was his "real" competition) got sent packing. ;)

I'm trying to think of a situation in which Tuna played a "favorite" over a guy who was more deserving to play. Can't remember any on the Jets or Pats anyway. I don't really remember if at the Jints he played past his peak for sentimental reasons, but I sort of doubt it. At the Jets he platooned "stars" like Atwood and top ten draft picks like Farrior. Too bad if they didn't like it. Kyle Brady, tough.

Bill was very fond of a tail he drafted named Leon Johnson, aka. The Natural. So fond of him that when he suffered one of his critical injuries, Bill kept him active and around for extra days to make sure he got an extra amount of insurance..might have been a vestment issue. (where Bill's favoritism did show itself was in paying too much to guys who had performed well for him..which is why you are lucky he is NOT a GM here). But when another better performing "favorite" came in, Curtis Martin, Johnson had to play second fiddle. For all the publicized love between Tuna and Curtis, Bill was also crazy about Leon, who got wrecked by knee injuries. Parmalee, Megget, (another one he calls "honey"), he loved them too, but when their time was up, it was up.

He does like his right "mix" of youth and vet experience, tho, so it might look like his old guys are getting favored. That's because what they're bringing is stability, mentoring, fewer mistakes, and usually, more diversity of skills. Did he really want to have Richie on the field so much last year? I don't think so. But as RA's receiving skill became more and more critical, Martins' power blocking, important as it was, often seemed to play second fiddle.

TH, call me a BC homer, but I'm dying to see what Tuna does with Sean Ryan this year. Certainly he is not going to compete with Witten as a receiving TE. Certainly Campbell's experience and toughness aren't going to be ignored. But I think Tuna (from press reports)is real real high on this kid, and it will be interesting to see how he's employed.

When I read that name in Coyle's pub I knew he was a Cowboy. My sons are Sean and Ryan!

Me thinks Robinson/Whalen may be on the outs. Who else can LS here?

[slick325]

Maybe I'm still reeling form the medication, but I just found that take on who Parcells starts and how we react to it to be a refreshing change from the norm. Thank you very much.

~Nodding Appreciatively~


Hostile,
If you don't mind I would like to piggyback your reply, minus the reeling from medication. :)

LTN,
I agree with you that Glenn was the better of the two last season and as a matter of fact of the WR's he was by far our best. I also respect your take that if Glenn is beaten out so be it. The competition at all postions if fierce, will be for the betterment of the team as a whole.

[Skeptic]

I wish Galloway the best of luck in Tampa and have no hard feelings aginst the man.

Those two firsts may take two decades to get out of my craw.

I'd be personally happy if Galloway does exactly what he did for us in Dallas....not a damn thing.

Here's hoping we got the upside of the schwartz.