ESPN.com: Parcells to take 'close' look at waiver wire

[802dave]

ESPN.com: NFL

Thursday, September 2, 2004
Parcells to take 'close' look at waiver wire

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IRVING, Texas (AP) -- After seeing the way his aging running back, even older quarterback and questionable group of cornerbacks closed the preseason, Bill Parcells considers the Dallas Cowboys still a work in progress.

"I'm going to be looking at the waiver wire, that's for sure. I'm going to be looking pretty close," Parcells said following a 24-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. "We've got to try to improve our talent level a little bit. Anybody can tell from looking at us."

Dallas' starters were unimpressive, with Vinny Testaverde hitting nearly as many defensive backs as receivers and Eddie George having more carries than yards. Kansas City was slowed early by penalties, then had consecutive touchdown drives by throwing at the Cowboys' right cornerbacks.

Once both teams started taking out their starters, Dallas backup quarterback Tony Romo led three straight scoring drives and the defense made it hold up. The Cowboys finished the preseason 3-1, Kansas City went 1-3.

Romo, who never played as an undrafted rookie last season, went 12-for-14 for 141 yards. He drove for a field goal just before halftime and led TD drives of 70 and 65 yards in the third quarter, taking the Cowboys from down 14-7 to ahead 24-14.

Romo likely won the second-string spot, especially since Drew Henson went 0-for-4 with an interception on his first pass.

"I've been gaining confidence each week," said Romo, who ran for the winning touchdown in the last minute of another preseason game. "I was able to get into a rhythm tonight and our wide receivers and offensive line did great work."

Even in defeat, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil felt good because starting quarterback Trent Green completed 7-of-9 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown, then backup Todd Collins went 5-for-5 for 104 yards with a 53-yard TD pass.

"They put in a pretty good day's work," Vermeil said. "Both quarterbacks can keep performing the way they have been and I will stay happy."

Third-stringer Damon Huard played nearly the entire second half, but managed only two field goals. He failed to convert third-and-4 from the 9 for the second field goal, then, on the next drive, the Chiefs had a third-and-2 from the Dallas 10 and ended up turning the ball over on downs.

Kansas City's Pro Bowl safety Jerome Woods had an interception in his return from a hamstring injury and Lawrence Tynes continued his bid to beat out Morten Andersen by making fourth-quarter field goals of 46 and 27 yards.

The most important thing in all preseason finales is avoiding injuries. The most serious was Dallas offensive lineman Stephen Peterman, a third-round pick, hurting his right knee and likely going out for the season.

This was the third game in 11 days for both teams, with Dallas just three days removed from its last outing. Vermeil said the short turnaround time means "it becomes the entertainment business then."

It wasn't too entertaining when the Cowboys' first-team offense was playing.

Testaverde was 4-of-10 for 40 yards, with Woods' interception. He missed Keyshawn Johnson all five times he threw his way; cornerback William Bartee came closer to catching the first two and the last one was redeemed by a pass interference call.

George gained just eight yards on nine carries against the Chiefs' first-team defense, which isn't good against the run. He finished the preseason with 51 yards on 24 carries.

His longest this game went three yards. His last two went for minus-four yards and no gain.

George especially looked slow on a pitch to the left side. A hole was open, but closed by the time he arrived; he gained just two yards.

"I have to relax as much as possible and take what the defense gives me," George said. "I'll continue to work hard, look at my mistakes and move on."

George looked even worse when 32-year-old Richie Anderson ran for six yards and 31 on the next two plays. George returned to cap the drive by scoring from the 3, breaking one tackle at the line to step into the end zone for his first touchdown of the preseason.

The Cowboys never turned to their future at the position, rookie Julius Jones, because he hurt his ribs Monday night.

"If this was the regular season, there would've been a lot more pressure on him to play," Parcells said. "He's going to have to suck it up when it counts."

[Eddie]

I can hear the grumblings for Mario Edwards all the way from NY!!! Fugget it.

Don't forget ... the Chiefs have one of the highest octane offenses in the NFL. Trent Green is a top notch QB who top tier WR's ...

We have our jitters and our fears ... but we were in WORSE shape last year. We can't solve all our problems, this is a journey.

The RCB slot is a concern ... but then again, it's been a freakin' concern since the Larry Brown days. Relax!!!

[dbair1967]

I can hear the grumblings for Mario Edwards all the way from NY!!! Fugget it.

Don't forget ... the Chiefs have one of the highest octane offenses in the NFL. Trent Green is a top notch QB who top tier WR's ...

We have our jitters and our fears ... but we were in WORSE shape last year. We can't solve all our problems, this is a journey.

The RCB slot is a concern ... but then again, it's been a freakin' concern since the Larry Brown days. Relax!!!

the RCB isnt the only thing wrong with this defense right now...they just arnt playing very well...arnt consistently stopping the run, most of the DB's acting like they cant cover a lick, defense as awhole showing no agressiveness whatsoever...I know Parcells said the other day there is alot of stuff we havent seen yet, but playing "vanilla" is no excuse for being lost in coverage and not being able to tackle

David

[lkelly]

Don't forget ... the Chiefs have one of the highest octane offenses in the NFL. Trent Green is a top notch QB who top tier WR's ...


It is a little hard to decipher what you are saying, but if you are trying to state that the Chiefs have top WRs, I'm wondering what list it is you are using for comparison. It's probably a safe bet that they don't have anyone in the top 20 WRs in the entire NFL. As a whole they may have one of the three worst WR groups in the league along with the Bears and Chargers. The Ravens could be lumped into that group as well.

They have a high octane offense, but not because of WR talent.

[Eddie]

Well guys ... it is what it is. You guys grumble so much, I wonder if you even enjoy watching the game.

Take a chill pill and enjoy the sport. It's called "escapism" ... the sport allows us to focus on something other than our "real" problems: debt, bills, payments, illness, unemployment, lack of jobs, social inequalities, cost of living, price of gas, fat wives ...

There's nothing you or I can do about the RCB position or stopping the run or pressuring the QB ... just chill and relax. Scream at the TV with your friends, and enjoy what the sport brings for us. :D

[Chocolate Lab]

the RCB isnt the only thing wrong with this defense right now...they just arnt playing very well...arnt consistently stopping the run, most of the DB's acting like they cant cover a lick, defense as awhole showing no agressiveness whatsoever...I know Parcells said the other day there is alot of stuff we havent seen yet, but playing "vanilla" is no excuse for being lost in coverage and not being able to tackle

David

On the post game show, Greg Ellis was interviewed, and Brad Sham was trying to get him to say which side he preferred. Greg, being such a team guy, wouldn't do it despite Sham's best attempts. Then Sham asked him if he even knew which side he'd be playing against Minny, and he said he had no idea, he'd just line up wherever Coach Parcells told him.

It's not a good sign IMO when the last preseason game is over and veterans don't even know where they're going to be lining up in the first game!

[VThokie7]

I can hear the grumblings for Mario Edwards all the way from NY!!! Fugget it.

Don't forget ... the Chiefs have one of the highest octane offenses in the NFL. Trent Green is a top notch QB who top tier WR's ...

We have our jitters and our fears ... but we were in WORSE shape last year. We can't solve all our problems, this is a journey.

The RCB slot is a concern ... but then again, it's been a freakin' concern since the Larry Brown days. Relax!!!

They don't have one of the most high octane offenses in the league when their top 3 WRs are out with injurys.

[Wulfman]

the RCB isnt the only thing wrong with this defense right now...they just arnt playing very well...arnt consistently stopping the run, most of the DB's acting like they cant cover a lick, defense as awhole showing no agressiveness whatsoever...I know Parcells said the other day there is alot of stuff we havent seen yet, but playing "vanilla" is no excuse for being lost in coverage and not being able to tackle

David

The run defense was shaky early in preseason, but has steadily been getting better. Eaton's presence helps, and Carson is getting better without all of the two a days to bother his knee. They only gave up 80 yards on 28 attempts last night, a whopping 2.86 yards per carry. I'll take that all day long...

[dbair1967]

The run defense was shaky early in preseason, but has steadily been getting better. Eaton's presence helps, and Carson is getting better without all of the two a days to bother his knee. They only gave up 80 yards on 28 attempts last night, a whopping 2.86 yards per carry. I'll take that all day long...

It got better in the 2nd half in scrub time, but against the Chiefs 1st teamers and backup RB with the 1st team OL, our defense didnt do a good job vs the run

hopefully it will improve, but so far it hasnt been solid and certainly not excellent

It looks like Eaton might be a solid addition to the front 4 though

David

[Wulfman]

It got better in the 2nd half in scrub time, but against the Chiefs 1st teamers and backup RB with the 1st team OL, our defense didnt do a good job vs the run

With the exception of one drive, I will beg to differ.

The Chiefs had the ball 4 times in the first half. Here is a breakdown of their run plays:

1st Drive
Holmes gained 3 yds.

2nd Drive
Holmes gained 1 yd
Holmes gained 8 yds
Blaylock gained 1 yd, fumble, Dallas ball (Fumble caused and recovered by D-line)

3rd Drive
Blaylock gained 2 yds
Dante Hall gained 6 yds on reverse
Blaylock lost 2 yds
Trent Green gained 1 yd on attempted scramble
Blaylock gained 11 yds
Blaylock gained 6 yds
Blaylock gained 3 yds
Blaylock gained 2 yds
Blaylock gained 3 yds

4th Drive
Blaylock gained 3 yds
Blaylock gained 2 yds

So, with the exception of that string of 5 straight runs in the 3rd drive, they held them to 3 yds (1st), 10 yds before a turnover (2nd), and 5 yds (4th).

I don't know about you, but where I come from that's pretty damn good.

[D41lasCowboys31]

Its preseason, BP said there were no blitzes at all. Your not goin to show all your defensive plays in the last preaseason game and I am sure BP doesnt want to show any of their D plays at all. Its preseason, relax.

But, I am worried with the RCB spot I have been ever since Mario signed to TB.

[big dog cowboy]

But, I am worried with the RCB spot I have been ever since Mario signed to TB.

At first the didn't faze me at all. In fact, I was pretty happy about it. Now I am not so sure. Unless BP does something before the Minny game we could get blown up.

[boysfanindc]

"I'm a little concerned at cornerback," Parcells said. "(Hunter and Powell) did some good things and some bad things. And (Bruce) Thornton did some good things. But I don't think we'll (change) anything there right now."

Oh really? Not going to change anything?

[SMCowboy]

Guys we are no worse off with Pete Hunter than we were with mario Edwards. Everyone all of a sudden is acting like Mario Edwards was a good or even decient CB. He was FAR from that. He never made plays on the ball, and would just let his guy catch the ball then tackle him.

Yes Pete Hunter has made mistakes, and Jemell Powell has been far from spectacular. But, it isn't like they have to be anywhere near good to be a good as what we had last year at the position. And atleast they do have something that Mario Edwards never had, and that is upside.

Is Parcell's concerned with our RCB spot, you bet he is. But lets not forget that this is a coach that expects perfection, and is concerned with anything short of it. Infact, I would be concerned if Parcells was not concerned about it. But at the same time, I defiantely do not see the starting RCB position as a liability or anything.

[D41lasCowboys31]

Guys we are no worse off with Pete Hunter than we were with mario Edwards. Everyone all of a sudden is acting like Mario Edwards was a good or even decient CB. He was FAR from that. He never made plays on the ball, and would just let his guy catch the ball then tackle him.

Yes Pete Hunter has made mistakes, and Jemell Powell has been far from spectacular. But, it isn't like they have to be anywhere near good to be a good as what we had last year at the position. And atleast they do have something that Mario Edwards never had, and that is upside.

Is Parcell's concerned with our RCB spot, you bet he is. But lets not forget that this is a coach that expects perfection, and is concerned with anything short of it. Infact, I would be concerned if Parcells was not concerned about it. But at the same time, I defiantely do not see the starting RCB position as a liability or anything.

Mario is better than any CB we got on our roster besides Newman. Not an opinion its a fact.

[Doomsday101]

Guys we are no worse off with Pete Hunter than we were with mario Edwards. Everyone all of a sudden is acting like Mario Edwards was a good or even decient CB. He was FAR from that. He never made plays on the ball, and would just let his guy catch the ball then tackle him.

Yes Pete Hunter has made mistakes, and Jemell Powell has been far from spectacular. But, it isn't like they have to be anywhere near good to be a good as what we had last year at the position. And atleast they do have something that Mario Edwards never had, and that is upside.

Is Parcell's concerned with our RCB spot, you bet he is. But lets not forget that this is a coach that expects perfection, and is concerned with anything short of it. Infact, I would be concerned if Parcells was not concerned about it. But at the same time, I defiantely do not see the starting RCB position as a liability or anything.

I don't think Edwards was a top CB but I also do not think he is as bad as your trying to make him out to be. Dallas secondary held up pretty good through the season and again limited teams to an average of 167 a game which by any standards is very good. I hope Hunter and Powell can do the job it is critical that they step up and do the job if not then it will be a big burden on this defense. I have been watching both through out the pre-season and I think there is some reason to have concerns

[AdamJT13]

With the exception of one drive, I will beg to differ.

The Chiefs had the ball 4 times in the first half. Here is a breakdown of their run plays:

1st Drive
Holmes gained 3 yds.

2nd Drive
Holmes gained 1 yd
Holmes gained 8 yds

We allowed an 8-yard run! That's horrible!


Blaylock gained 1 yd, fumble, Dallas ball (Fumble caused and recovered by D-line)

3rd Drive
Blaylock gained 2 yds
Dante Hall gained 6 yds on reverse
Blaylock lost 2 yds
Trent Green gained 1 yd on attempted scramble
Blaylock gained 11 yds

Eleven yards! How can we ever expect to beat Minnesota?


Blaylock gained 6 yds
Blaylock gained 3 yds
Blaylock gained 2 yds
Blaylock gained 3 yds

4th Drive
Blaylock gained 3 yds
Blaylock gained 2 yds

Six straight carries, and not one tackle for a loss! Fire Zimmer!

[SMCowboy]

We allowed an 8-yard run! That's horrible!




Eleven yards! How can we ever expect to beat Minnesota?




Six straight carries, and not one tackle for a loss! Fire Zimmer!

Adam, I couldn't have said it better myself.

And to make it worst, we let atleast some of this happen against a crappy RB (in Priest Holmes) that wouldn't even suit up for any other team in the league, as well as the crappiest running team in the history of football. How will we ever win a game this year??

[Strong]

I don't think Edwards was a top CB but I also do not think he is as bad as your trying to make him out to be. Dallas secondary held up pretty good through the season and again limited teams to an average of 167 a game which by any standards is very good. I hope Hunter and Powell can do the job it is critical that they step up and do the job if not then it will be a big burden on this defense. I have been watching both through out the pre-season and I think there is some reason to have concerns

Does anyone really think that with the stricter interference rules this year that Mario Edwards should be anywhere near a football field? I mean last year he got called a ton with the more relaxed rule. If Mario was an everydown CB, I would expect him to be in the top 2-3 guys for yards gained (for the other team) in the league.

Hunter and Powell haven't shown us very much, but they've been at the mercy of a vanilla pass rush and a weakened safety position. I think they are both upgrades over what Edwards offered -- though, until Woodson comes back, we may get torched.

You can teach young guys to play the position, it is a much different thing to get a veteran to stop doing what he has been doing his whole career (holding). Ty Law is not going to be the same player he was under the more relaxed rule system especially since it was his unit's aggressive interference in the playoffs that caused the rule change ((though he still will be very good).

I gotta say that the false rumor about McKenzie got me very excited. With him (even though he isn't an elite guy), the Boys would only have to worry about the slot. Picks can be busts, or get injured (see Peterman this year, Johnson last year). But proven players are worth it. Give the Cheeseheads our 2 and get him over here.

[Chuck 54]

I can hear the grumblings for Mario Edwards all the way from NY!!! Fugget it.

Don't forget ... the Chiefs have one of the highest octane offenses in the NFL. Trent Green is a top notch QB who top tier WR's ...

We have our jitters and our fears ... but we were in WORSE shape last year. We can't solve all our problems, this is a journey.

The RCB slot is a concern ... but then again, it's been a freakin' concern since the Larry Brown days. Relax!!!
I remember when Trent Green was a bum with a backup gig...and if KC was the only team doing this to us, we'd relax, but this was just more of the same...everyone is beating us like a drum over there at RCB...did you see the stats that both of KC's top two QB's put up? Seemed like they could do whatever they wanted.

[big dog cowboy]

Dallas secondary held up pretty good through the season and again limited teams to an average of 167 a game which by any standards is very good.

While that may be true the full impact is you have to add in all the penality yards we gave away with Edwards in there last year. It's one thing to give up 3-4 carches a game. It's another to do that in addition to having 3-4 penalities a game.

[Doomsday101]

While that may be true the full impact is you have to add in all the penality yards we gave away with Edwards in there last year. It's one thing to give up 3-4 carches a game. It's another to do that in addition to having 3-4 penalities a game.

He was not flagged 3 to 4 time a game. Again I'm not trying to say Edwards was all world but he looked better than Hunter and Powell thus far. I hope Hunter turns it around but right now QB's going going right after him and Powell are are doing a very effective job doing so and it is going to get worse as teams start game planning us. I find this damn funny to the point of being sad that people are watching these games and making statments of How Hunter and Powell were in position as the WR goes right by them for TD's. I'm not aginst Hunter or Powell at all but I'm not going to pretend that they are playing good coverage at this stage because the fact is they are not.

[Eddie]

I remember when Trent Green was a bum with a backup gig...and if KC was the only team doing this to us, we'd relax, but this was just more of the same...everyone is beating us like a drum over there at RCB...did you see the stats that both of KC's top two QB's put up? Seemed like they could do whatever they wanted.

Then let's toss in the towel since we suck so bad. Why bother playing the game?

[big dog cowboy]

OK ok so maybe it wasn't 3-4 penalities a game. Whenever some team needed a big play they sure did look his way knowing a completeion or flag would be coming.

[Doomsday101]

Then let's toss in the towel since we suck so bad. Why bother playing the game?

I don't think anyone is talking about throwing in the towel but it can alter what we do on defense if you can't trust your CB in man coverage.