JJT | Health is an asset in camp - Dallas Cowboys Forum

Bluefin · 08-12-2004

Jean-Jacques Taylor: Health is an asset in camp

Injured players hurt their prospects in Parcells' view

09:15 PM CDT on Thursday, August 12, 2004

OXNARD, Calif. – Since training camp began, the Cowboys have had 23 practices. Attendance has been perfect.

"I'm a little surprised, but I think that's a little luck," said coach Bill Parcells on Thursday as he rapped his knuckles against the table where he holds daily press briefings.

"I think it's also because they reported in pretty good condition, and I think the weather has something to do with it. I don't think our players are getting overly dehydrated here. Dehydration is one of the big reasons why players have problems in camp."

The perfect attendance is also a testament to the off-season strength and conditioning program that assistant coach Joe Juraszek implements and Parcells oversees.

But it's also a testament to the mind-set that Parcells is establishing on this team.

Football is a violent, physical game.

This time of year, every player has bumps and bruises and strains. Every player's body is in a constant state of soreness.

Arizona already has lost running back Marcel Shipp (ankle) and receiver Anquan Boldin (knee) for extended periods. Miami receiver David Boston (knee) will miss the year.

Parcells' players know they must play through the nagging injuries that accompany training camp.

He has no patience for players who set up shop in the training room. The practice field is his classroom.

He will not tolerate absenteeism.

So rookie Stephen Peterman practices with a broken finger. And receiver Terry Glenn practices with a tight hamstring.

And receiver Randal Williams battles through a sore groin.

Defensive tackle Willie Blade, who didn't play in the first game, was the only defensive starter to miss a game because of injury last season. Right tackle Ryan Young, who missed 10 games with a chronic sore knee, was the only offensive starter to miss a game.

"I've had a couple guys have a few little nicks like Peterman and [Thomas] Herrion, but they're sucking it up and they're going," Parcells said. "They're young guys. What are you going to do?"

They're going to continue to play.

Players on this team fight through injuries because they understand that you don't automatically get your job back when you return from an injury.

They also get help from Parcells' practice philosophy.

Because the mornings are cool in Oxnard, he gradually works the players into practice. Normally, Parcells saves the heavy running and cutting for the second half of practice to give the players' bodies time to warm up.

Parcells and the rest of the coaching staff are constantly imploring linemen to stay on their feet. Many knee injuries occur when a player falls and rolls up the back of another player's leg.

"I don't let my defense practice any stunts in camp," he said. "There are too many piles. I don't like those guys slashing down in offensive line drills. I think it's one of the reasons why we stay up.

"That's not always good for offensive line because they need a little practice working against that, but it's not worth it if you're not out there."

TheSkaven · 08-13-2004

This is just one of the many reasons why Bill Parcells is one of the best coaches of all time. While he's an excellent motivator and a great game day coach, the details that he brings to the practice field are unmatched.

I know that we have some Jimmy Johnson fans here, and I liked him too, but I'd take Bill thank you very much.

Tio · 08-13-2004

We, imo, are in much better condition than many teams. I didn't read the article, so if it said exactly that, sorry...

da_boyz_mk · 08-13-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSkaven

This is just one of the many reasons why Bill Parcells is one of the best coaches of all time. While he's an excellent motivator and a great game day coach, the details that he brings to the practice field are unmatched.

I know that we have some Jimmy Johnson fans here, and I liked him too, but I'd take Bill thank you very much.

Exactly man!! We have the best coach in the nfl now and a top 5 of all time.

InmanRoshi · 08-13-2004

Condition helps in strains and pulls, but it doesn't matter how good of condition you are, its not going to help much when a 315 lb. man rolls up on the back of your knee. That's why Parcells keeps his players upright and makes the lineman wear braces.

jacs · 08-13-2004

good read, thanks for the article

**MichaelWinicki** · 08-13-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSkaven

This is just one of the many reasons why Bill Parcells is one of the best coaches of all time. While he's an excellent motivator and a great game day coach, the details that he brings to the practice field are unmatched.

I know that we have some Jimmy Johnson fans here, and I liked him too, but I'd take Bill thank you very much.

No knock against coach Parcells but last time I looked Jimmy Johnson had won a couple SB's since Bill won his last one...

TheSkaven · 08-13-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

No knock against coach Parcells but last time I looked Jimmy Johnson had won a couple SB's since Bill won his last one..

Jimmy could only ever manage it with a single team, though. Think Jimmy could have rebuilt the Patriots or Jets? Don't get me wrong though, I think Jimmy is one heckuva football coach.