DMN Blog: Bigger issues than T.O.

[MONT17]

Bigger issues than T.O.
10:54 AM Fri, Jan 16, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Calvin Watkins E-mail News tips

There's this belief that the Cowboys will cut Terrell Owens soon. Well, the reality is they don't have to do it until June, if they do it at all, because he's not due his $3.1 million roster bonus until then.

I reached out to one of Owens' confidants and he told me the wide receiver isn't worried about being cut or anything. People around Owens don't believe he will get cut. As the confidant said to me, "You think T.O. will be on the street very long? He will have a job. All he wants to do is win. That's all he's ever wanted to do."

Whether you want to believe it or not, Owens isn't going anywhere. Now, there's talk that Stephen Jones wants to convince Jerry Jones to cut Owens.




Say Stephen convinces Jerry to cut Owens.

It won't change the fact that Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have problems with Jason Garrett.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo said the offense has to make some changes, this is what Owens was saying for about two months.

It won't change the fact that Garrett had problems last year getting Owens, Williams and Jason Witten the ball to make an impact in the last month of the season.

It won't change the fact that Marion Barber and Felix Jones are coming off foot injuries that doesn't guarantee a successful return for the 2009 season.

It won't change the fact you might lose starting defensive end Chris Canty in free agency and you have to find a strong safety with the pending release of Roy Williams.

It won't change the fact you still have a head coach who doesn't command the troops.

It won't change the fact that you have to make a decision regarding Greg Ellis. You can depend on him to play at a high-level. But will Anthony Spencer? He was arrested last week for acting a fool in Indy. Will he do it again? You hope not. And you want to make Spencer the starter over Ellis?

It won't change the fact that Terence Newman is coming back from ankle surgery. He hasn't played healthy the last two seasons.

It won't change the fact that Newman called out the coaches, especially Wade Phillips, toward the end of the season. Is Newman and Phillips on the same page?

It won't change the fact that the backups on the offensive line, especially the younger ones, McQuistian and Free, are not ready for the next level.

It won't change the fact you still don't have a young receiver you can count on. Miles Austin and Sam Hurd, are undrafted guys who have yet to prove themselves. You see flashes of it, but both were hurt last season.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo continues to struggle down the stretch. Say what you will about Eli Manning, at least he gets to the playoffs.

Cut T.O. all you want, if that makes you happy. But there are bigger issues than Owens. He's just one part.

that was AWESOME!

 

[Mr.davon24]

Bigger issues than T.O.
10:54 AM Fri, Jan 16, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Calvin Watkins E-mail News tips

There's this belief that the Cowboys will cut Terrell Owens soon. Well, the reality is they don't have to do it until June, if they do it at all, because he's not due his $3.1 million roster bonus until then.

I reached out to one of Owens' confidants and he told me the wide receiver isn't worried about being cut or anything. People around Owens don't believe he will get cut. As the confidant said to me, "You think T.O. will be on the street very long? He will have a job. All he wants to do is win. That's all he's ever wanted to do."

Whether you want to believe it or not, Owens isn't going anywhere. Now, there's talk that Stephen Jones wants to convince Jerry Jones to cut Owens.




Say Stephen convinces Jerry to cut Owens.

It won't change the fact that Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have problems with Jason Garrett.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo said the offense has to make some changes, this is what Owens was saying for about two months.

It won't change the fact that Garrett had problems last year getting Owens, Williams and Jason Witten the ball to make an impact in the last month of the season.

It won't change the fact that Marion Barber and Felix Jones are coming off foot injuries that doesn't guarantee a successful return for the 2009 season.

It won't change the fact you might lose starting defensive end Chris Canty in free agency and you have to find a strong safety with the pending release of Roy Williams.

It won't change the fact you still have a head coach who doesn't command the troops.

It won't change the fact that you have to make a decision regarding Greg Ellis. You can depend on him to play at a high-level. But will Anthony Spencer? He was arrested last week for acting a fool in Indy. Will he do it again? You hope not. And you want to make Spencer the starter over Ellis?

It won't change the fact that Terence Newman is coming back from ankle surgery. He hasn't played healthy the last two seasons.

It won't change the fact that Newman called out the coaches, especially Wade Phillips, toward the end of the season. Is Newman and Phillips on the same page?

It won't change the fact that the backups on the offensive line, especially the younger ones, McQuistian and Free, are not ready for the next level.

It won't change the fact you still don't have a young receiver you can count on. Miles Austin and Sam Hurd, are undrafted guys who have yet to prove themselves. You see flashes of it, but both were hurt last season.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo continues to struggle down the stretch. Say what you will about Eli Manning, at least he gets to the playoffs.

Cut T.O. all you want, if that makes you happy. But there are bigger issues than Owens. He's just one part.

PREACH!!!!!!!

 

[Da Hammer]

Bigger issues than T.O.
10:54 AM Fri, Jan 16, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Calvin Watkins E-mail News tips

There's this belief that the Cowboys will cut Terrell Owens soon. Well, the reality is they don't have to do it until June, if they do it at all, because he's not due his $3.1 million roster bonus until then.

I reached out to one of Owens' confidants and he told me the wide receiver isn't worried about being cut or anything. People around Owens don't believe he will get cut. As the confidant said to me, "You think T.O. will be on the street very long? He will have a job. All he wants to do is win. That's all he's ever wanted to do."

Whether you want to believe it or not, Owens isn't going anywhere. Now, there's talk that Stephen Jones wants to convince Jerry Jones to cut Owens.




Say Stephen convinces Jerry to cut Owens.

It won't change the fact that Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have problems with Jason Garrett.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo said the offense has to make some changes, this is what Owens was saying for about two months.

It won't change the fact that Garrett had problems last year getting Owens, Williams and Jason Witten the ball to make an impact in the last month of the season.

It won't change the fact that Marion Barber and Felix Jones are coming off foot injuries that doesn't guarantee a successful return for the 2009 season.

It won't change the fact you might lose starting defensive end Chris Canty in free agency and you have to find a strong safety with the pending release of Roy Williams.

It won't change the fact you still have a head coach who doesn't command the troops.

It won't change the fact that you have to make a decision regarding Greg Ellis. You can depend on him to play at a high-level. But will Anthony Spencer? He was arrested last week for acting a fool in Indy. Will he do it again? You hope not. And you want to make Spencer the starter over Ellis?

It won't change the fact that Terence Newman is coming back from ankle surgery. He hasn't played healthy the last two seasons.

It won't change the fact that Newman called out the coaches, especially Wade Phillips, toward the end of the season. Is Newman and Phillips on the same page?

It won't change the fact that the backups on the offensive line, especially the younger ones, McQuistian and Free, are not ready for the next level.

It won't change the fact you still don't have a young receiver you can count on. Miles Austin and Sam Hurd, are undrafted guys who have yet to prove themselves. You see flashes of it, but both were hurt last season.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo continues to struggle down the stretch. Say what you will about Eli Manning, at least he gets to the playoffs.

Cut T.O. all you want, if that makes you happy. But there are bigger issues than Owens. He's just one part.

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!! Everything here was spot on perfect!!

 

[Chief]

It won't change the fact that Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have problems with Jason Garrett.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo said the offense has to make some changes, this is what Owens was saying for about two months.

It won't change the fact that Garrett had problems last year getting Owens, Williams and Jason Witten the ball to make an impact in the last month of the season.

It won't change the fact that Marion Barber and Felix Jones are coming off foot injuries that doesn't guarantee a successful return for the 2009 season.

It won't change the fact you might lose starting defensive end Chris Canty in free agency and you have to find a strong safety with the pending release of Roy Williams.

It won't change the fact you still have a head coach who doesn't command the troops.

It won't change the fact that you have to make a decision regarding Greg Ellis. You can depend on him to play at a high-level. But will Anthony Spencer? He was arrested last week for acting a fool in Indy. Will he do it again? You hope not. And you want to make Spencer the starter over Ellis?

It won't change the fact that Terence Newman is coming back from ankle surgery. He hasn't played healthy the last two seasons.

It won't change the fact that Newman called out the coaches, especially Wade Phillips, toward the end of the season. Is Newman and Phillips on the same page?

It won't change the fact that the backups on the offensive line, especially the younger ones, McQuistian and Free, are not ready for the next level.

It won't change the fact you still don't have a young receiver you can count on. Miles Austin and Sam Hurd, are undrafted guys who have yet to prove themselves. You see flashes of it, but both were hurt last season.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo continues to struggle down the stretch. Say what you will about Eli Manning, at least he gets to the playoffs.

Cut T.O. all you want, if that makes you happy. But there are bigger issues than Owens. He's just one part.

All valid points, as everyone else has already said.

Nice work, Jerry.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Every team in the NFL has had "problems" of one sort or another, that's precisely why character matters (despite some people's denials to the contrary). Whoever wins the Superbowl this year had to overcome their fair share of "problems". The 1975 Steelers had "problems". Championship teams over come the problems. Every team has losses and setbacks and gut check moments to overcome, and that's precisely why you don't need one jerk in the lockerroom pointing fingers and stirring the pot making the situation worse. The question is if you you're better able to overcome problems with a divided lockerroom of players who aren't on the same page.

And kudos to the hanger-on who said "TO only wants to win". You've earned your posse priveldges for that laughable quote. So if the best way to win is run the ball 50 times a game, TO would have absolutely no problem with that? And TO has no problem restructuring his contract to accept vet minimum so we can use his salary on other other players so we'll have a better chance of winning? Yeah, right. Funny, it seems to me TO's blowup with the Eagles came because he was mad that the Eagles not extending his contract and give him a raise immediately following a year when they went to the Superbowl .... but he's only about winning football games. What a selfless guy.

This is a phenomenally stupid article (blog post). You mean the Cowboys won't be picture perfect without TO? Wow, I can't wait for Calvin Watkins hard hitting "The Sun Comes Up in the East" post, soon to be followed with "The Sun Sets in the West" followup.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Say Stephen convinces Jerry to cut Owens.

It won't change the fact that Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have problems with Jason Garrett.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo said the OFFENSE has to make some changes, this is what Owens was saying for about two months.

It won't change the fact that Garrett HAD problems last year getting Owens, Williams and Jason Witten the ball to make an impact in the last month of the season.

Funny how everyone wants to cut T.O., but finally the media is starting ot acknowledge that this is all pointing to Garrett. I wonder what could've changed their minds; perhaps it's the fact that he's having trouble getting any job offers beyond his current role?

 

[tyke1doe]

I don't know that anyone is claiming that cutting TO is gonna be a cure all.

But just because it doesn't fix everything isn't grounds for not fixing part of the problem.

You'd think T.O. apologists would understand this.

There's a lot to be corrected on this team. But the team can start by sending a message it's not going to tolerate any distraction and any player not interested in winning and doing what it takes both on and off the field.

And that starts by ...

 

[tyke1doe]

I, personally, am not sure what to do with him, but having TO and RW11 seems a bit superflous, especially since I'm a strong proponent of establishing our identity as a power running team.

Exactly.

Getting rid of T.O. isn't just about ridding the team of a lightning rod. It's also about establishing a different mentality for this ball club. Running teams are power teams and power teams have what it takes to win in the post season.

I betcha if we shift to a power running team, Garrett's playcalling suddenly gets better, Romo suddenly gets better, the defense suddenly gets better, the offensive line suddenly gets better because it's conditioned for the ground and pound game.

Getting rid of T.O. you take this team away from catering to the prima donnas on the outside (the receivers) and put the game in the hands of the bread and butter guys (your running backs and offensive linemen).

Of course, other changes are necessary, but it's interesting what getting rid of a few malcontents does for a franchise looking for a new direction (Miami and Atlanta come to mind).

All the rest seems to fall into place.

 

[Alexander]

You'd think T.O. apologists would understand this.

There's a lot to be corrected on this team. But the team can start by sending a message it's not going to tolerate any distraction and any player not interested in winning and doing what it takes both on and off the field.

And that starts by ...

There are other more subtle ways to get this same message across. If the staff feels he is still the team's best receiver, then he should stay.

 

[tyke1doe]

There are other more subtle ways to get this same message across. If the staff feels he is still the team's best receiver, then he should stay.

At this point, I don't know whether subtle will work.

Look, I'm not going to cry either way whether T.O. stays or leaves. And I hope even if he stays, we go on to win the Super Bowl. I'm not one of these fans where I have to be right on my opinions, especially when it comes to T.O.

But how does a coaching staff that's already subordinate to T.O. send any strong message to other players that they're not going to tolerate distractions?

I'm open to suggestions.

 

[FCBarca]

Money comments...T.O. is hardly the reason things failed and looks like a convenient scapegoat for the timebeing

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Money comments...T.O. is hardly the reason things failed and looks like a convenient scapegoat for the timebeing

The real question is this: If T.O. is to become the scapegoat, then for whom will he be the scapegoat for? Knowing that T.O. is the #1 WR for the passing offense, it's quite clear what the answer is, IF you read the blog entry closely.

And here's the clue (from the blog):
Say Stephen convinces Jerry to cut Owens.

It won't change the fact that Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have problems with Jason Garrett.

It won't change the fact that Tony Romo said the OFFENSE has to make some changes, this is what Owens was saying for about two months.

It won't change the fact that Garrett HAD problems last year getting Owens, Williams and Jason Witten the ball to make an impact in the last month of the season.

 

[ddh33]

If To leaves, I think you find out everything you need to know about Romo, Garrett, etc.

Look, it's hard enough to call plays. When your receivers start complaining about the number of balls, and the QB feels pressured to deliver the ball to a certain player instead of the open guy, it limits an offense. And we sure seemed to see those things this year.

I feel like TO handicaps this offense as much as his talent propels it.

 

[28 Joker]

No.

There is no "bigger issue" than Terrell Owens.

He's a cancer. Get rid of him.

 

[JordanTaber]

Good call, Calvin. Before we read this, we thought TO affected Felix's and Barber's foot injures, Canty's free agency, and the development of Free and McQuistan.

Watkins sets a new standard for dumb in this market.

Calvin knows much more than he's allowed to say in print.

 

[28 Joker]

Originally Posted by JordanTaber
The team wouldn't crumble if Owens were released, but cutting him does them absolutely no good.

You want to be a running team? Run the ball WITH Owens and it'll be even more effective because defenses will have to honor the passing game more.

And don't give me that "Oh, but the coachez have to appeeeeeease T.O." BS.
Does anyone here honestly believe Owens would complain if the team were winning? If Deion ran to Owens to ask him why his numbers declined while the team was 10-0 and had emphasized the run a lot more, he'd be able to truly answer with, "well, we run the ball a lot more, so I don't get as many opportunities."

End of story, end of "problem."

Of course, Deion wouldn't be running to him to ask this question because his numbers will only IMPROVE if this becomes a "run to set up the pass" team.


41gy#'s response:

You are making my argument easy. You are putting a qualifier on this player's behavior. That is the problem. Owens gets to do or say anything he wants to do or say, and the organization bows.

Why should he be treated any different? Why is he speaking after every game? He shouldn't be "the boss" of this team. Better yet, why should a 9-7 team put up with his eratic behavior. Dallas has plenty of offensive talent. They don't need him to win. I don't need Roy Williams to be "Terrell Owens". I need him to score in the redzone and move the chains.

When things don't go Owens' way or when the ship is taking in water, he runs to the media and blames Garrett or Romo or both. Plus, he gets away with it. He's a horrible example for young players, and he's poison in the locker room. You can't win on a consistent basis with these types of selfish, eratic players. Owens' track record speaks for itself. Where ever he goes, drama follows.

I want winners, not selfish, divas like Terrell Owens that chirp after getting the ball thrown to them 17 or 18 times. His production doesn't make up for the divisive force and disrespectful attitude that he has for players and coaches, including the quarterback

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

This was a great blog post, right on the :money:

 

[jrumann59]

Originally Posted by JordanTaber
The team wouldn't crumble if Owens were released, but cutting him does them absolutely no good.

You want to be a running team? Run the ball WITH Owens and it'll be even more effective because defenses will have to honor the passing game more.

And don't give me that "Oh, but the coachez have to appeeeeeease T.O." BS.
Does anyone here honestly believe Owens would complain if the team were winning? If Deion ran to Owens to ask him why his numbers declined while the team was 10-0 and had emphasized the run a lot more, he'd be able to truly answer with, "well, we run the ball a lot more, so I don't get as many opportunities."

End of story, end of "problem."

Of course, Deion wouldn't be running to him to ask this question because his numbers will only IMPROVE if this becomes a "run to set up the pass" team.


41gy#'s response:

You are making my argument easy. You are putting a qualifier on this player's behavior. That is the problem. Owens gets to do or say anything he wants to do or say, and the organization bows.

Why should he be treated any different? Why is he speaking after every game? He shouldn't be "the boss" of this team. Better yet, why should a 9-7 team put up with his eratic behavior. Dallas has plenty of offensive talent. They don't need him to win. I don't need Roy Williams to be "Terrell Owens". I need him to score in the redzone and move the chains.

When things don't go Owens' way or when the ship is taking in water, he runs to the media and blames Garrett or Romo or both. Plus, he gets away with it. He's a horrible example for young players, and he's poison in the locker room. You can't win on a consistent basis with these types of selfish, eratic players. Owens' track record speaks for itself. Where ever he goes, drama follows.

I want winners, not selfish, divas like Terrell Owens that chirp after getting the ball thrown to them 17 or 18 times. His production doesn't make up for the divisive force and disrespectful attitude that he has for players and coaches, including the quarterback

So I take it you weren't a big Michael Irvin Fan. Michael was as big of a distraction as TO the only difference is he did it in the infancy of the internet cellphones. Today athletes can throw up on their date's shoe and a pic of it will be on the internet before the athlete can look up. So what he gets pissed on the sidelines when the ball doesn't get thrown to him, but it is usually after a turnover or a forced incompletion to another player same as michael would do. Personally I think the problem on the team is team arrogance this season the Offense came in thinking they would have to support the Defense and during the season it turned around, I think the offense and defense do not like each other on this team which then affects ST and overall team chemistry.

 

[landryscorner]

If To leaves, I think you find out everything you need to know about Romo, Garrett, etc.

Look, it's hard enough to call plays. When your receivers start complaining about the number of balls, and the QB feels pressured to deliver the ball to a certain player instead of the open guy, it limits an offense. And we sure seemed to see those things this year.

I feel like TO handicaps this offense as much as his talent propels it.

In that case ROMO handicapped the Offense by also forcing it to Witten so many times, Tony put himself in those kind of predicaments because he relied too much on Witten...so many times Owens was wide open and Romo was throwing picks Witten's way or errant throws to Witten...

 

[FLcowboy]

Well, withall those issues, then any talk of Super Bowl is merely wishful thinking. Wonder how Philly manages to get to the playoffs and win a couple of games.