FWST Blog: Owens experiment

[Angus]

July 25, 2007

T.O. experiment

It's only the first day of training camp and Terrell Owens is already creating a buzz on the field.
The veteran receiver was returning kickoffs during Wednesday's practice at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Though very unlikely, the move wouldn't be unprecedented. Owens returned kickoffs with San Francisco in his first two seasons in the NFL. He had three returns for 47 yards in 1996 and two returns for 31 yards in 1997.
Clarence E. Hill Jr.


Posted at 04:06 PM in Training camp

 

[Clove]

umm, I don't think so.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I really doubt it.

 

[StanleySpadowski]

I think we all know that there's a very, very slim chance of Owens ever returning a kick for the Cowboys but I think this little moment really does show us something. Either Phillips told him to and Owens listened without complaint, which is a good thing, or Owens asked if he could so Phillips let him have a little fun, also a very good thing because it shows that a relationship might be developing.

The only other thing I can't think of is that it was Jones' idea to create a little "buzz" in the fanbase, giving them a little nugget to discuss.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

Honestly, it would be more of a story if he was returning punts, where we really need the help, lol. Who cares if he caught a few kickoffs, catching a few punts would get my attention.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think we all know that there's a very, very slim chance of Owens ever returning a kick for the Cowboys but I think this little moment really does show us something. Either Phillips told him to and Owens listened without complaint, which is a good thing, or Owens asked if he could so Phillips let him have a little fun, also a very good thing because it shows that a relationship might be developing.

The only other thing I can't think of is that it was Jones' idea to create a little "buzz" in the fanbase, giving them a little nugget to discuss.

I was thinking your second thought of those three. I bet Owens told the coaches that he'd done it before and wanted to do it, and they let him try it. I like that. It's almost like high school, where if you want a job, you go try your hand at it, and if you're good, they'll give you more chances.

Like you say, good for the coaches for being open-minded and -- yes, I am saying it -- good for T.O. for wanting to do a tough and halfway dangerous job.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Probably Jerry Jones idea for more publicity.

 

[EastDallasCowboy]

Last season somebody did a statistical analysis on the board (and it kicked ***) about punt returning and injuries. Previous to it, I'd been rabidly opposed to Terrence Newman returning punts on the premise that he'd be injured, but their study showed that punt returners were no more injury prone than cornerbacks. I wish I'd saved it, but if anyone has it please post it.

Based on that though, and the premise that kick returning is atleast slightly safer than punt returning, I say give it a go. There are few players more elusive in the open field than Owens.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

T.O. is great after the catch so I can see why they are thinking about him return kicks....



*NOTE: I don't like the idea!

 

[Jimz31]

I can see pros and cons to this....T.O. is pretty good in the open field....he just needs to get into the open field. However, I just can't see him running as aggresively as other KR's. I have a feeling that he'd go OB more often than not if the sideline is near instead of getting a couple of more yards.

Plus, we really don't want a starting WR to get hurt.....

 

[DWhite Fan]

I am TOTALLY AGAINST Owens returning kicks or punts. Although I think he would do a very good job, I would rather the Cowboys not take that kind of a risk.

 

[McCordsville Cowboy]

No thanks....

Just like when Sehorn broke his leg and tore his knee out on Kickoffs... They wanted to put their 'athletes' in position to make plays and it cost him..

 

[Wimbo]

probably a "concentrate on the catch" drill for TO. He is known to drop his share of passes...

 

[theebs]

I think guys were essentially just shagging balls, I dont think there is any chance we see him return kicks.