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COWBOYS NOTES
Parcells plans to use young backs more
[size=-1]By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.[/size]
[size=-1]Star-Telegram Staff Writer[/size]
SAN JOSE, Calif. - This time, Cowboys coach Bill Parcells means it.
He will lessen the workload of running back Julius Jones, starting Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
Parcells has talked that talk since the beginning of training camp. With the addition of veteran Anthony Thomas and promising rookies Tyson Thompson and Marion Barber, Parcells said he had assembled his most talented group of runners since taking over the Cowboys in 2003.
He planned on using them all in an effort to get give Jones some rest.
The problem Parcells has, however, is that he seldom wants to give the ball to anybody but Jones.
As a result, Jones not only has 74 of the team's 84 carries this season, but he's on pace to break Emmitt Smith's franchise record for carries in a season, 377 in 1995.
"It's hard to keep track of every single thing that is going on in the game," Parcells said. "[The assistant coaches have] been talked to. I think we have an understanding."
One reason the Cowboys have been hesitant to sub for Jones is Thompson's and Barber's inexperience. The rookies have had problems with pass blocking, and Parcells doesn't want quarterback Drew Bledsoe to get hurt.
But what also is certain is that Parcells is ready live and die with Thompson and Barber. Thomas was inactive last week against San Francisco and could be the odd man out again. Parcells said he is committed to playing the younger players and said it's hard to take Thomas to the game because he doesn't play special teams.
"It is human nature for a coach to want to play a guy who he is sure knows exactly what to do," Parcells said. "I understand that, but that can go on forever. I'm committed to playing young players this year, this season. I think it is the only way if they are going to get better, if you expose them.
"Now, I don't want to lose games because of them, but that might happen somewhere along the way."
Collins appreciates Payton
Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins has fond memories of Cowboys assistant head coach Sean Payton from their days with the New York Giants.
Collins said Payton helped him get his life and career together after a string of off-the-field problems.
Their close relationship is a reason Collins wanted to come to Dallas after being cut by the Giants following the 2003 season.
"Sean being there and the prospect of playing the Giants twice a year, that was something I wanted to see happen," Collins said.
Payton also lobbied for Collins. But the Cowboys stuck with Quincy Carter and added Vinny Testaverde as the backup for 2004.
Gurode might be needed
Backup center Andre Gurode might get playing time against Oakland because of the presence of massive Ted Washington at defensive tackle. Gurode is bigger than starter Al Johnson.
Parcells plans to use young backs more
[size=-1]By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.[/size]
[size=-1]Star-Telegram Staff Writer[/size]
SAN JOSE, Calif. - This time, Cowboys coach Bill Parcells means it.
He will lessen the workload of running back Julius Jones, starting Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
Parcells has talked that talk since the beginning of training camp. With the addition of veteran Anthony Thomas and promising rookies Tyson Thompson and Marion Barber, Parcells said he had assembled his most talented group of runners since taking over the Cowboys in 2003.
He planned on using them all in an effort to get give Jones some rest.
The problem Parcells has, however, is that he seldom wants to give the ball to anybody but Jones.
As a result, Jones not only has 74 of the team's 84 carries this season, but he's on pace to break Emmitt Smith's franchise record for carries in a season, 377 in 1995.
"It's hard to keep track of every single thing that is going on in the game," Parcells said. "[The assistant coaches have] been talked to. I think we have an understanding."
One reason the Cowboys have been hesitant to sub for Jones is Thompson's and Barber's inexperience. The rookies have had problems with pass blocking, and Parcells doesn't want quarterback Drew Bledsoe to get hurt.
But what also is certain is that Parcells is ready live and die with Thompson and Barber. Thomas was inactive last week against San Francisco and could be the odd man out again. Parcells said he is committed to playing the younger players and said it's hard to take Thomas to the game because he doesn't play special teams.
"It is human nature for a coach to want to play a guy who he is sure knows exactly what to do," Parcells said. "I understand that, but that can go on forever. I'm committed to playing young players this year, this season. I think it is the only way if they are going to get better, if you expose them.
"Now, I don't want to lose games because of them, but that might happen somewhere along the way."
Collins appreciates Payton
Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins has fond memories of Cowboys assistant head coach Sean Payton from their days with the New York Giants.
Collins said Payton helped him get his life and career together after a string of off-the-field problems.
Their close relationship is a reason Collins wanted to come to Dallas after being cut by the Giants following the 2003 season.
"Sean being there and the prospect of playing the Giants twice a year, that was something I wanted to see happen," Collins said.
Payton also lobbied for Collins. But the Cowboys stuck with Quincy Carter and added Vinny Testaverde as the backup for 2004.
Gurode might be needed
Backup center Andre Gurode might get playing time against Oakland because of the presence of massive Ted Washington at defensive tackle. Gurode is bigger than starter Al Johnson.
