Post by prossman on Dec 25, 2008 6:39:18 GMT -7
DC.COM: Philips: Notes: Williams Seeks Strong Philly Showing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Williams Seeks Strong Philly Showing
Rob Philips
December 24, 2008 3:37 PM
IRVING, Texas - The only other time Roy Williams played against Philadelphia, he posted a career-high 204 receiving yards and one touchdown last season in a loss to the Eagles.
Williams was the Detroit Lions' top offensive target then. A year later, he's trying to find his niche in a Cowboys offense that's stacked with Pro Bowl-caliber receivers.
Williams has just 17 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown in nine games since arriving in a trade. He's trying to remain patient, but believes he can help push his new team into the playoffs with more opportunities.
"I don't know if it's having to get used to me or me getting used the offense or whatever," Williams said. "I've got the offense down. Just waiting."
Wide receiver Terrell Owens said he understands Williams' frustration given his abilities and his previous role in Detroit.
"If you bring a guy over here and you pay him that much money, you want (him) to be involved," Owens said, referring to Williams' five-year, $45 million extension. "He has a lot of talent. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here. I'm not saying that in a negative way. I'm saying that because I know he can help the team. Once we figure out a way to get him more involved and help this offense, the better we'll be."
Although Williams would like to make a bigger impact, he's also thankful to be in a winning situation.
The Lions will try to avoid the NFL's first 0-16 finish on Sunday. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are one win from a wild-card spot despite suffering a tough loss to Baltimore five days ago.
"The past is the past," Williams said, smiling. "We've got five games to get into the White House."
Barber At Least Practices
The injury news for the Cowboys wasn't all bad on Wednesday. At least running back Marion Barber, who has participated very little in the past three games, was one of the four players who went through practice on a limited basis.
Barber still is having problems cutting on his dislocated little right toe, basically giving way to rookie Tashard Choice starting in two of the past three games and only getting eight carries in the other game (Giants). Phillips still is unsure of his status for Sunday's game, which means Barber is highly questionable.
"He's still not quite there yet," Phillips said.
Also limited in practice were safeties Ken Hamlin (foot) and Keith Davis (knee/neck) and linebacker Bobby Carpenter (knee/calf). But at least Hamlin and Davis were practicing, which is an improvement for Hamlin, who had missed the majority of practices the past two weeks while still playing, as well as Carpenter, who missed the Baltimore game.
Fully returning to practice were cornerback Alan Ball (ankle), wide receiver Roy Williams (foot) and wide receiver Isaiah Stanback (shoulder).
-Mickey Spagnola
Deserved Hard-Ware
There aren't many players in the Cowboys' locker room as humble as DeMarcus Ware. As productive as he's been in his career, with three Pro Bowls in four years and now chasing the NFL's single-season sack record, even Ware couldn't resist when asked about the possibility of getting the league's Defensive Player of the Year award.
"I think I do deserve it," said Ware, who has 20 sacks this season and needs three Sunday in Philadelphia to surpass Michael Strahan's (22 ½ in 2001) record. "I've been playing really well. A lot of other guys have been doing the same thing. I've been really effective this season and yeah, I do think I deserve it."
Ware is currently tied for sixth place on the NFL's all-time list for sacks in a season.
Of the five players who have had more in a season, three of them did win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Ironically enough, Cowboys' head coach Wade Phillips is no stranger to the award. He served as the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 1987 when Reggie White recorded 21.0 sacks and was named the NFL's top defensive player. Phillips was the defensive coordinator in Buffalo when Bryce Paup (1995) and Bruce Smith (1996) won the award in consecutive years.
Even in 2006, Phillips ran the Chargers' defense, anchored by Shawne Merriman, who led the league with 17 sacks despite missing four games due to an NFL suspension. Because of that, it's likely that Merriman did not win the award, but finished second to Miami's Jason Taylor, who publicly lobbied against Merriman because he was reprimanded by the NFL for taking an illegal substance.
As for this season, other NFL candidates to rival Ware would likely include Pittsburgh's tandem of Jerome Harrison (16.0 sacks) and Troy Polamalu, who is tied for the NFL-lead with seven interceptions. Also, Miami's Joey Porter (17 ½ sacks) and Atlanta's John Abraham (16 ½ sacks) could have a strong case as well.
- Nick Eatman
T.O.'s Near-Record TD Pace
Despite Terrell Owens' protestations over his involvement in the offense, the veteran receiver with his one touchdown catch Saturday night, giving him 10 for the season, became only the second player in the Cowboys' 49-season history to total double-digit touchdown receptions in three consecutive seasons.
The reception to narrow Baltimore's lead to 19-17 in the fourth quarter means he will go into Sunday's season finale at Philadelphia ranked second to only probable Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Bob Hayes - he is a Senior Committee nominee this year - in number of consecutive seasons with at least 10 touchdown receptions. Hayes recorded 12 touchdown receptions his rookie year (1965) and then went on the next three seasons to grab 13, 10 and 10 touchdown passes.
Hayes would catch only four touchdown passes the next season, 1969, but come back in 1970 to log 10 more touchdown passes to give him at least 10 touchdown passes in five of six straight seasons.
"As an offense we haven't played as well as we should have, but there's room for improvement," Owens said of this team's ninth-ranked offense. "This is the time now that we need to clean it up because we're going into this game, we have to win. There's no more excuses, no more pointing fingers and this and that. We've just got to go out and play football."
That Owens has caught 13 touchdown passes, a club single-season high 15 and now at least 10 in his three seasons with the Cowboys gives him at least 38 over the three-year span, most in club history. Hayes' most productive three-year span is the 35 TD passes he caught from 1965-67.
Owens, who last season broke the club's previous single-season record of 14 touchdown receptions by Frank Clarke, also became in 2006 the first Cowboys player to grab at least 10 touchdowns in a season since Michael Irvin had 10 in 1995.
- Mickey Spagnola
No Scoreboard Watching
While the Eagles might be eliminated from the playoffs before they even kick off against the Cowboys Sunday at 3:15 p.m. (CT), running back Brian Westbrook said he's planning on staying away from the TV screens.
"I'm not sure about anybody else, but I don't plan on it," Westbrook said. "We know we're going to face a very talented team. We know we have to have a lot of help to get into the playoffs. But we have to win the game. That's where it starts."
Philadelphia (8-6-1) has a chance to claim the NFC's sixth playoff spot, but would need either Minnesota (9-6) or Chicago (9-6) to lose, and Tampa Bay (9-6) has to lose at home to the Raiders. The Vikings and Bears are still fighting for the NFC North title, so both teams don't have to lose Sunday for the Eagles' sake. Minnesota will host the Giants while Chicago travels to Houston.
If that all works out for the Eagles, they of course would have to beat the Cowboys. With a win, Philadelphia would then jump to 9-6-1 and would have the half-game edge over Dallas, Tampa Bay and whoever doesn't win the North, between Minnesota and Chicago.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said he doesn't expect his team to change its approach leading into this game.
"Not at all," said Reid, who added the mindset won't change even if they are eliminated before kickoff. "I don't think so. Just the fact that you have the opportunity to play the Cowboys is the most important thing."
- Nick Eatman
A Nation Is Watching
No telling how many people still don't have NFL Network, but those who do seemingly were watching Cowboys-Ravens Saturday night from Texas Stadium. The game received a 9.22 cable rating.
What does that mean?
Means Cowboys-Ravens ends up being the highest-rated game on NFL Network this season and the second-highest rated game in NFL Network history. And yes, the Cowboys hold the top-rated distinction, too, for their Nov. 29 game last season against the Green Bay Packers (14.6) on the Thursday night after Thanksgiving.
When it comes to the highest rated sporting events on cable in 2008, Saturday night's broadcast ranks a distant fourth to . . . the Cowboys-Eagles Monday night game from Sept. 15 (13.27) on ESPN.
__________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Williams Seeks Strong Philly Showing
Rob Philips
December 24, 2008 3:37 PM
IRVING, Texas - The only other time Roy Williams played against Philadelphia, he posted a career-high 204 receiving yards and one touchdown last season in a loss to the Eagles.
Williams was the Detroit Lions' top offensive target then. A year later, he's trying to find his niche in a Cowboys offense that's stacked with Pro Bowl-caliber receivers.
Williams has just 17 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown in nine games since arriving in a trade. He's trying to remain patient, but believes he can help push his new team into the playoffs with more opportunities.
"I don't know if it's having to get used to me or me getting used the offense or whatever," Williams said. "I've got the offense down. Just waiting."
Wide receiver Terrell Owens said he understands Williams' frustration given his abilities and his previous role in Detroit.
"If you bring a guy over here and you pay him that much money, you want (him) to be involved," Owens said, referring to Williams' five-year, $45 million extension. "He has a lot of talent. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here. I'm not saying that in a negative way. I'm saying that because I know he can help the team. Once we figure out a way to get him more involved and help this offense, the better we'll be."
Although Williams would like to make a bigger impact, he's also thankful to be in a winning situation.
The Lions will try to avoid the NFL's first 0-16 finish on Sunday. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are one win from a wild-card spot despite suffering a tough loss to Baltimore five days ago.
"The past is the past," Williams said, smiling. "We've got five games to get into the White House."
Barber At Least Practices
The injury news for the Cowboys wasn't all bad on Wednesday. At least running back Marion Barber, who has participated very little in the past three games, was one of the four players who went through practice on a limited basis.
Barber still is having problems cutting on his dislocated little right toe, basically giving way to rookie Tashard Choice starting in two of the past three games and only getting eight carries in the other game (Giants). Phillips still is unsure of his status for Sunday's game, which means Barber is highly questionable.
"He's still not quite there yet," Phillips said.
Also limited in practice were safeties Ken Hamlin (foot) and Keith Davis (knee/neck) and linebacker Bobby Carpenter (knee/calf). But at least Hamlin and Davis were practicing, which is an improvement for Hamlin, who had missed the majority of practices the past two weeks while still playing, as well as Carpenter, who missed the Baltimore game.
Fully returning to practice were cornerback Alan Ball (ankle), wide receiver Roy Williams (foot) and wide receiver Isaiah Stanback (shoulder).
-Mickey Spagnola
Deserved Hard-Ware
There aren't many players in the Cowboys' locker room as humble as DeMarcus Ware. As productive as he's been in his career, with three Pro Bowls in four years and now chasing the NFL's single-season sack record, even Ware couldn't resist when asked about the possibility of getting the league's Defensive Player of the Year award.
"I think I do deserve it," said Ware, who has 20 sacks this season and needs three Sunday in Philadelphia to surpass Michael Strahan's (22 ½ in 2001) record. "I've been playing really well. A lot of other guys have been doing the same thing. I've been really effective this season and yeah, I do think I deserve it."
Ware is currently tied for sixth place on the NFL's all-time list for sacks in a season.
Of the five players who have had more in a season, three of them did win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Ironically enough, Cowboys' head coach Wade Phillips is no stranger to the award. He served as the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 1987 when Reggie White recorded 21.0 sacks and was named the NFL's top defensive player. Phillips was the defensive coordinator in Buffalo when Bryce Paup (1995) and Bruce Smith (1996) won the award in consecutive years.
Even in 2006, Phillips ran the Chargers' defense, anchored by Shawne Merriman, who led the league with 17 sacks despite missing four games due to an NFL suspension. Because of that, it's likely that Merriman did not win the award, but finished second to Miami's Jason Taylor, who publicly lobbied against Merriman because he was reprimanded by the NFL for taking an illegal substance.
As for this season, other NFL candidates to rival Ware would likely include Pittsburgh's tandem of Jerome Harrison (16.0 sacks) and Troy Polamalu, who is tied for the NFL-lead with seven interceptions. Also, Miami's Joey Porter (17 ½ sacks) and Atlanta's John Abraham (16 ½ sacks) could have a strong case as well.
- Nick Eatman
T.O.'s Near-Record TD Pace
Despite Terrell Owens' protestations over his involvement in the offense, the veteran receiver with his one touchdown catch Saturday night, giving him 10 for the season, became only the second player in the Cowboys' 49-season history to total double-digit touchdown receptions in three consecutive seasons.
The reception to narrow Baltimore's lead to 19-17 in the fourth quarter means he will go into Sunday's season finale at Philadelphia ranked second to only probable Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Bob Hayes - he is a Senior Committee nominee this year - in number of consecutive seasons with at least 10 touchdown receptions. Hayes recorded 12 touchdown receptions his rookie year (1965) and then went on the next three seasons to grab 13, 10 and 10 touchdown passes.
Hayes would catch only four touchdown passes the next season, 1969, but come back in 1970 to log 10 more touchdown passes to give him at least 10 touchdown passes in five of six straight seasons.
"As an offense we haven't played as well as we should have, but there's room for improvement," Owens said of this team's ninth-ranked offense. "This is the time now that we need to clean it up because we're going into this game, we have to win. There's no more excuses, no more pointing fingers and this and that. We've just got to go out and play football."
That Owens has caught 13 touchdown passes, a club single-season high 15 and now at least 10 in his three seasons with the Cowboys gives him at least 38 over the three-year span, most in club history. Hayes' most productive three-year span is the 35 TD passes he caught from 1965-67.
Owens, who last season broke the club's previous single-season record of 14 touchdown receptions by Frank Clarke, also became in 2006 the first Cowboys player to grab at least 10 touchdowns in a season since Michael Irvin had 10 in 1995.
- Mickey Spagnola
No Scoreboard Watching
While the Eagles might be eliminated from the playoffs before they even kick off against the Cowboys Sunday at 3:15 p.m. (CT), running back Brian Westbrook said he's planning on staying away from the TV screens.
"I'm not sure about anybody else, but I don't plan on it," Westbrook said. "We know we're going to face a very talented team. We know we have to have a lot of help to get into the playoffs. But we have to win the game. That's where it starts."
Philadelphia (8-6-1) has a chance to claim the NFC's sixth playoff spot, but would need either Minnesota (9-6) or Chicago (9-6) to lose, and Tampa Bay (9-6) has to lose at home to the Raiders. The Vikings and Bears are still fighting for the NFC North title, so both teams don't have to lose Sunday for the Eagles' sake. Minnesota will host the Giants while Chicago travels to Houston.
If that all works out for the Eagles, they of course would have to beat the Cowboys. With a win, Philadelphia would then jump to 9-6-1 and would have the half-game edge over Dallas, Tampa Bay and whoever doesn't win the North, between Minnesota and Chicago.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said he doesn't expect his team to change its approach leading into this game.
"Not at all," said Reid, who added the mindset won't change even if they are eliminated before kickoff. "I don't think so. Just the fact that you have the opportunity to play the Cowboys is the most important thing."
- Nick Eatman
A Nation Is Watching
No telling how many people still don't have NFL Network, but those who do seemingly were watching Cowboys-Ravens Saturday night from Texas Stadium. The game received a 9.22 cable rating.
What does that mean?
Means Cowboys-Ravens ends up being the highest-rated game on NFL Network this season and the second-highest rated game in NFL Network history. And yes, the Cowboys hold the top-rated distinction, too, for their Nov. 29 game last season against the Green Bay Packers (14.6) on the Thursday night after Thanksgiving.
When it comes to the highest rated sporting events on cable in 2008, Saturday night's broadcast ranks a distant fourth to . . . the Cowboys-Eagles Monday night game from Sept. 15 (13.27) on ESPN.
__________________