Cowboys can’t click
After the deep ball that didn’t come close in a drill without defenders, the pass that was underthrown in double coverage and the one that went high, wide and out of bounds, Drew Bledsoe must have sensed frustration rising in Terrell Owens.
So the quarterback made a pre-emptive strike Wednesday morning. Soon after they went to the sideline, Bledsoe went looking for Owens, walking about 50 yards merely to give him an encouraging pat on the rear.
Such an exchange between most quarterbacks and receivers would hardly be noticed, especially during the seventh practice of training camp. However, everything that happens between this receiver and his quarterback is newsworthy.
“Every day is a day of improvement,” Owens said following the practice and a chat with coach Bill Parcells.
Wednesday’s session in Oxnard, Calif., was the second straight in which Bledsoe and Owens were out of whack.
Owens’ attitude is a good sign for the Cowboys. They’ve invested $10 million this season alone in Owens being on his best behavior and so far he’s showed no signs of the problems that prompted San Francisco and Philadelphia to give up on him regardless of his All-Pro ability.
Meanwhile, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said it was a mistake to sign Owens in the first place.
“I would not do it again,” Lurie said. “You look back on it – one year great, the second year a disaster. Nobody should be able to be as disruptive and really cut the energy of the team down.”
Shockey appears subdued
The effects of his first concussion left Jeremy Shockey nauseous, sensitive to light, reduced his motor skills and made it difficult for him to sleep, the three-time Pro Bowl tight end said.
“Don’t get too close, I might get sick,” a soft-spoken and rather subdued Shockey said. “I am feeling better, but I have headaches and I am pretty sensitive to light.”
The comments at lunch were Shockey’s first to the media since he sustained what the Giants described as a mild concussion in a collision with safety Will Demps late in a training camp workout on Monday night at the University at Albany.
Around the league
New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi missed his fourth consecutive practice. The extent of the injury is unclear, but the Boston Herald reported that his wrist might be fractured. … All-Pro cornerback Ronde Barber signed a five-year contract extension that he hopes will give him an opportunity to play his entire career with Tampa Bay. … Dallas and star safety Roy Williams agreed to a five-year deal worth $25.2 million, with $11.1 million guaranteed. … Kansas City acquired running back Michael Bennett from New Orleans for an undisclosed 2007 draft pick, but insisted that didn’t mean Priest Holmes (neck and spinal cord injury) would retire. … St. Louis signed Moe Williams to a one-year contract, addressing the need for a backup running back. … Arizona right tackle Oliver Ross will miss at least three weeks, and possibly as many as 10, because of a right knee injury.