http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/football/15170532.htm
Built for now or later? Cowboys hope it's both
By MAC ENGEL
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. - The question did not prompt the famous "noooooooo" from Cowboys coach Bill Parcells.
Did the Cowboys build this team for just this season?
"All you'd have to do is look at the drafts and what we're trying to do, and you'd know that's incorrect," Parcells said.
This off-season, a theory -- originated mostly by the media -- arose saying Parcells and the Cowboys are putting every chip into one pile and betting big. A theory that this experiment from Parcells of going with Drew Bledsoe and Terrell Owens works now -- or it's over and many faces will change.
Like every perception, this observation of the Cowboys contains some truths and some falsehoods.
"I understand it, but I would say it's because of this time in Bill's career," Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said. "That question will continue. I would view it on its face.
"These are decisions to be the very best we can this year more than...we're going to have to start over again next year."
The perception is rooted around the coach and an offense featuring good, but older, skill players.
The Coach. Parcells is signed through 2007, but his return is not guaranteed and is the source of constant speculation. Even he doesn't know. At 64, next year is never a guarantee.
If the Cowboys win the Super Bowl, come close, finish poorly or do X, Y, or Z in between, Parcells retires.
"I think it's a misconception," tight end Jason Witten said. "But I think, at the same time, we're always looking at one year we want to win. Coach Parcells told us he wants to see results now. He doesn't have time to wait around. In that sense, it is a one-year thing. But I don't think, if we do well, he retires, or, we do bad, he retires."
The No. 1 receiver. Terrell Owens signed a three-year, $25 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus. But the deal is structured as three one-year contracts, making a release cost-friendly should the Cowboys want it.
The No. 2 receiver. Terry Glenn will be 33 before the start of the 2007 season. Although he signed a five-year, $20 million deal in the off-season, the contract is structured so that the Cowboys could release him after this season with minimal cost.
The No. 1 running back. Julius Jones admitted that this season has to be it. He has shown glimpses of greatness followed either by injury or 2.3 yards and a cloud of dust. Jones must prove to be a capable back this season or the Cowboys will address the position again.
The No. 1 quarterback. Although Bledsoe has played 16 games in each of the past four seasons and shows zero effects from age, he admits he doesn't know how many more years he has left. He's 34, and this season can't be taken for granted.
"I'm looking at this one year, we're going to make it this year, and I really don't with this team, think long term of where I'm going to be or this team is going to be," Bledsoe said. "We're going to make a push and address next year when it comes. The long-term building concept left the league six or seven years ago."
With the Cowboys' offense, that's true enough.
"Next year, I think we're going to have to do some things on the offensive [side]," Parcells said.
With the defense, this perception of the Cowboys going for broke is a misconception.
They continue to stockpile defensive talent. The core of DeMarcus Ware, Roy Williams, Terence Newman, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty, Bradie James and, possibly, 2006 draftees Bobby Carpenter and Jason Hatcher figures to be around for a while.
"We've set the foundation for a very good team for years to come," James said.
The foundation might make for a great team this year. Then the foundation might change.
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