http://news.excite.com/news/ap/010605/17/fbn-cowboys-optimism Cowboys Owner Predicts 10 Wins Updated: Tue, Jun 05 5:31 PM EDT By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer IRVING, Texas (AP) - Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insists that he's not just talking when he predicts his team will win 10 games and contend for the playoffs. "I want to be as real as I can from my perspective, and I think we have a legitimate chance of being that kind of football team," Jones said Tuesday as the Cowboys continued their final minicamp before training camp opens July 21. No, Jones hasn't forgotten that the Cowboys were 5-11 to finish fourth in the NFC East a year ago, lost Super Bowl-winning quarterback Troy Aikman to retirement and haven't made any significant personnel overhauls. "I base that on the fact that the last four teams that have played in the Super Bowl were last in their division, or next to last, the year before," Jones said. "We've got a young team. We've got a lot of talent. The Cowboys missed the playoffs for the second time in four years, and haven't won a postseason game since the 1996 NFC wildcard game. Last year's 5-11 mark was the team's worst record since going 1-15 in 1989, the first season Jones owned the team. "The early years, we knew we had some work to do. So even though we had lesser records, those still weren't as hard to take," Jones said. Emmitt Smith, who is third on the NFL career rushing list, and defensive back Darren Woodson are the only players remaining from the Dallas teams that won three Super Bowls in four years - after the 1992, 1993 and 1995 seasons. "We've been in the winner's circle and we are anxious to get back there," Woodson said. "He has a lot of faith in his organization. The way the league is set up, there aren't a lot of strong teams. Teams down in the past have a chance to get back." Aikman, who missed five games last year and was knocked out of three others, retired in April. The Cowboys waived him March 7, a day before they owed him a $7 million bonus and seven-year contract extension, after he suffered four concussions his last 20 starts. "Now that Troy has left us, that's no reason to say automatically that we can't be successful. We can be successful this year," Jones said. "There's no reason we can't have some real consistent quarterbacking and have a lot better record than people think we will." Tony Banks, a five-year NFL veteran who was Trent Dilfer's backup when the Ravens won the Super Bowl in January, signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in March to replace Aikman. The Cowboys used their top pick in the April draft to get quarterback Quincy Carter from Georgia. Receivers Joey Galloway and Raghib Ismail are both back on the field after season-ending knee injuries a year ago. Galloway was injured in the season opener, while Ismail had several nagging injuries before his knee injury in November. Coach Dave Campo said he sees no reason to argue with Jones' bold prediction. "I'd probably say the same thing. I'm optimistic at whatever I do, and there's not much difference between the teams in this league," Campo said. "Look at the weapons we have on offense. If we have our best 11 out there, I feel really good about that." "Now that Troy has left us, He's even implying that it was Troy's decision to leave. I guess he forgets that they waived him. Jones needs to stay out of the way & let the pros handle the team. ------------------ [This message has been edited by Hottoddie (edited June 06, 2001).]
I am a Cowboy fan and I know that is BS. Only way Cowboys get 10 this year is if they play the starters in the pre-season games and you count those wins as well. I would be happy with 7-9, but I would rather see about a 3-13 or 2-14 to get the top pick to pick Simms in the draft.
I'm a cowboy fan as well, pitifull as it may be. Thats the thing about being a part of the Cowboys is that you are somewhat crazy. Jerry Jones is King Krazy! No matter how many losses, no matter how long ago "we" saw the post season, "we" keep coming back for more, hoping to recapture that Super Bowl feeling. This year for sure though! Actually, I think they'll do better than most people think, I mean "we" have Gallaway and Ismael! As long as "we" all stay healthy...now who's our QB? ------------------ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick once and you suck forever."
I thought the Texans automatically get the top pick next year? ------------------ What is daylight savings time? And if we are saving so much of it, who's got it all? - Mike Warnke
He was the backup to a quarterback that got waived at the end of the season. What does that say about Banks if he couldn't even beat out a guy that wasn't good enough to keep his job after leading them to a Superbowl? This kind of sounds like the Chicago Bulls trying to make Mercer sound like a major FA acquistion after all other FA's rejected them. I personally hate the Cowboys, but if Jones would stay out of the player personnel dept. & let the professionals run the team, they could probably get back on the right track. Jones needs to rein in his ego. ------------------
4chuckie: you think Sims will leave college next year? He'd have to have a pretty amazing season to make it worth his while. Even if he has a very good year, I think too many teams have learned the "Akili Smith" lesson to take a quarterback very high that hasn't had continued success. If he can do it for two years... his draft stock would rise immeasurably. ------------------ A few years back on the Senate floor... Phil Gramm: "If Democrats could, they'd tax the air we breathe." Ted Kennedy (jumping up): "By God, why didn't I think of that sooner!" Boston College - NCAA Hockey National Champions 2001
I agree with Jerry Jones that the Cowboys can win ten games..... Of course, I don't think they can win all those ten games just in this coming season, but if we give them ten years to do it, I don't think ten wins will be too much of a problem. ------------------ Houston Sports Board Film Dallas.com AntiBud.com
