Sunday, October 19, 2003

From wire dispatches

It's safe to say Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and coach Bill Parcells are getting along just fine these days in Dallas.

The Tuna has brought toughness, accountability and even credibility to a franchise that had descended into also-ran status. And, yes, he has made the Cowboys legitimate playoff contenders right off the bat in a division in which the Giants and Eagles appear to be down.

While the rest of the NFL's new coaches -- Dennis Erickson, Steve Mariucci, Marvin Lewis and Jack Del Rio -- have gone a combined 5-17, Parcells has fashioned a 4-1 record.

One of the greatest testaments to the leadership Parcells has brought came recently from quarterback Quincy Carter, who said, "We always thought we had the talent. Now, we have the coaching to go along with it."

And while Carter insisted it wasn't meant as an indictment of former coach Dave Campo, Dallas' roster is largely comprised of the players Campo led during the Cowboys' 5-11, last-place season in 2002.

Bear down

There's an air of suspicion about the "swollen left leg" that will send quarterback Kordell Stewart to the bench in Chicago in favor of Chris Chandler.

Sounds more like coach Dick Jauron is in full save-his-job mode to some Bears skeptics.

After fumbling twice while being sacked in a 20-13 loss to New Orleans last week, Stewart did not show any signs of discomfort after the game and didn't spend any time in the trainer's room.

But Jauron pointed to a previously unreported quadriceps bruise suffered against Oakland as the reason behind Stewart's benching. This after Jauron had wavered in his support for Stewart as the starter for the first time after the Saints game.

A perfect start

The Minnesota Vikings will be trying for their third 6-0 start in six seasons and fifth overall today against the Broncos.

The Vikings started 9-0 in 1973 (en route to a 24-7 loss to Miami in Super Bowl VIII), 10-0 in 1975 (losing to Dallas, 17-14, in a divisional playoff game), 7-0 in 1998 (losing to Atlanta, 30-27, in the NFC championship game) and 7-0 in 2000 (losing to the Giants, 41-0, in the NFC championship game).

Not the big-play Saints

The New Orleans Saints have yet to score a touchdown longer than 35 yards this season and have only one play of more than 40 yards in six games.

The passing attack isn't clicking because of drops, poor throws, penalties and poor reads. At this time last year, New Orleans had six touchdowns of more than 20 yards and eight gains of 40 or more yards.

Dogs days in the desert

What few fans the Arizona Cardinals have are getting restless after a 1-5 start.

During last Sunday's Ravens game, which drew 24,193 fans in 96-degree heat, banners were unfurled in the upper deck critical of the organization. "Thank God for the Colangelos," said one, referring to the architects of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns. Said another, "16 years of Bidwill excellence."

Quick slants

Seahawks linebacker Chad Brown is coming off his best game of the season after finally deciding to go full bore on the foot on which he had off-season surgery. He collected a sack and forced a clinching fumble in Seattle victory against San Francisco. "I felt like wearing a badge saying, 'I'm hurt and I really don't [stink],' " Brown said. "But this is a bottom-line job and no one cares."

The Redskins have allowed a league-high 23 sacks, despite a revamping of the line in the off-season with the additions of Randy Thomas and Dave Fiore.

Speaking of sacks, the Eagles have only seven in five games -- none from their defensive ends. Philadelphia led the league in sacks last season (56).

Cowboys kicker Billy Cundiff has made 10 consecutive field goals since being off target on a field-goal attempt and an extra-point attempt in the season opener.

The Packers have dropped just five passes in the first six games. In 17 games last season, they dropped 48.

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