IRVING – Bill Parcells often speaks with certain players about how important their production will be against a particular opponent.
This week, the Cowboys' coach talked with left tackle Flozell Adams.
Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, who is considered one of the top linemen in the NFL, will line up against Adams on Sunday at Texas Stadium.
Freeney doesn't have a lot of sacks, only 1½, but he does have a team-leading 22 quarterback pressures – and that concerns the Cowboys.
Parcells has raved about Freeney, explaining that his sack total is down because of constant double- and triple-teams. Adams will receive some blocking help from a running back or tight end.
But mainly, it's Adams against Freeney.
"Well, you've got a big, powerful man against an explosive, dynamic, quick, high-motor, high-effort player – that's what you got," Parcells said.
When asked how this matchup was going to play out, Parcells compared it to the 1941 heavyweight title fight between Joe Louis and Billy Conn. Louis was behind on points on two judges' scorecards and was even on the other when he knocked out Conn in the 13th round.
"Joe Louis finally knocked him out," Parcells said in comparing Adams to Louis.
■ Safety help is important: The Colts are good at using play action to freeze the safeties. And Dallas' Roy Williams and Patrick Watkins are on the hook for seven touchdowns this season.
Keith Davis, Williams and Watkins must limit their mistakes against the Colts.
"You can't play good defense without a good safety, free safety," Parcells said. "They have to tackle and defend and play the ball in the air. They have to be smart, and they are a quarterback of sorts most of the time."
■ Stanley is back: Defensive tackle Montavious Stanley, a sixth-round pick from Louisville, returned to the Cowboys. He was cut Sept. 2 and picked up by the St. Louis Rams, who released him. Jacksonville then grabbed him and later released him.
"It's nice to come back, because I kind of know the drill around here," Stanley said. "It's exciting to be here because everybody has high energy and is intense, especially in practice."
■ Fond memories: Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri said his last game at Texas Stadium was in 1996, and he tackled Herschel Walker.
"That was maybe one of my most memorable moments because it was actually when I was a football player and not just a kicker," said Vinatieri, who made field goals of 21 and 30 yards in New England's 12-6 loss. "Having the opportunity to chase down and tackle Herschel was impressive because I'd seen him do some pretty amazing things."
■ Briefly: Receiver Terry Glenn practiced Thursday and experienced no problems with his injured kneecap. He was listed as probable. ... Tony Romo has a swollen middle finger on his throwing hand. Romo said the finger was fine.
E-mail cwatkins@dallasnews.com
