Jerry Jones said he doesn't know how many games the Cowboys are going to
win. Or whether they'll make the playoffs. Or if they'll beat the 20-1
odds and make it to the Super Bowl.
But he does expect Dallas to be a lot more competitive than it was last
season, when the Cowboys stumbled to a 6-10 record that included six
losses by 15 points or more.
That's why he spent more than $30 million in signing bonuses to secure
five free agents. And that's why he used five of the club's first six
draft picks on defensive players he expects to contribute this season.
"I wouldn't have brought in some of the veteran players in free agency
if I didn't believe that if we got it right we'd have a chance to
compete," Jones said. "I wouldn't have done that if I thought we were
just in a rebuilding mode. It's about competing with Philadelphia and
the top teams."
To do that, Jones said the Cowboys can't waste any time during training
camp. The Cowboys report to Oxnard, Calif., an hour north of Los
Angeles, on Thursday, and go through their first practice Saturday.
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe must use the time to familiarize himself with
receivers Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Quincy Morgan and tight end
Jason Witten. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer must use that time to
further acquaint himself with the 3-4 defense and get his team prepared
to play it.
And coach Bill Parcells must concern himself with finding a right
tackle, a free safety and myriad other things.
"After having the disappointment and surprise of last year, I'm
optimistic about the season. We've had our best off-season since I've
been here," Jones said.
"We need a good start, and we need to have the best camp since I've been
here, because we're changing some schemes on defense," he said.
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