Jones declares Hall of Fame game as tribute to Smith
Generally speaking, not much can be determined following a preseason opener. The older guys only make a brief cameo and little importance is accorded to the score after the final whistle. That is usually the procedure, but when America’s team is involved, they always try to up the ante and tend to make a spectacle of something rather ordinary.
But now the Cowboys have a very good reason to want to shine and rout their opponents when Dallas kicks off the 2010 NFL preseason on Sunday night when they face the Cincinnati Bengals in the Hall of Fame exhibition game.
Dallas will play one day after Cowboys All-Pro Emmitt Smith will sport the traditional gold jacket reserved exclusively for the NFL’s elite, and to tack on additional pressure, owner Jerry Jones labeled the preseason opener as a tribute to his former running back.
“I really believe that having our players share in Emmitt Smith's Hall of Fame enshrinement should serve as an inspiration to every man on our roster, whether it be a 10-year vet or a rookie that's never played in an NFL game," Jones said. "I can't think of a better way to start the season from a motivational perspective than wearing the same uniform as the NFL's all-time leading rusher."
Although winning is on Jones’ list for Sunday’s game in Canton, Ohio, ending the game injury-free tops everything. The Cowboys expect to play their starters for the first two possessions which is customary for a preseason opener. Dallas, who is already hurting with rookie Dez Bryant out for four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain and quarterback Tony Romo feeling discomfort in his throwing arm, wants to avoid any additional injuries.
The Cowboys are anxious to see their starter Romo on the bench, where he should be out of harms way, and see what backups Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee and Matt Nichols can do against the Bengals’ defence.
“We want to give guys who are practicing well the opportunity to show they can compete or help the team or make the team or whatever it is,” said head coach Wade Phillips.
The Bengals are expected to go with a quarterback rotation of Carson Palmer, JT O’Sullivan, and Jordan Palmer, Carson’s younger brother.
Terell Owens will play against his former Cowboys’ teammates and is confident that things will unfold to his benefit and that the Bengals will score early and often.
"If you work maintenance, you better get some more light bulbs,” Owens said, "because we’re going to light up the scoreboard.”
Now the speculation can begin on how long Owens will play in the first preseason game and we finally get to see how much chemistry and cohesion he has with the team and with quarterback Palmer.
"I think Carson being that quarterback that can get the ball up and down the field at any given point on the field — that makes my mouth water," Owens said. "I've longed to have a quarterback like Carson."
The 36-year-old receiver is a tremendous athlete who can still catch 70-plus balls in a single season. Hopefuly we wil get a chance to see his progression since he first joined the Bengals up to Sunday, August 8th.
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