IRVING, Texas (AP) - For a big guy with a big mouth, Terrell
Owens sure has become tough to find this season.
On coach Wade Phillips' orders, offensive coordinator Jason
Garrett is calling plays that force defenses to search for No. 81
on every play.
One play, he might line up in the slot. Then he's wide left,
then wide right, then even in the backfield and as the man in
motion.
Owens doesn't need tricks to succeed, but the new wrinkles are
making the game fun for him again. It's helped Dallas to a 3-0
record and the most points in the NFL, with Owens leading the club
in every receiving category.
Owens is clicking with his coaches and quarterback for the first
time since 2004, when he helped Philadelphia start 13-1. The Eagles
ended that season in the Super Bowl.
There's been all sorts of craziness since then, including an
accidental overdose a year ago this week. He's so at peace now that
the 33-year-old Owens is talking about playing five more years. He
even says he "definitely would like to retire here and go into the
Hall of Fame as a Cowboy."
The unbeaten Cowboys host the banged-up St. Louis Rams on
Sunday, then travel to Buffalo for a Monday night game against the
banged-up Bills. Both teams are winless. After that, Dallas will
welcome New England to Texas Stadium in what will be a showdown
between Owens and Randy Moss and might be a battle of unbeatens.