San Antonio Cowboys

The San Antonio Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have moved south for the summer, and are holding their pre-season camp in the Alamodome this year.  America’s Team, though boasting enough talent to make a deep playoff run, is in a state of flux.  Gone is the Big Tuna, Bill Parcells, and in is new head coach Wade Phillips.  Phillips was last seen as the defensive coordinator for San Diego, but has been the head man before.  To many, Phillips was a curious choice.  Certainly known as a top-notch defensive mind, Phillips’ time as head coach has not been particularly successful.  His record as head coach is just over .500 (48-42), and he is 0-3 in the playoffs.  Parcells was 34-30 in his time in Dallas, but did boast two Super Bowl rings before arriving.

Aside from the new man in charge, Dallas boasts plenty of talent: Terrell Owens is coming off a sub-par year and should become his explosive old self, and young QB, Tony Romo had a great season after winning the starting job midway through the season.  The Cowboys defense should be one of the best in the league with Phillips at the helm.

Last year, the team was 9-7 and a mishandled hold on a chip shot field goal away from advancing out of the wild-card round of the playoffs.  Many writers and pundits are picking them to win their division this year. 
 

Practice Underway

Wednesday marked the first of many practices the Cowboys will hold in San Antonio. After spending the last few pre-season camps in California, the Cowboys have decided to stay in their home state, and may even be putting down some roots in San Antonio.  With the city offering the use of the Alamodome for free, and the team accepting a deal to come back for the next 5 years (with an additional option to extend by another 5) it looks like the Cowboys are certainly playing to the home state fans. 

After Wednesday’s first practice, fans were invited to the Dallas Cowboys 2007 Kick-Off Spectacular, a free pep rally which featured Grammy-winning artists, Los Lonely Boys, and appearances by players, coaches, and cheerleaders. 

Although the city is not receiving any rent for the use of the dome, officials believe that a small profit will be made from concessions and parking, but the main benefit should be the entertainment value, and the chance for the hordes of San Antonio’s Cowboys fans to get a chance to see the team in (limited) action. 

Practice is free to the public, although parking is not.  The team will hold practices through August 8, with times varying.