(Sportsbooks) - Bill Parcells' tenure in Dallas got off to a rough start last week with a 27-13 loss to the
Atlanta Falcons. The "Big Tuna" knew there would be growing pains with his inexperienced ball club and that results wouldn't be immediate, but the coach wasn't overly pleased with the error- filled performance.
"We need to play better than we did [last week] and that is pretty much it," Parcells stated. "I am trying to get this team to improve a little bit here as we go. They had a couple of key mistakes last Sunday that kind of caused us to lose and we couldn't come back from it."
As for Parcells facing the Giants on Monday night, the hype doesn't really impact the players. The return is more media hype for the fans and ownership since none of the current Giants played for Parcells, who left the club after leading it to a second Super Bowl title in 1990. Parcells guided the Giants to their first Super Bowl championship in 1986.
"It is not the first time [facing the Giants as an opponent]," Parcells said. "Obviously it is where I grew up so there is some feeling but it is not the first time. I will always have good memories of being with the Giants. We enjoyed great success and my roots are there. I have a good relationship with guys in the front office and ownership, but the players are all different."
If anything is certain about Parcells' Cowboys after just one week of play, it's that the offense is inconsistent. The team has good weapons in the passing game, but the offensive line doesn't do a great job of picking up blitzes and big-play opportunities are missed too often.
The Cowboys scored two touchdowns against the Falcons, and both came on big plays, not long drives. Aveion Cason scored on a 63-yard run and Quincy Carter connected with Joey Galloway on a 49-yard scoring pass. Other than that, however, the offense was disappointing. Dallas will have its work cut out going against a New York defense coming off a dominating performance.
"I was very, very impressed [with the Giants' defense], I thought that they have a good array of players at all three segments on defense, they looked very active," Parcells said. "I thought that was a real good defensive game for the first part of the season and I think if the Giants can get a lead in games they will be difficult to beat."
Carter only completed 15-of-32 passes last week, but it added up to a career- best 268 passing yards. He possesses good mobility and should be able to escape the pocket when his blocking breaks down. Still, Parcells must dedicate himself to the run. Troy Hambrick gained 53 yards on 14 carries last week, but he looked somewhat sluggish. At least Cason has some explosiveness.
Dallas' offense does its best work in three-WR sets. Galloway, Antonio Bryant and Terry Glenn form a strong receiving trio that can provide a nice boost in the scoring column if given the chance. Of course, getting them the football consistently is a problem.
UP NEXT: The Cowboys will have their bye in Week 3 followed by a Week 4 date against the New York Jets. Jet fans might have more venom for Parcells since he left Gang Green before delivering on a Super Bowl appearance.
