TO didn't know the plays? (1 Viewer)

[tribecalledjeff]

In training camp, the Cowboys asked Terrell Owens not to focus on a segment of the playbook because he was having a difficult time grasping it. T.O.'s lack of familiarity with the playbook wasn't a secret. Players knew. Coaches knew. Front-office personnel knew. Quarterback Tony Romo had to tell Owens what to do several times after the Cowboys broke the huddle during their playoff loss to Seattle.That wasn't a shock: Romo and others had to tell Owens the plays during practice, on occasion, so it surprised few when he wasn't sure what to do during games.

-- Dallas Morning News

 

[DWidmar]

In training camp, the Cowboys asked Terrell Owens not to focus on a segment of the playbook because he was having a difficult time grasping it. T.O.'s lack of familiarity with the playbook wasn't a secret. Players knew. Coaches knew. Front-office personnel knew. Quarterback Tony Romo had to tell Owens what to do several times after the Cowboys broke the huddle during their playoff loss to Seattle.That wasn't a shock: Romo and others had to tell Owens the plays during practice, on occasion, so it surprised few when he wasn't sure what to do during games.-- Dallas Morning News

Why should he care about the playbook. It's what he does after the catch that makes him so special.

 

[thecardiackid]

And now it's time to digest the Wade Phillips binder

 

[trader jake]

I can't believe we've gone this long without an offseason TO non-story.

 

[redman]

You guys are being unfair. He may not have known the plays, but he was well-rested from his time in the meetings.

 

[bostonfred]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

 

[redman]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

 

[BigRed]

I can't believe we've gone this long without an offseason TO non-story.

EXACTLY. freakin travesty, it is.Bumping to keep this to the top where it belongs. Anyone have new video of him playing ball in his driveway?? EDIT: I just realized......I bet he's Anna N Smith's kid's daddy. Somebody call CNN.

 

[bostonfred]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

I cheer for Manny Ramirez's team. I've learned to put my imagination aside and just enjoy the player.

 

[Ice Cream Man]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

 

[redman]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

I cheer for Manny Ramirez's team. I've learned to put my imagination aside and just enjoy the player.

Manny's a flake, no doubt, but everything I've ever heard about the guy has indicated that he's worked hard throughout his career at hitting (which, BTW, is an individual activity). TO plays a position on a team that requires close coordination with other teammates, which is only really accomplished through hard work and study. TO seems to blow all of that off in favor of just relying upon his immense physical talent. Before we get too cavalier here, remember that he had a few lapses this year that Cowboys fans felt cost them a game or two.

 

[SSOG]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

 

[bostonfred]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

I cheer for Manny Ramirez's team. I've learned to put my imagination aside and just enjoy the player.

Manny's a flake, no doubt, but everything I've ever heard about the guy has indicated that he's worked hard throughout his career at hitting (which, BTW, is an individual activity). TO plays a position on a team that requires close coordination with other teammates, which is only really accomplished through hard work and study. TO seems to blow all of that off in favor of just relying upon his immense physical talent. Before we get too cavalier here, remember that he had a few lapses this year that Cowboys fans felt cost them a game or two.

Nobody questions Manny's willingness to hit or his work ethic when it comes to working out or taking batting practice. It's watching him jog to first base on a ground ball or jog after a deep fly ball when he plays left field or pee in the green monster that drives Boston fans nuts. It's not as bad as some make it out to be, but it can definitely be frustrating.

 

[bostonfred]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

Throwing to their injured WR1 was not as good as throwing to their healthy WR2 from whom he drew coverage? I'm shocked.

 

[JayMan]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

You do realize though (and I don't suggest that you don't obvisouly!) that this is why he's a FF gem...Do loop until i=32

He's whining all the time... and since the i=[insert team name here] invested so much in him (because he's a phenomenal talent)... they feel bad about it and toss him the ball even more...

That lasts for a few years... then the i=[insert team name here] finally admits that they need blew it and parts with him...

Next i

 

[Bankerguy]

When news is slow.....make up something about T.O.

and repeat as necessary.

 

[Warhogs]

It was my belief that T.O. is a hard worker (physically), I think you would have to be to stay in the shape he is in. His weakness is mentally. What's the big deal? Call the play, tell TO to run a post pattern, break huddle. The blockhead is amazing after the catch.

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

I remember in 6th grade I didn't know the plays because the returning starter at WR felt I was a threat and refused to share the playbook.

Needless to say I still scored the teams first 3 Touchdowns.

Morole of the story...... If your good who needs to learn the plays?

 

[redman]

When news is slow.....make up something about T.O.

And if you're a fan of the team he plays for, defend him ugainst this completely and totally unjust (I mean really, out of the blue!) persecution.

and repeat as necessary.

Fixed.

 

[Bankerguy]

When news is slow.....make up something about T.O.

And if you're a fan of the team he plays for, defend him ugainst this completely and totally unjust (I mean really, out of the blue!) persecution.

and repeat as necessary.

Fixed.

Yes, you know me well my friend!I just wonder how much of the stuff we hear about TO is just made up crap.

These stories always seems to pop up when not much else is happening...coincidence???

Honestly, I am NOT defending the guy. He's a good Football player and an idiot all rolled up in one.

 

[Banger]

 

[Emmitt Smith]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

I cheer for Manny Ramirez's team. I've learned to put my imagination aside and just enjoy the player.

Manny's a flake, no doubt, but everything I've ever heard about the guy has indicated that he's worked hard throughout his career at hitting (which, BTW, is an individual activity). TO plays a position on a team that requires close coordination with other teammates, which is only really accomplished through hard work and study. TO seems to blow all of that off in favor of just relying upon his immense physical talent. Before we get too cavalier here, remember that he had a few lapses this year that Cowboys fans felt cost them a game or two.

blah, blah, blah.Stop sweating the Cowboys. Every single time there is any story related to the cowboys you have to stop in and put your burgandy and mustard goggled spin on it. j/k

 

[bostonfred]

When news is slow.....make up something about T.O.

And if you're a fan of the team he plays for, defend him ugainst this completely and totally unjust (I mean really, out of the blue!) persecution.

and repeat as necessary.

Fixed.

OK, you got me- Dallasfred

 

[Ozymandias]

Go deep.

 

[zoonation]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

Redzone guy?Go check the length of his TD catches last year and report back I would do it for you, but it has already been covered in another thread. Tentative conclusions...you don't know what you are talking about.

 

[Aaronstory]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

 

[TheLastDispatch]

You guys are being unfair. He may not have known the plays, but he was well-rested from his time in the meetings.

nice.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Redzone guy?Go check the length of his TD catches last year and report back I would do it for you, but it has already been covered in another thread. Tentative conclusions...you don't know what you are talking about.

6 TDs from inside the 101 TD from 11-20 2 TDs from 21-30 1 TD from 31-40 3 from 50+

 

[Liquid Tension]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

Throwing to their injured WR1 was not as good as throwing to their healthy WR2 from whom he drew coverage? I'm shocked.

Exactly, when was the last time Glenn was doubled with TO on the field.BTW, Manny is an interesting comp to TO. TO actually gives more on the field and maybe even off of it, but Manny is not the guy who tried to draw attention like TO does. Manny seems more secure to me.

 

[-primetime-]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

T.O. is one of the hardest working players in the NFL...sorry

 

[redman]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

T.O. is one of the hardest working players in the NFL...sorry

Yes, his meeting participation is legendary. Sorry Cowboy fan, but you're going to have to do a little better than ignore the fact that the mental reps that pros do are just as important as their physical reps.

 

[-primetime-]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

T.O. is one of the hardest working players in the NFL...sorry

Yes, his meeting participation is legendary. Sorry Cowboy fan, but you're going to have to do a little better than ignore the fact that the mental reps that pros do are just as important as their physical reps.

ok...I guess he might not be a hard worker mentallybut he is physically...and that should not be ignored eitheryou just said "worked hard"...

 

[Two Deep]

I can't believe we've gone this long without an offseason TO non-story.

EXACTLY. freakin travesty, it is.Bumping to keep this to the top where it belongs. Anyone have new video of him playing ball in his driveway?? EDIT: I just realized......I bet he's Anna N Smith's kid's daddy. Somebody call CNN.

Owens doesn't like women so this can't be.

 

[bostonfred]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

Throwing to their injured WR1 was not as good as throwing to their healthy WR2 from whom he drew coverage? I'm shocked.

Exactly, when was the last time Glenn was doubled with TO on the field.BTW, Manny is an interesting comp to TO. TO actually gives more on the field and maybe even off of it, but Manny is not the guy who tried to draw attention like TO does. Manny seems more secure to me.

Maybe that's why I'm not as hard on Owens. I think he's about as harmless as Manny. Yeah, you'd like it if he worked harder and didn't do strange things. You'd like it if he knew what to say to the media and how to act on and off the field. And you'd like it if the media didn't try to make a circus out of every little thing he does. But you accept it because he's one of the most gifted and exciting players you've had a chance to see. I lost a lot of respect for Andy Reid, who was on an incredible run with that team, when he threw it all away because he couldn't handle a player he knew was a pain in the ### when he brought him in. The Red Sox accepted their guy and went on to win a championship with him. Parcells accepted his guy and today he's considered the best ever to play the position. Reid got into a battle of egos and irrevocably damaged both their careers.

 

[BassNBrew]

When news is slow.....make up something about T.O.

And if you're a fan of the team he plays for, defend him ugainst this completely and totally unjust (I mean really, out of the blue!) persecution.

and repeat as necessary.

Fixed.

OK, you got me- Drewfred

 

[Happy]

Go deep.

This says it all. Playground rules! It seems to work.

 

[ELI2TYREE]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

or didn't drop the easy ones.

 

[redman]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

Imagine what he could do if he worked hard.

or didn't drop the easy ones.

I think both criticisms arise from the same concentration deficiency, or inattention to detail if you prefer.

 

[sts911911]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

Throwing to their injured WR1 was not as good as throwing to their healthy WR2 from whom he drew coverage? I'm shocked.

Exactly, when was the last time Glenn was doubled with TO on the field.BTW, Manny is an interesting comp to TO. TO actually gives more on the field and maybe even off of it, but Manny is not the guy who tried to draw attention like TO does. Manny seems more secure to me.

Maybe that's why I'm not as hard on Owens. I think he's about as harmless as Manny. Yeah, you'd like it if he worked harder and didn't do strange things. You'd like it if he knew what to say to the media and how to act on and off the field. And you'd like it if the media didn't try to make a circus out of every little thing he does. But you accept it because he's one of the most gifted and exciting players you've had a chance to see. I lost a lot of respect for Andy Reid, who was on an incredible run with that team, when he threw it all away because he couldn't handle a player he knew was a pain in the ### when he brought him in. The Red Sox accepted their guy and went on to win a championship with him. Parcells accepted his guy and today he's considered the best ever to play the position. Reid got into a battle of egos and irrevocably damaged both their careers.

Am I seeing this right? You think TO is the best WR ever?!?!?!

 

[redman]

Maybe that's why I'm not as hard on Owens. I think he's about as harmless as Manny. Yeah, you'd like it if he worked harder and didn't do strange things. You'd like it if he knew what to say to the media and how to act on and off the field. And you'd like it if the media didn't try to make a circus out of every little thing he does. But you accept it because he's one of the most gifted and exciting players you've had a chance to see. I lost a lot of respect for Andy Reid, who was on an incredible run with that team, when he threw it all away because he couldn't handle a player he knew was a pain in the ### when he brought him in. The Red Sox accepted their guy and went on to win a championship with him. Parcells accepted his guy and today he's considered the best ever to play the position. Reid got into a battle of egos and irrevocably damaged both their careers.

Am I seeing this right? You think TO is the best WR ever?!?!?!

I saw that too. TO is an amazing physical talent, but I'd take Jerry Rice over him every day of the week, and twice of course on Sunday (or Saturday . . . or Monday . . . or sometimes Thursday nights).

 

[perry147]

Maybe that's why I'm not as hard on Owens. I think he's about as harmless as Manny. Yeah, you'd like it if he worked harder and didn't do strange things. You'd like it if he knew what to say to the media and how to act on and off the field. And you'd like it if the media didn't try to make a circus out of every little thing he does. But you accept it because he's one of the most gifted and exciting players you've had a chance to see. I lost a lot of respect for Andy Reid, who was on an incredible run with that team, when he threw it all away because he couldn't handle a player he knew was a pain in the ### when he brought him in. The Red Sox accepted their guy and went on to win a championship with him. Parcells accepted his guy and today he's considered the best ever to play the position. Reid got into a battle of egos and irrevocably damaged both their careers.

Am I seeing this right? You think TO is the best WR ever?!?!?!

I saw that too. TO is an amazing physical talent, but I'd take Jerry Rice over him every day of the week, and twice of course on Sunday (or Saturday . . . or Monday . . . or sometimes Thursday nights).

I will even take Harrison or Holt.

 

[Bankerguy]

Um yeah.....TO the best ever.

Not even top 10.

 

[Liquid Tension]

And yet he still put up 85 catches for 1180 yards and 13 TDs in his first year in an offense he didn't fully understand while playing hurt and undergoing a QB change. This guy is supremely talented.

And all it took was a mere 152 targets, third most in the entire league!Owens may be good, but every time the team threw his way, they were only hurting themselves, because Glenn was much, much better last season (64% catch% to TO's 56%, 15.0 ypc to TO's 13.9). TO is a very good red-zone threat (although his numbers are inflated again due to the unnaturally high number of targets that result when he whines), but outside of the Red Zone, he was just a guy.

Throwing to their injured WR1 was not as good as throwing to their healthy WR2 from whom he drew coverage? I'm shocked.

Exactly, when was the last time Glenn was doubled with TO on the field.BTW, Manny is an interesting comp to TO. TO actually gives more on the field and maybe even off of it, but Manny is not the guy who tried to draw attention like TO does. Manny seems more secure to me.

Maybe that's why I'm not as hard on Owens. I think he's about as harmless as Manny. Yeah, you'd like it if he worked harder and didn't do strange things. You'd like it if he knew what to say to the media and how to act on and off the field. And you'd like it if the media didn't try to make a circus out of every little thing he does. But you accept it because he's one of the most gifted and exciting players you've had a chance to see. I lost a lot of respect for Andy Reid, who was on an incredible run with that team, when he threw it all away because he couldn't handle a player he knew was a pain in the ### when he brought him in. The Red Sox accepted their guy and went on to win a championship with him. Parcells accepted his guy and today he's considered the best ever to play the position. Reid got into a battle of egos and irrevocably damaged both their careers.

Manny is less harmful than TO because when TO was in front of the mike he was VERY harmful to the team. If I were TO's agent, I would pay the fine and tell him he is not allowed to talk with any member of the media for any reason. Just shut up and play because it is obvious you are not smart enough to curb your idiotic comments.Also, TO is not under any circumstance the best WR ever and that includes if you take Jerry Rice out of the equation (because Rice CLEARLY is the best WR and possibly has the widest margin of any player at their respective position)

 

[Franknbeans]

you can't spell TOOL without TO

 

[zoonation]

Um yeah.....TO the best ever.Not even top 10.

When T.O. is done playing his numbers will be third best all-time. And, he didn't have Manning throwing to him his whole career.Not top 10? LMAO.

 

[bostonfred]

Sorry guys, I was talking about LT, not Owens. Wasn't reallty thinking about the confusion of Owens having played for Parcells. My point is that the scrutiny Owens has faced for being a cancer is ridiculous, and that the media attention to it is more of a distraction than he ever was on his own. That doesn't mean he's a great guy, it doesn't mean he doesn't cause any kind of distraction, it doesn't mean he'll necessarily win a Superbowl. I just think that his talent way overshadows the downside, and guys like Manny, LT, and countless other locker room jerks and drunks and pill poppers have shown that the "cancer" tag is not enough to overshadow and all world talent.

I do think Owens is one of the best receivers ever to play the game, though. He has some of the best statistics of any receiver ever, he's an enthusiastic blocker, he draws attention away from other receivers, he was close to being the Superbowl MVP despite playing hurt, he contributed greatly in the biggest comeback in playoff history, and he helped the Cowboys get to the playoffs (and they should have won that game) again this year.

But the point I was making in the above post was that Andy Reid made a huge mistake in getting rid of this guy, while other coaches and managers have won championships with similar talent:headcase situations.

 

[redman]

Um yeah.....TO the best ever.Not even top 10.

When T.O. is done playing his numbers will be third best all-time. And, he didn't have Manning throwing to him his whole career.Not top 10? LMAO.

Given his baggage, and if given the choice to take one as a rookie with a guarantee that they'd put up the numbers they've put up, would you want TO over a guy like James Lofton?

 

[lod2005]

This appears to be a new trend.

McGahee didn't spend any time in Buffalo last offseason learning the new playbook under coach **** Jauron. The Bills are expecting more of the same this offseason.

"Willis literally didn't know what to do on the plays," a source said. "After the play was called, we'd have another coach signaling to Willis what to do because he didn't know He'd miss blocks [in pass protection] a few times, not because he was beat, but because he didn't know what he was doing.

"He just doesn't study. … His teammates noticed it, and it affected how they viewed him in the locker room."

 

[bostonfred]

Um yeah.....TO the best ever.Not even top 10.

When T.O. is done playing his numbers will be third best all-time. And, he didn't have Manning throwing to him his whole career.Not top 10? LMAO.

Given his baggage, and if given the choice to take one as a rookie with a guarantee that they'd put up the numbers they've put up, would you want TO over a guy like James Lofton?

Owens would have a full season worth of better numbers if Reid were a better coach/GM. So are we assuming that he gets the numbers he "should" have put up that season? Also, are we assuming that our general manager can just pay the guy instead of trying to get him on the cheap? Or do we have to take the Eagles' massive mismanagement of one of the premier players at his position in NFL history as a given? Also, do we have to assume that Owens has the same injuries, on top of the same unnecessary suspension that the Eagles shot themselves in the foot with? Or can we assume that a more competent coach/GM would have figured out that trading for a talented but needy player and lowballing him, then watching him play through injury, meant that they were going to have to pay him or else they'd make him into a bigger disruption than he had to be? If we only look at Owens' career-to-date stats, you're building in the assumption that he couldn't have done more if he had a coach whose ego would derail their championship contending team.

 

[redman]

Um yeah.....TO the best ever.Not even top 10.

When T.O. is done playing his numbers will be third best all-time. And, he didn't have Manning throwing to him his whole career.Not top 10? LMAO.

Given his baggage, and if given the choice to take one as a rookie with a guarantee that they'd put up the numbers they've put up, would you want TO over a guy like James Lofton?

Owens would have a full season worth of better numbers if Reid were a better coach/GM. So are we assuming that he gets the numbers he "should" have put up that season? Also, are we assuming that our general manager can just pay the guy instead of trying to get him on the cheap? Or do we have to take the Eagles' massive mismanagement of one of the premier players at his position in NFL history as a given? Also, do we have to assume that Owens has the same injuries, on top of the same unnecessary suspension that the Eagles shot themselves in the foot with? Or can we assume that a more competent coach/GM would have figured out that trading for a talented but needy player and lowballing him, then watching him play through injury, meant that they were going to have to pay him or else they'd make him into a bigger disruption than he had to be? If we only look at Owens' career-to-date stats, you're building in the assumption that he couldn't have done more if he had a coach whose ego would derail their championship contending team.

Look, I know you're an advocate for TO, so you don't need to prove that by overthinking the hypothesis. No, don't change anything. You take them as their careers actually played out, including the fact that Owens' baggage prevented him from playing in as many games as he would have.