Gunzlingr
12-27-2003, 08:42 AM
Seeking to address one of their most glaring deficiencies as the team approaches its first playoff appearance since 1999, the Dallas Cowboys on Friday afternoon claimed kickoff return specialist Michael Bates on waivers, and the 11th-year veteran is likely to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints.
For much of the season, coach Bill Parcells has criticized the Dallas kickoff return game, and he noted again Monday that he felt the special teams units might be excellent if they could improve that shortcoming. If healthy, Bates, one of the leading kickoff returners in NFL history, could provide such a boost.
Clearly, the Cowboys are looking to the playoffs and Parcells, not surprisingly, is attempting to rectify a season-long sore spot. The Cowboys released backup offensive lineman Billy Conaty to carve out a spot for Bates on the roster.
Bates, 34, is a five-time Pro Bowl performer, having made the all-star team as a kickoff return specialist and a special teams coverage player.
more (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=1694333)
For much of the season, coach Bill Parcells has criticized the Dallas kickoff return game, and he noted again Monday that he felt the special teams units might be excellent if they could improve that shortcoming. If healthy, Bates, one of the leading kickoff returners in NFL history, could provide such a boost.
Clearly, the Cowboys are looking to the playoffs and Parcells, not surprisingly, is attempting to rectify a season-long sore spot. The Cowboys released backup offensive lineman Billy Conaty to carve out a spot for Bates on the roster.
Bates, 34, is a five-time Pro Bowl performer, having made the all-star team as a kickoff return specialist and a special teams coverage player.
more (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=1694333)