Adams next to Allen from ESPN

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Imposing Adams stands out for Cowboys
Associated Press





OXNARD, Calif. -- Flozell Adams is an imposing figure, standing a head above the crowd even as massive lines of bodies collide after the ball is snapped.

During another practice drill, the Dallas Cowboys' 6-foot-7, 345-pound left tackle frustrates defensive end Eric Ogbogu in his futile attempt to get even a hand on the quarterback.

"Hotel Flozell" is the largest Dallas player and an almost impenetrable force. And coach Bill Parcells believes he can be one of the NFL's best players, more than just the first-time Pro Bowl starter he was last season, when he allowed just one sack.

"I told him I'm not settling for less than what you've got ... you're going to understand that or I'm going to be a pain in your know what," Parcells said. "I want Flo to be the best guy in football. That's what I'm talking to Flo about."

Parcells often reminds Adams of his expectations, such as spending 10 minutes talking on the field after practice. Or yelling, when he moves before a snap during drills, "Come on Flo, be still son."

The Cowboys have always seen the raw talent and potential in Adams, a second-round pick from Michigan State in 1998. He has started 85 straight games since becoming a starter as a rookie, and two years ago was made the team's first franchise player to ensure he didn't get away in free agency.

Parcells' arrival last year, along with a new $25 million, five-year contract, have seemingly brought out the best in Adams.

"I just build upon everything I need to do every year to get myself better," Adams said. "It was definitely a big jump (last year), but it wasn't like the year before was too bad."

But Parcells has his own way of motivating and pushing players. And the coach is admittedly harder on those who he thinks are more talented, like Adams.

"I know he can be way up there," Parcells said. "I've already seen it. And now that I've seen it, I'm worse on him."

That doesn't bother Adams, who shares Parcells' high expectations.

"It feels good coming from a coach like that. It makes you want to work with him and work harder, and that's what I'm doing," Adams said. "It's not about only his expectations, it's mine. Mine are way above his."

Parcells doesn't allow Adams to get content, especially during practice drills when the tackle dominates so often that he could easily get bored with the process.

While Adams insists it's not as easy as it appears, he said he concentrates on each play during workouts to make sure nobody gets by him.

Ogbogu knows how difficult a task that is, grunting in frustration as he tries to a quarterback in practice. Adams shuffles his feet, keeping the defender away as they virtually circle around the quarterback.

"Flo being here with Bill, his game has changed dramatically," Ogbogu said. "I see a big difference in him going against him. Last year, he was great. This year, he's even better."

Adams is sound in his techniques, and even with his big size is able to move quickly on his feet.

"It's hard getting him," Ogbogu said. "You have to keep at it, keep at it, and you might get him one time. He's good on his recovery."

Parcells won't take full credit for the improvement of Adams, even though the coach did get the tackle focused on knocking his man out of the play, rather just trying to prevent that guy from getting around him.

It was the same approach Parcells took with another dominating lineman he once had, Jumbo Elliott. The coach knew things would work when he saw Adams respond to the competition.

"I could call to his attention, `Hey Flo, I don't want this guy bothering us on Sunday, you understand?'," Parcells said. "And he gets it."< ^Extra points:@ Kicker Matt Bryant, who played at Baylor, was signed Wednesday. Kicker Jonathan Ruffin was released. ... Parcells always says he's in the talent acquisition business, and he's already looking around to see what extra players other teams may have. "In the last three days we have spoken with 19 teams," Parcells said Wednesday. He wasn't specific about what he's looking for. ... All three quarterbacks will play in Saturday's exhibition game at Houston. Vinny Testaverde will start, but the team hasn't said in what order Tony Romo and Drew Henson will play after that. ... The Cowboys will be on the field only once Thursday. On Wednesday, the 12th day of camp, they had their 11th set of two-a-days and have had just one day off since getting to California.



WOW ADAMS NEXT TO ALLEN.......with Al Johnson as Center.......I love the way everyone is sleeping on us. Espcially in thinking you guys will have a better record then us.

[skin_to_the_bone]

I don't expect it to be easy by any means with any one in our divison. I think it will come down between either the Cowboys or Redskins and the Eagles will be shocked and embarrassed this year. The Giants will dig their claws too, and I wouldn't be suprised to see 3 playoff teams come out of the East like the good ole days.

My dad is a huge Cowpuke fan and he thinks Adams is gonna be a big impact as well. I'm hoping you are both wrong, but Parcells usually has great Offensive lines for a reason.