Terrell Owens vs. Terry Glenn

By Daniel Dessinger

October 16, 2006

It was only a matter of time before we saw the signature attitude of Terrell Owens in a Cowboy uniform. Honestly, who really believed that the guy had changed? I am one of those people who willingly listens to sports talk radio (103.3fm – ESPN) on occasion, and yet cannot find the slightest desire to continually discuss or listen to the latests opinions on T.O. Ironic, since I’m writing about him, eh? Not really. This is (hopefully) a one-time deal.

I want to do what everyone else out there should do: say what they have to say about the guy and then talk about the rest of the team and league. Seriously, if I was Terry Glenn, I would have a major grudge against the local media. Glenn has the stats, the speed, the talent, and the right public attitude towards the team and the game. He has done for us what Terrell Owens was supposed to do and has only begun to do in one game against one of the worst teams in the NFL. Hmmm….. T.O.’s really got my vote. I have nothing against T.O. as a player. He’s good. In fact, I will go so far as to say that he is above average. But when a player gets all this circus attention, he’d better be putting up the numbers like Oakland’s Randy Moss or Carolina’s Steve Smith.

Maybe he is doing that on a long-term average. But I don’t see any reason why the media or the team should single out any particular guy as though he were the chief celebrity among celebrities. I’m looking at the stats right now, comparing Owens to Glenn. Both wide receivers started playing in the NFL in 1996. Owens has played in 21 more games than Glenn (Terry Glenn missed part of 1997 and most of 2001 and 2004). The total yards are in Owens’ favor because of that, yet Terry Glenn has averaged 14.8 yards per carry in his career, while Terrell Owens averages 14.7. Those aren’t all of the numbers, mind you – Terrell Owens has more yards per game than Glenn most years. Still, with all the hoopla given to the “magnificent” specimen otherwise known as T.O., the Dallas Cowboys have a consistent wide receiver who does the job, does it as well as Owens, and does it without the egomania. Once and for all, could we please stop focusing on one man!?!?!?

After all, the undeserved attention only reinforces whatever self-absorbed notions the guy has about himself. He couldn’t hang in Philly. He rocked against Houston. What has he really proven here? At best, he’s proven that he’s a pro at pushing off defenders without getting caught. Now comes the uncomfortable part. Yes, Owens is extremely talented. Yes, he is one of the 10 best receivers in the league. Yes, he can make things happen. But no, he hasn’t proved yet that he’s worth the headache.