ODDS and ENDS:
Dallas is 2-2 SU and ATS after their bye during the last 4 years. Under Parcells, in 2003 they won in Week 4 @ NY Jets 17-6(+3) after a win @ NYGiants in Week 2, and in 2004 they lost vs. NYGiants 10-26(-3') in Week 5 after a win vs. Washington in Week 3.
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Dallas/Ft.Worth Star-Telegram (11/14/05):
Since the NFL instituted an off-week into team schedules in 1990, Bill Parcells-coached teams have produced a 7-4 record after the bye week.
Team Record
N.Y. Giants 1-0
New England 2-3
N.Y. Jets 3-0
Dallas 1-1
Totals 7-4
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San Antonio Express-News (11/9/05):
Monday begins a stretch in which (Dallas plays) three games in 11 days.
"I don't think anyone else in the league has to do this," Parcells said. "It's an arduous and difficult task. We are going to be hard pressed to get through it, and we have to be at our best."
Dallas plays the Detroit Lions on Nov. 20 at Texas Stadium. The stretch ends on Nov. 24 with a Thanksgiving Day game against the Denver Broncos, who lead the AFC West with a 6-2 record.
"I told the players they have to be ready to make a big push because you aren't going to have much time to think about it," Parcells said. "I've also tried to get the coaching staff ready. We've done some work on these three teams already, and we will try to do some work on Detroit while we are in Philadelphia on Monday."
Parcells said he also talked to his veterans about showing leadership during the next two weeks.
"This is the time of year we really need that," Parcells said. "Some of these rookies haven't been in a game like the one we will face Monday. It's a Monday night game, and it's on the road. There's a little more juice involved."
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NFL.com (11.8.05):
Parcells did say he was concerned about his team losing its edge after last week's bye. The players have been practicing without pads, but Parcells said he has been running them hard.
"That's why I tried not to give them too many sequential days off," he said. "We've got to get ready here for a big push. I've kept saying it, we've got three games in 11 days and I don't think any other team has to do that this year."
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Dallas/Fort Worth Star-Telegram (11/12/05):
Donald Parcells, the brother of Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, passed away Wednesday.
The younger Parcells had brain cancer. He was 62.
A funeral Mass is set for 11:15 a.m. Monday at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, N.J.
"Tough week," said the Cowboys coach, who will fly with the team to Philadelphia on Sunday and make the 90-mile drive to the service Monday before returning for the game against the Eagles that evening.
GL