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Owens makes second return to Philadelphia

Nov 4, 2007 - 11:55 AM Dallas (6-1) at Philadelphia (3-4) Sunday 8:15 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- "The City of Brotherly Love" again is ready to unleash its venom on Terrell Owens.

After nearly helping the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl title in 2004, Owens nearly ruined the team with his petulant behavior the following campaign.

On Sunday, the temperamental wide receiver makes his second return to Philadelphia as a member of the hated Dallas Cowboys.

Philadelphia experienced a love-hate relationship with Owens. It was all love in 2004, when Owens played the role of hero for the Eagles - but it turned into hate when Owens clearly disrupted the team with his constant criticisms of quarterback Donovan McNabb and management.

McNabb and Owens relationship has been repaired to a point.

"A lot of it is blown out of proportion," McNabb said. "While he was here, we had a great year and a half together. Although we know what happened in 2005 during the offseason, it just didn't work out, I guess, and nothing to the fact where I keep looking back to (it as if) what it could've been. It could've been great, but there's no need to harp on it.

"We talked about different issues at the party at the Super Bowl, and left it at that. So, it's nothing in which we've stayed in contact with each other and have communicated; we were able to hash out some things and move on."

Owens' antics in Philadelphia did not stop Cowboys owner Jerry Jones from giving Owens a three-year contract worth $25 million in February 2006.

Last October, Owens disappointed in his return to Philadelphia, as he was held to three catches for 45 yards in a 38-24 loss. On Christmas, Owens managed just two receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown in a 23-7 loss to his former team.

This season, Owens returns to Philadelphia with Dallas owning the NFC's best record. The Cowboys also come to town with a chance to bury the reigning NFC East Division champion Eagles, who already are three games back and in last place.

Owens could be salivating at the chance of going up against the Eagles' banged-up secondary which has been without perennial Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins, who has missed the last six games with a neck stinger. Dawkins has resumed practicing but his status for this contest is uncertain.

It has been another stellar season for Owens, who has 34 receptions for 556 yards and five TDs. He has 13 receptions for 169 yards and a pair of scores in his last two contests.

Like last season, the Eagles likely will rotate cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard on Owens.

While Owens comes to town with his past looming over him, Cowboys Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo plays his first game since signing a contract extension worth a reported $67.5 million over six years. The deal includes $30 million in guaranteed money and an $11.5 million signing bonus.

Romo has thrown for 1,984 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading the Cowboys to their best start since they won their last Super Bowl in 1996. His yards, TDs and 96.5 quarterback rating all are tops in the NFC.

In addition to Owens, Romo has made great use of tight end Jason Witten, who leads the team with 42 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns.

Coming off their bye week, the Cowboys hold a one-half game lead in the division over the New York Giants, whom they visit next week.

Finally curing some of their red-zone woes, the Eagles are coming off last Sunday's 23-16 victory at Minnesota.

The Eagles managed two touchdowns in five trips in the red zone. They entered last week's contest with six TDs in 20 trips inside the opposition's 20-yard line.

Against the Vikings, McNabb threw for 333 yards and a touchdown. Speedy running back Brian Westbrook, who is second in the NFL with 881 yards from scrimmage (536 rushing, 345 receiving) accounted for a pair of TDs against the Vikings.

Philadelphia has won 11 of the last 14 meetings between the teams.