Wade Phillips Press Conference

SAN ANTONIO - Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips met with the media after Wednesday's practice in the Alamodome.

ALSO SEE:
* EARLY TRAINING CAMP IMPRESSIONS
* A SNEAK PEEK AT 7-ON-7
* WEDNESDAY TRAINING CAMP INSIDER
* IMAGES FROM TRAINING CAMP

T.O. WATCH: One of the first questions posed to new Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips during his first press conference of training camp, of course, had to do with Terrell Owens. Phillips immediately discarded the notion that he has already given special attention to the controversial wide receiver.

"I don't think I've targeted him more than anybody else," he said. "The more they get to know me, the more they'll have a feel for me."

Phillips later said Owens played both the X and Z receivers today, which is something he did not do last year.

"I think that's a good sign," said Phillips. "Obviously practiced good today it looked like to me. And to everybody else."

Owens ended today's practice with a long touchdown reception from Tony Romo.

PHILLIPS IMPRESSED WITH DEFENSE: Phillips was asked specifically about the potential of this year's defensive unit Wednesday afternoon. After taking a few seconds to give his answer, he said, "It's hard to compare without playing a game. I think we have a good group. I think we have a solid group. I think they are going to be hard to move the football on. That's what it looks like to me. ...

Greg Ellis was one of the big stories during Wednesday afternoon's practice session.

"The linebackers look strong. The secondary looks strong too. So we'll go from there."

PHILLIPS COMMENTS ON HAMLIN ACQUISITION: Not surprisingly, Phillips is happy with the offseason acquisition of free safety Ken Hamlin.

"He's a smart player," he said. "He's the quarterback of the defense kind of. Knows everything. He will anticipate things and tell everybody beforehand what to look for. So yeah, I'm glad we got him. "

QUICK HITS: The Cowboys did not hit during their first practice session of training camp. Phillips said he has never done that before for a first practice. ... Two draft picks remain unsigned: Anthony Spencer and James Marten. "It happens every year," said Phillips. "That's the business part of it. Of course the later they come you worry more." ... Phillips said Tony Romo "wasn't real rusty. He did some good things and knew where to go with the football." ... Phillips said both UFA quarterbacks, Matt Moore and Richard Bartel would have a chance to make the team. "We worked with both of them (today). They wouldn't be here if we didn't think they had a chance," he said. ... Two offensive linemen missed practice today. Flozell Adams is listed as day-to-day. Phillips said Marc Colombo is likely a "week or so." ... LB Greg Ellis was cleared for practice today after tearing his Achillies tendon last year but removed himself during early drills. Phillips said he expected Ellis to improve as training camp continues

NEXT UP: The Cowboys will practice two times Thursday. The first practice session is scheduled for 9 AM Central, while the second will begin at 3:30.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm excited. The players were in shape. We are not in pads yet but I was real enthused about the practice today... I've got a good feeling about this team." - Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.

QUOTE TO NOTE II: "There's not any training camp like this ... that I know of. This was definitely the most enthusiastic (I've been around). It helps you. When you have the fans out there you are going to do a little bit more. So it's great for coaches." - Phillips on receiving a standing ovation after taking the field in the Alamodome for the first time.