Applause is in order for Philly

My respect for the Philadelphia Eagles grew exponentially this week. I suspect I'm not alone.

With their playoff hopes reeling, but still very much alive, the Eagles told Terrell Owens, talented receiver and team tumor, that he was no longer welcomed. Philly coach Andy Reid instantly becomes the leader in the clubhouse for NFL Coach of the Year.

That assumes, of course, that at some point the Eagles won't relent and allow Owens to rejoin the team. Coaches are a forgiving sort.

Owens' NFL career, however, is likely far from over. If a team thinks T.O. is the missing piece in its Super Bowl puzzle, it will lavish Owens with a contract offer that won't be for the league minimum. All it takes are two interested teams to drive up his price.

Should the Cowboys try to sign him in the off-season? My own answer pains me. Yes, they should, but only if Bill Parcells wants him and is convinced that he can muzzle T.O. After all, don't forget that Parcells handled that noted wallflower, Lawrence Taylor.

One final observation: Every time that I see Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, on TV, I feel like I have to take a shower.