T.O. vows fewer mistakes, big second half coming

IRVING, Texas (AP) The two most memorable plays Terrell Owens has made for the Dallas Cowboys are two he didn't make. <br/><br/>One was a fourth-down drop that short circuited a rally against the

Thursday, November 9th 2006, 5:45 am

By: News On 6

IRVING, Texas (AP) The two most memorable plays Terrell Owens has made for the Dallas Cowboys are two he didn't make.

One was a fourth-down drop that short circuited a rally against the New York Giants.

The other was a deep, sure touchdown pass he dropped against Washington.

His 44 receptions are 11th in the NFL and his 558 yards are 14th.

But they are his worst numbers through eight games since 1999, the year before Owens blossomed into a Pro Bowler.

Owens yesterday acknowledged his slow start and gave several reasons he insisted weren't excuses:

-- a broken hand sustained early in the second game, when he dropped several other passes, including another touchdown

-- playing two weeks later after having a plate screwed into the broken hand

-- and the fact Drew Bledsoe -- not identified by name -- started the first six games.

The Cowboys are now going with Tony Romo.

Dallas will visit Arizona on Sunday.