Quarterback Donovan McNabb welcomes the intensity, the emotion, the talent of wide receiver Terrell Owens. For the first time in his career, McNabb has a true No. 1 target, a player who has long been one of the best receivers in the NFL.
"I think it's a great thing for the team. Offensively, I think it gives us another push, another step, another added weapon for the offensive side," said McNabb in a Tuesday night conference call with reporters. "Any time you can add a veteran who has done big things during his years in the NFL, it shows a lot of the young guys his work ethic. It gives us an added bonus in the pass game and it also takes a lot of pressure off guys in the run game as well."
So what happens if Owens comes storming back to the huddle and confronts McNabb? What happens if Owens jumps up and down and demands the football?
That's OK with No. 5.
"I want a guy who wants the ball when it's time. I want a guy who will pump everybody up in the huddle, on the sideline," said McNabb. "That right there shows a little attitude. That shows an aggressive approach. Guys can't say, 'I'll wait until the next series,' or, 'If the ball comes to me, then I'll make a play.' I want somebody to say, 'I'm open. If you don't have anything, throw me the ball.' "
McNabb got to know Owens during their time together at recent Pro Bowls, and while most of the conversation was personal and non-football-related, McNabb thinks he knows enough about T.O. to become comfortable very quickly.
McNabb to Owens has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
"We worked with each other in practice and we've got a good feel for each other away from the game," said McNabb.
"He'll be welcomed with open arms. Any time you bring in a guy who adds success each year, has been a Pro Bowler and has been in the top five among receivers in the league, you welcome him with open arms.
"As a leader and the starting quarterback on the team, there are a lot of things we need to get across to Terrell about discipline and the way we go about our meetings and things like that, but I'm sure he'll pick up on it fast."
One thing is for sure with Owens, who will wear No. 81: he brings a lot of energy to every play, to every practice.
"It kind of reminds me of when we signed Jon Runyan," said McNabb. "Adding an attitude and adding his aggressive approach and the way he approached the game, it did wonders for us for the offensive line. Now we've added a guy who comes with a lot of intensity, who comes with a lot of adrenaline and he's ready to go at all times."
