Cowboys expect galvanized Eagles

IRVING (AP) — When Dallas Cowboys tight end Dan Campbell heard that the Philadelphia Eagles were getting rid of Terrell Owens, he groaned.

“My first thought was, ‘We’re going into a hornet’s nest,’” he said.

The Cowboys play the Eagles in Philadelphia on Monday night, which Campbell considers lousy timing. As if the Eagles wouldn’t already be fired up to play their longtime rival in the national spotlight game, now they’ll have the added motivation of showing they’re better off without their loud but talented receiver.

“That’s what scares me,” Campbell said Tuesday. “They’re probably going to pull closer together. They’re going to prove we can do this with who we have on the team right now. ... I’m looking for them to play the best they’ve played all year. We just got to be ready to go.”

Although Owens apologized to practically everyone in and around the Eagles on Tuesday, the team doesn’t appear likely to take him back after enduring months of his me-first antics.

He was suspended Saturday and is supposed to remain suspended without pay for three more games, then be deactivated for the rest of the season. The players’ union has filed a grievance to overturn the suspension, but it won’t be heard until after Dallas plays Philadelphia.

Cowboys receiver Keyshawn Johnson was in a similar situation with Tampa Bay two years ago, but he wasn’t interested in sharing his perspective Tuesday. He posted a sign on his locker that read, “NOT MY PROBLEM,” and pointed to it when asked his thoughts about Owens and the Eagles.

While the timeliness of the T.O. saga spices up the Monday night game, it was going to be a good one anyway.

Dallas clobbered Philadelphia at Texas Stadium last month and now the Eagles will want revenge on their home turf. They need it, too, to keep from falling out of the race for a fifth straight NFC East title.

Philadelphia (4-4) is already in last place in the division, with a road trip to New York to play the East-leading Giants awaiting after the Dallas game. A loss to the Cowboys also would leave the Eagles with a losing record in November for the first time since 1999. The Cowboys (5-3) are trying to build on a successful first half that was highlighted by their all-around great game against the Eagles.