Everyone is entitled to having a vigorous defense mounted on his behalf.

But the safeties might not have been responsible for so many TD-saving tackles if celebrated linebacker signee Zach Thomas had lived up to his billing. The 35-year-old Thomas wore down noticeably over the season, failing to reach double figures in tackles after Week 9. Thomas averaged a meager four tackles a game in the final seven games. (The 35-year-old Owens, conversely, finished strong with 547 receiving yards in his final six games.)

The idea that a tantrum-throwing prima donna wide receiver could have anything to do with a safety or a linebacker missing a tackle is preposterous. But the Cowboys missed more than a slew of tackles. They missed the playoffs. And so T.O. is looking for a job.

Rest assured he'll find one.

Gambling site Bodog has installed the Raiders as the early favorite to land Owens followed by the Redskins, Jets, Buccaneers and Patriots.

Of those scenarios, the Raiders may be the most likely, but the Redskins would be the most fun. Four games a year against the Cowboys and Eagles. That's a lot of popcorn and a lot of booing.

Owens coming to New York would be awesome. A reunion with Jeff Garcia could be, uh, awkward.

T.O. lining up opposite Randy Moss with Wes Welker in the slot is fun to ruminate on, but, c'mon, if the guy was jealous of Jason Witten he wouldn't be an ideal third banana in New England.

Wherever he lands, he will be the only receiver in the NFL going for a fourth straight double-digit TD season. And you can almost guarantee that his new team will be better than they were last year.

The defense rests.