The Dallas Cowboys tried something new at practice Thursday: Getting physical with their wide receivers and cornerbacks.

The team's receivers, especially Terrell Owens, have had a hard time with press coverage in recent weeks. Part of that is due to backup quarterbacks playing, but the Cowboys still struggled with it prior to Tony Romo's injury.

The basic idea from defenses is to disrupt the Cowboys timing by not allowing the receivers to get off the line quickly. The downside to that approach is it makes it easier for a speedy receiver to burn you deep. That hasn't happened. Part of that of course is the lack of arm strength of Brad Johnson when he filled in for Romo.

If the Cowboys start connecting on deep passes, they will have to come off the press and that would open up shorter routes.

So in practice today, while all the other positions were doing drills with just their units, the Cowboys wide receiver were working on getting separation from the Cowboy corners.

This drill can also benefit the defensive backs by allowing them to see what works at jamming receivers.

It's a bit a nuance of the passing game that can make a big difference, especially in a big pass play.

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