Yet for all of Owens’ problems last season, he still caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards and a league-best 13 touchdowns. So if things are only going to get better this year, his numbers really could be something.

“If there is a dream season, this is the year to have it,” he said. “It couldn’t be any better.”

Here’s more from Owens on, well, all kinds of stuff:

• On patching things up with McNabb the week of the Super Bowl:

“Donovan is a good guy. I missed him. I missed the times that we had. He is a good friend. There were some things that happened. I do regret some of the things that happened. If I could go back and change some things then I would. ... He was very receptive (to the apology), and we have moved on from that.”

• On whether he intentionally stayed out of the headlines lately:

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“I haven’t made a point to be more quiet. I’m more focused because of some of the things that happened last year. I didn’t want to be a distraction then and I don’t want to be a distraction now.”

• On being considered an elite receiver, despite not making the Pro Bowl last year:

“I know my statistics should have put me there. For whatever reason, I didn’t make it. ... I get the respect once I get on the football field. When I step on that field, I know that by the way defenses play me.”

• On Phillips and boosted expectations:

“We are on the same page as far as how to play the game. I am going to try to do my best to win this guy a Super Bowl. ... This year is going to be a big year for this offense. I expect the same thing for myself.”

• More on dogfighting:

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“When I say it’s a cultural situation, I’m not trying to bring a racial barrier into it. If anyone wants to dig that up, I will dispel that. I don’t condone Michael Vick’s actions with the dogfighting. I’ve been exposed to it and it’s something that’s very unfortunate for Mike. I think he’ll learn from this situation and move on from it.”

Owens wrapped things up by noting the Bible verse he’s worn on a plastic band around his right wrist for about a year is the same one he recently received on a plaque from a home for troubled youths that’s affiliated with the team.

Then he pulled out the plaque and read the verse, Joshua 1:9.

“Be strong and be of good courage and do not be afraid nor dismayed.”

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