The Colts took a chance last year with Ed Johnson, a talented defensive tackle who went undrafted because of off-field problems at Penn State. He started and played well as a rookie. But when he was arrested in September for speeding and marijuana possession, he was cut within 24 hours — even though the Colts needed his run-stuffing ability.

“Ed was well aware that his past history required him to be in complete compliance with club rules,” team president Bill Polian said. “Unfortunately, he chose to violate those rules.”

Contrast that to Jerry Jones’ first reaction to Adam Jones’ latest issues.

“These guys were joking, were kidding, having fun. It crossed over into more than that, and it ended quickly,” Jerry said. “This was a personal thing and it was resolved in a personal manner.”

Only after Goodell got involved did Jerry change the party line.

“I regret, I really do, I regret that didn’t work for Adam, and work for the Cowboys,” Jerry said after the suspension. “I regret the bad publicity that has been associated with it. Certainly we felt that he had a chance, even though he was walking on the high wire with no net below.”

Actually, that’s where the Cowboys are walking.

After going 13-3 last season before being upset by the Giants in the playoffs, they were effectively given a free pass into the Super Bowl by any number of media outlets. Most notably the one that televises Monday night games and has football experts blabbing at all hours in all seasons. Predictions in Texas, of course, were often over the top.

Did anyone take into account that the Giants, who play in the same division, were not a fluke? Did anyone note that the other NFC East teams, Philadelphia and Washington, were also solid?

Nor did anyone account for injuries (Romo, Newman and others) and the fact that having 13 Pro Bowlers doesn’t necessarily mean all 13 deserved the honor. The Dallas offensive line sent three players to the Pro Bowl last season and the Giants had none. But many football people believe that the Giants’ unit, which has been together now for more than three seasons, is better. On the OL, cohesion trumps individual skill.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

Which brings us back to Brad Johnson.

He is not as mobile as Romo nor does he have his arm. But he is 12 years older and was the quarterback on a Super Bowl winner in Tampa six years ago. Thus, he’s a guy who is likely to tell T.O. to shut up when he returns to the huddle and cries “I was open.”

That’s the kind of message heard not only by Owens but by the rest of the team, which still has enough of Parcells’ hard workers to silently applaud.

“Maybe the Pacman Jones explosion wasn’t enough,” Collinsworth said. “Maybe Jerry wanted to see Pacman explode and T.O. explode. Because it is about to hit the fan down there. Maybe the only one that can save it is the guy who is now about to play quarterback and that is Brad Johnson.”

If he does play.

Also on NBCSports.com PFT: Packers president admits he’s ‘disappointed’ CFT: By the numbers spotlights McCoy  |    Images MLB blog: A look at the top 111 free agents College hoops: North Carolina will be scary good   Video: Red card? Some rough play in women's soccer Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

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