YAHOO SPORTS' Dan Wetzel wrote the "swaths of red" that spread through the stands yesterday at AT&T Stadium during the 49ers-Cowboys game, said "plenty about the willingness" of Cowboys fans to "unload their tickets, or never bother to buy them, for the opener of a season that seems to carry so little promise." But Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said, "I didn't have my eye on the crowd. I had my eye on those turnovers … I don't have any knowledge or information about red shirts or anything" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/7).
SO BAD, IT'S GOOD? In S.F., Ann Killion wrote the 49ers "lead the league in noise" as their offseason was a "constantly blaring car alarm." But internally, the 49ers "believe that chaos and tension is somehow good for this team." However, a team that "operates in a state of turmoil might be so busy putting out fires that it can't step back and see the big picture" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/8). In Oakland, Marcus Thompson II wrote if it were up to him, 49ers DE Ray McDonald "wouldn't play for the 49ers until I knew he was clear" of domestic violence charges. 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh's "'above reproach' talk is just an example of the high-minded rhetoric sports figures throw around." But there is a "price for platitudes: expectations" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 9/6).
A WORK IN PROGRESS: In K.C., Randy Covitz reports Chiefs fans "encountered some snarls and delays entering the Truman Sports Complex parking lots on Sunday." But club officials said that "new procedures implemented this season are working." Chiefs President Mark Donovan: "The changes we’ve made we’re still learning from." He added that the key is for fans to "arrive early," and he noted that 87% of the cars were "parked an hour before the noon kickoff." The Chiefs "announced an attendance of 73,569 and have about 22,000 parking spots to accommodate them" (K.C. STAR, 9/8).
ON THE RIGHT TRACK: CBS Sports Network's Amy Trask talked about the path the Jaguars are on following last year's 4-12 record and said the team "seems to have a plan." Trask: "From my perspective, that plan starts at ownership. Shahid Khan has been a tremendous addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The whole Khan family is involved. They're increasing revenues, which in turn allows them to spend more on players and facilities. How about those cabanas?" She added Khan has been a "tremendous addition to the NFL ownership group” (“That Other Pregame Show," CBS Sports Network, 9/7).
