Jason Witten still has a long way to go to catch Tony Gonzalez, the NFL record-holder for career receptions by a tight end, but the Cowboys TE does deserve congratulations for passing Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome to move into third on the all-time list.

At this late stage of the week, you have surely heard about every story line centered around quarterbacks, star skill players, loud talkers and frequent Tweeters. But there are 11 players on either side matching up on any given play. Below we list five matchups that, based on tape study, we are interested in seeing play out in Week 1

Shannon Sharpe was a seventh-round draft choice in 1990 from Savannah State who would eventually become a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Broncos and Ravens. Even more significant is that Sharpe was one of the first to represent the current breed of NFL tight ends.

They were locked out for 136 days, an NFL record for labor stoppage. Now NFL players are ready to get back at it.

Jaguars Pro Bowl TE Marcedes Lewis took time out during a visit to the NFL Network studios to talk about his offseason training, what it will take for the Jaguars to win their division and why he’s the best tight end in football.

Texans TE Owen Daniels has a chance to be a great draft value in 2011. Find out why.

Here’s a compliation of notes and states from the crew on the NFL Network research desk and the NFL communication offices.

The Cowboys let go of coach Wade Phillips and replaced him with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Confusing for a fantasy enthusiasts, considering how bad the Cowboys’ offense has been this year. This move is akin to firing the bartender and then promoting Charlie Sheen to the position.

Jason Witten joined “Around The League” host Stacey Dales via Cowboys Cam on Thursday to discuss the Cowboys’ chemistry, the need to control the ball through the run game and Sunday’s matchup against the Titans.

The Cowboys have been hit by a couple of late injuries against the Bears, losing TE Jason Witten and CB Mike Jenkins.

It’s difficult for any player to live up to a six-year, $54 million contract, but in a sense, Miles Austin already has earned his pay.

Tell me if this sounds familiar to Cowboys fans … Tony Romo and the game look flawless moving into the red zone and then, once there, you might as well cue up the Yakety Sax as the Cowboys look more like a junior varsity squad than a Super Bowl contender.

Find out what I’ll be watching on Thursday night when the NFL’s preseason schedule continues with three games.

In the latest “Best in the Biz” rankings, NFL Network analyst Charles Davis rates Tony Gonzalez as the best tight end in the NFL.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed his crowded receiving corps while appearing on NFL Total Access Friday.