WR Terrell Owens is still a consistent threat on the field.

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Dallas has 1,052 reasons to keep Terrell Owens.

With 10 touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards, the melodramatic future Hall of Famer may be a cancer in the locker room, but he can still catch balls when they're thrown his way. Question his character all you want, but write him in for on-field consistency. In three seasons with Dallas, he's missed one game, surpassing the 1,000-yard plateau each time. In a bottom-line league where moving the ball matters, Owens is a desired piece of the puzzle.

When evaluating the implosion that was the 2008 season, recognize that he's not the lone star who needs examining. Look not only at Owens' play but at quarterback Tony Romo's maturity and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's inability to adapt to situations. Though his visit to Garrett and thoughts regarding pass distribution and Jason Witten went public, he wasn't the only distraction around an organization that thrives on carnival antics and cut-throat competition. To blame Owens for drawing too much attention is to overlook Jerry Jones' unending infatuation with horse-and-pony shows down on the Ranch. He called out teammates and a coach. He did not join Pacman in a series of security tape videos or shoot himself in the leg with a gun.

If there is a timetable regarding his staying power, it seems fit that Jones would make a decision before a $3.1 million roster bonus is due in early June. By then Jones will make his decision. If he keeps Owens around the Ranch, you can bet the receiver will deliver on the field.

Don Banks: Owens forces Cowboys into internal struggle over WR's future in Dallas [SI.com]