Testaverde focused on starting again, not the boos

— -- IRVING, Texas -- Like his coach, Vinny Testaverde isn't concerned with the boos and understands fans clamoring to see more of rookie quarterback Drew Henson. But the 41-year-old Testaverde is healthy and focused only on returning to the starting role for the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night in Seattle. "I just show up to work and try and do what the boss asks me to do," Testaverde said Wednesday. Henson got his first start Thanksgiving Day after Testaverde was limited in practice by a sore shoulder and back from a hit that forced him out of a game four days earlier. But Testaverde was back after halftime of a tie game that turned into a 21-7 win over Chicago. When fans at Texas Stadium realized Henson was done, they unleashed a chorus of boos. That continued when Testaverde's first series was three-and-out and he threw an interception the next one. "I look at it as they weren't directing it all at me. They want Drew in there," said Testaverde, who didn't talk to reporters after that game. "I understand part of it was the decision to make the switch, so maybe part of it was directed at coach Parcells. But hey, that's why I guess people think I am a Parcells guy." And Bill Parcells is a Testaverde guy. Parcells didn't talk Wednesday, but a day early confirmed Testaverde was the starter again for the Cowboys (4-7), who still are in contention for a wild-card berth in the woeful NFC. Testaverde, in his 18th season, will make his 200th regular-season start Monday night. While Henson is the quarterback of the future and in need of experience, Parcells said he "can't forsake everything" to get that. Henson hit all six passes for 47 yards and a touchdown after replacing Testaverde and fumbling his first snap late against Baltimore. He was 4-of-12 for 31 yards and an interception returned for a touchdown in his start against Chicago, which pressured him almost every down. Now Henson is back to holding for kicks during games. But his approach hasn't changed and his confidence isn't rattled. "That's a question for all young players and quarterbacks, but we didn't get this far by not having confidence in yourself," he said. "I know I can play. ... I really don't care about what people think the state of my mind is because I'm secure with it." Henson is expected to eventually succeed Testaverde, like Chad Pennington did with the New York Jets in 2002. The difference in New York was Pennington was there for two years before getting his first start when Testaverde, who had led the Jets the playoffs the previous season, struggled and got hurt. "He sat on the bench for a long while, learned things, really became a student of the game," Testaverde said. "Now he is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game today because he was able to sit back, see how it's done." Testaverde was back as the starter in New York's first seven games last season while Pennington was hurt. But he didn't start again and left the Jets earlier this year to reunite with Parcells. The Cowboys practiced Wednesday after having four straight days off. The extra time was beneficial for Testaverde, who said he would have been able to start against the Bears had it been a normal Sunday game instead of a short week. Even with more losses than in Parcells' first season and needing to win at least as many games as they already have, the Cowboys are in playoff contention. And that is part of the reason Testaverde is still starting. "It really doesn't matter to me. I signed up for 17 weeks. Hopefully it is 17-plus," he said. "Whatever the decision is made later on, it is out of my control. (Fans) have been wanting Drew to play since we were 2-3."