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Friday, December 19, 1997

End may truly be at hand for Bill Bates

By Bart Hubbuch / The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS -- Bill Bates has prepared for this moment every December or January for the past 15 years.

For the Cowboys' safety, who has spent his entire NFL career on the bubble, every regular-season finale in a down year and every playoff game in a successful year is potentially his last game in a Dallas uniform.

It might be more than just a drill for the 36-year-old Bates on Sunday, when the 6-9 Cowboys close out their disappointing season at Texas Stadium against the New York Giants.

"In the back of my mind, I know this has a very good chance of being my last game," Bates said Wednesday. "It's going to be special. Obviously, there aren't many games left for me."

Bates has been one of the least likely success stories in Cowboys' history, making the team in 1983 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Tennessee, somehow surviving 15 seasons, three owners and three head coaches.

Bates has played in 230 games, including the playoffs, which is the second-highest total in team history. His 216 regular-season appearances are just seven shy of the club record held by defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones.

Bates wants to return for a 16th season to break the club record, but realizes that the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys' off-season plans and the development of several younger players could force him to retire.

Bates is second on the Cowboys with 21 tackles on special teams this season and remains the captain of that unit. He also is the middle linebacker in long third-down situations, although the Cowboys appear to want to take a longer look at Randall Godfrey in that role.

Coach Barry Switzer isn't optimistic about Bates' future.

"It's going to depend on what we draft, where he fits in and what he plans to do," Switzer said. "Does Bill work into the nickel (third-down) package any more? Should Randall Godfrey play every down? You're always trying to improve."

Bates will speak with owner Jerry Jones after the season about coming back, but just in case this is the end, numerous family members and his wife and five children all will attend Sunday's game.

The heady Bates has indicated a desire to coach with the Cowboys once his playing career is over. He hedged on that topic Wednesday.

"I'll cross that bridge when the time comes, but that time is getting pretty close," he said. "Real close, in fact."

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ALREADY GEARING UP:

Even with one game left, preparations for the April draft and for next season already have begun.

Owner Jerry Jones, personnel director Stephen Jones, scouting director Larry Lacewell and the coaching staff held extensive meetings this week to discuss personnel decisions facing the Cowboys after their first non-playoff season since 1990.

The Cowboys, who need a speedy pass-rusher, have identified Florida State defensive end Andre Wadsworth as the best player at his position, defensive coordinator Dave Campo said. Wadsworth is a potential top-five pick, so the Cowboys -- who will be picking in the No. 8-12 range -- would have to trade up to select him.

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STRICKLAND ON BUBBLE?

Middle linebacker Fred Strickland's days as a Cowboy could be numbered.

Although the 10-year veteran is signed through 1999, he did not start last week against Cincinnati in favor of Vinson Smith and might lose his starting job again Sunday, Switzer said.

BRIEFLY ...

The Giants have clinched the NFC East title, but Coach Jim Fassel said he will use his starters extensively Sunday. Numerous backups will play, but Fassel wants his team to become the first ever to go undefeated in NFC East play. The upstart Giants are 6-0-1 in the division. ... Cornerback Kevin Smith (back spasms) might be limited Sunday. Even if he is healthy, the Cowboys say they will take long looks at backups Wendell Davis and Kenny Wheaton.

(c) 1997, The Dallas Morning News.

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