Wednesday, October 2, 1996

Cowboys Hope Less Emmitt Means More
By DENNE H. FREEMAN
AP Sports Writer
(Oct. 2, 1996)

IRVING, Texas (AP) - For at least the rest of the 1996 season, the workload on the Dallas Cowboys' superstar running back Emmitt Smith will be eased.

Smith, battered and bruised like he has never been so early in a season, can't carry the Cowboys' running game by himself anymore.

Young Sherman Williams, drafted two years ago and left idle on the bench, could be a big player as Dallas tries defending its Super Bowl title through October, November and December.

The Cowboys gave Williams his first big chance in a game that mattered in Monday night's 23-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams responded with 27 yards on seven carries, including several big plays while the ailing Smith rested on the sidelines.

"Emmitt's still not there, he's not hitting on all cylinders," Dallas coach Barry Switzer said.
"Sherman is fast and gives us a change of pace when he goes in there. He has the ability to make some big plays."

Williams was the Cowboys' first pick in the NFL draft two years ago and some critics had charged it was a wasted pick, claiming the star runner for Alabama could have been taken much lower than the second round.

"You have to have confidence someone can help you and I think now (offensive coordinator) Ernie Zampese has arrived there," Switzer said. "Ernie is ready to play the guy some to spell Emmitt."
One of the things hurting Williams has been his demeanor.

"Sherman sometimes acts like he's on another planet. The way he looks, you don't know whether he's tuned in or not," Switzer said. "He has kind of a lackadaisical attitude. But he's really not that way. He's a good kid. We could be using him some every game from now on.

"I've had confidence in him all along. That's why we drafted him where we did. He can win a game with this guy in there."

Smith, the NFL rushing champion four of the last six years, hates to be taken from a game.
But with hurting ribs, and soreness in his ankle, knee and neck, the brief work breaks he gets from Williams is starting to look good.

"Sherman does give me a break when he comes in there," Smith said. "It worked out well against the Eagles."

For the year, Sherman has a better average than Smith, who has rushed for a 3.5 average per carry. Williams is at 4.6.

"I've said all along I'm ready to help the team," Williams said. "I'm glad to get a chance."

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