Tuesday, December 31, 1996

Panthers won't fool Cowboys

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer (Dec. 31, 1996)

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys aren't fooled by Carolina's expansion label.

"We don't think of them as an expansion team," Dallas coach Barry Switzer said Monday. "They've beaten San Francisco three out of the last four times they've played them.

"And there's talk about their quarterback (Kerry Collins) being inexperienced. I remember a Dan Marino who went to the Super Bowl his rookie year."

It was Marino's second year but Switzer made his point.

"Carolina has talent," he continued. "Without a doubt they will be the most balanced team we have played this year in all three phases."

Switzer said besides a veteran defense, the Panthers have special teams that can more than hold their own with the Cowboys.

"Their special teams are the best statistically in football and that matchup itself will have a dramatic impact on the game," he said.

Switzer raved about the Panthers veteran defense which includes players like linebackers Kevin Greene, Sam Mills and Lamar Lathon.

"They are fourth in takeaways in the NFL and the leader in sacks with 60," Switzer said. "Football is a game of third downs and they are No. 1 (in the NFL) by allowing just 32 per cent of third down tries against them."

Even though the Cowboys are a field goal favorite in the NFC divisional pllayoff game at Charlotte Sunday, Switzer calls the Panthers a huge challenge.

"Some of the guys on their defense have Super Bowl rings," he said. "We don't expect the success we had against Minnesota."

The Cowboys offense got untracked in a 40-15 wild-card win over the Vikings on Saturday.

Dallas has never played Carolina so assistant coaches have been burning up the telephone lines trying to get any scrap of information they can on the Panthers.

"Our coaches are calling some friends in the league on other staffs who will share something with us and that's about as much as I'll say about that," Switzer said.

Dallas players were off Monday and will begin fullscale work on Tuesday before leaving for Carolina at noon on Saturday.

Owner Jerry Jones joined in on the "we respect Carolina" theme.

"I don't understand why we are favorites," Jones said. "We know Carolina offers a big challenge."

Offensive tackle Nate Newton said Carolina is no cakewalk.

"Sam Mills, that golden-haired guy (Greene), I can't think of his name, Lamar Lathon, (Eric) Davis...they got some veterans," Newton said. "They've been in big games, Super Bowls and championship games. They're obviously looking to explode, too."

Newton added "it's time for the ring now, baby. Now, everything is a bonus, baby. I've got to finish furnishing my house."