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Cowboys, Eagles beset by critical injuries

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The last time the teams met, Eagles cornerback Bobby Taylor twice managed to get his wiry frame into the backfield on blitzes fast enough to sack Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman.

Each sack forced a fumble, one of which was run back for a touchdown by William Thomas. Still, Dallas managed to eke out a 21-20 victory on Sept. 15.

Michael Irvin speculated that Philadelphia coach Ray Rhodes wanted to injure Aikman with constant blitzes during that outing.

"I don't know that (Rhodes) blitzed us to win just that one game," Irvin said. "He might have blitzed us to get to Troy, put some punishment on Troy and try to hurt him so we don't win any more games and they'll win the East."

Dallas and Washington are tied for second in the NFC East, both at 4-3. The Eagles are 3-4. They all trail the 5-3 New York Giants.

Perhaps the good news for the Cowboys is that the Eagles will be without Taylor this Sunday. Taylor underwent reconstructive surgery Wednesday to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament and some torn cartilage in his right knee, and will be lost for the season.

"We'll miss a Bobby Taylor," Rhodes said, but "you have the same scheme. You just have to find someone to fill the hole."

The bad news is that the Cowboys will continue to be vulnerable to the blitz, particularly because left tackle Mark Tuinei, who usually protects Aikman's blind side, is battling a knee injury and will not play for the second week in a row.

Meanwhile, fullback Daryl Johnston on Thursday made official the rumor that had been percolating for a week: He will undergo surgery Oct. 31 to repair a herniated disk in his neck and is out for the season.

"This is not career-ending or career-threatening," Johnston said. "I don't want to call the surgery routine, but it's something that a lot of people are choosing. I'm very excited about the prognosis."

Defensive tackle Chad Hennings also will be out Sunday with a groin injury and strong safety Darren Woodson is questionable with a knee injury.

For their part, the Eagles are trying to make the Cowboys believe that the frenetic, blitzing attack that kept them within striking distance last month is the same one they will see Sunday. The scheme either left Taylor alone with Michael Irvin or sent Taylor in on Aikman.

Cowboys coach Barry Switzer recognizes what the injuries to both sides mean.

"We won't be as good, just the same as you guys. You lose a great cornerback in Bobby Taylor. You lose great players, it affects your overall performance," Switzer said.