Wednesday, October 9, 1996

Switzer Doesn't Want Too Much Expected Too Soon From Irvin
By JAIME ARON
AP Sports Writer
(Oc. 10, 1996)

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Contrary to popular belief, Michael Irvin's absence isn't the only reason the Dallas Cowboys have stumbled this season.

So just because Troy Aikman's favorite target will be back for Sunday's home game against Arizona doesn't mean the Cowboys will finally start playing like defending Super Bowl champions.

"I think we all have to realize that Michael back is a tremendous lift to us, emotionally and talent-wise," coach Barry Switzer said Tuesday. "But if we continue to play the way we've been playing - making dumb mistakes - then Michael's presence doesn't help us."

Penalties and poor execution are the main reasons Dallas is 2-3 and last in the NFC East. Much of the sloppy play can be traced to backups filling in for injured or suspended starters, or to people playing out of position to cover those same vacancies.

The offense has taken the biggest hit. The lack of a No. 1 receiving threat has allowed defenses to key on the run, making it more difficult for Emmitt Smith to find holes. Still, Dallas has been forced to put extra wear and tear on Smith and his aging line.

Irvin will change some of that, but not all. Tight end Jay Novacek is still out with a bad back and Kevin Williams has a broken foot.

Although the defense has done a pretty good job carrying the team, it also has had its share of problems.

The end of Shante Carver's suspension next week should help some, as will Charles Haley's return from his doctor-imposed hiatus to rest his ailing back. He's also expected to return a week from Sunday against Atlanta.

"We can look to the future and see we have help coming," Switzer said.

Even if Switzer wants to try downplaying it, Irvin's return is the first - and probably biggest - step.

Coming off his most productive season, Irvin is in the best shape of his life thanks to rugged conditioning drills during the free time he was stuck with following a soap opera-like offseason.
Not only is Irvin in good shape, but he's also been able to quickly regain his timing with Aikman.

"I've got to honestly say it's like he was there all year long," Switzer said. "I saw him yesterday go up about three feet off the ground, spread out with that big wing span, and with three defensive backs around him he just sucked in the ball. Kelvin Martin can't do that."

With secondaries forced to key on Irvin, Deion Sanders likely will get less attention. Maybe now he can establish himself as the deep threat Dallas has lacked since Alvin Harper went to Tampa Bay last year.

"I think it will be a great matchup to have those two guys together, because I think Deion is improving," Switzer said. "I think both will complement each other."

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