Tricks could be Johnson's Treat

By By DENNE H. FREEMAN / Associated Press (Oct. 24, 1996)

IRVING - The Dallas Cowboys know nobody knows them like Jimmy Johnson.

They figure Johnson will work long and hard coming up with defensive schemes to try to confuse offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese when the Miami Dolphins play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

They concede Johnson will find a way to do some things different in the Dan Marino-led offense. Johnson knows the Dallas defense like few do.

And tricks? The Cowboys know how Johnson, a psychology major at the University of Arkansas, can concoct tricks to be used on special teams at critical moments.

They've been with him when he ordered onsides kicks and fake punts. Once, against the Indianapolis Colts, he had field goal holder Jay Novacek take a direct snap. Novacek jumped to his feet and ran for a touchdown.

"We're sure Jimmy is going to spring something," said center Dale Hellestrae. "He'll do something. Jimmy always has something special for special games. We know how good it would make him feel for Jimmy to win this game and get under (owner) Jerry Jones' skin."

Offensive guard Nate Newton said Johnson will work long and hard to confound the Cowboys.

"There will be some onside kicks or crazy punts," Newton said. "He'll do anything he can to win this game. I kind of like his style."

Running back Emmitt Smith said he "loved" playing for Johnson, who was always trying to find an edge.

"I didn't want to see him leave as head coach," Smith said. "I know he wants to win this game very, very bad. I can imagine what will be said after the game if he does win. He'll do everything in his power to win. He won't be on the field making tackles but he'll come up with something extra, something special. We'll just try not to be surprised."

Bill Bates, the star of the Cowboys special teams, said Johnson usually tries to have at least two or three surprises ready for big games.

"Sometimes we never used them and sometimes we did," Bates said. "But Jimmy is never afraid to gamble or take a chance. We'll have to be alert for tricks on the special teams. We'll really have to be ready. If he sees an opening, he'll try something."

Johnson says the Dolphins don't have enough talent to try to fool the Cowboys. But maybe, just maybe, they'll try anyway.

"My tricks bag is empty," Johnson said. "I don't know that tricks will be the answer. There's no telling what we're liable to do. Sometimes you have to take chances."

And the Cowboys know what kind of a gambler the Dolphins have for a coach.