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Sunday, December 7, 1997

Jerry Jones still expects team to make post-season

By Bart Hubbuch / The Dallas Morning News

DALLAS -- Although the 6-7 Cowboys still have a mathematical shot at the post-season, the idea that his team might not make the playoffs has crossed Jerry Jones' mind.

While he avoided the word "underachieving," Jones made it clear he will feel the Cowboys did not live up to their ability if they fail to reach the post-season for the first time since 1990.

After all, Dallas will have 11 Pro Bowl veterans in its starting lineup Monday against Carolina.

"I would be very disappointed if we didn't make the playoffs because, in my mind, we've got a better team than that," Jones said this week. "We've got a lot better talent than that."

Dallas likely must win its final three games to reach the post-season. But if the Cowboys fall short, Jones said wholesale roster changes in the off-season wouldn't be the answer for 1998.

The position of head coach is another story. Jones has steadfastly refused to guarantee Barry Switzer's job security beyond the end of this season.

"Major roster changes wouldn't be my thoughts," Jones said. "Not making the playoffs would be a concern, but I'll take the same approach I've had since I bought the team: We'll go to work, make decisions and go forward."

That's not to say Jones expects to miss the playoffs. Although he might be the only one, Jones still insists the Cowboys would be serious Super Bowl contenders this year with the fresh start that a playoff berth would offer.

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EMMITT AILING:

Emmitt Smith's bruised left shoulder continues to hamper him in practice, and Coach Barry Switzer said he is increasingly concerned about the running back's availability against Carolina.

If Smith is too hurt to play or ineffective early, Switzer said he would not hesitate to use Sherman Williams extensively or even move Herschel Walker to tailback -- his natural position -- from fullback.

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RALLYING THE TROOPS:

Jerry Jones called a team meeting Thursday to stress the importance of winning the final three games, beginning Monday against Carolina at Texas Stadium.

"Jerry told them that we're still in this thing and that it's important to focus on that," Coach Barry Switzer said.

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BRIEFLY ...

Left guard Nate Newton on Friday had fluid drained from his sprained knee, but he practiced and is expected to start against the Panthers. ... Although cornerback Deion Sanders (fractured rib) hasn't been to the Cowboys' practice facility all week, trainer Jim Maurer said that was routine for a player with that type of injury. "Rest is the best medicine in that situation," Maurer said. "We want him off his feet."

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(c) 1997, The Dallas Morning News.

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