Cowboys' New Tune: Lett It Be

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer (Dec. 5, 1996)

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys survived without Michael Irvin. They think they can get back to the Super Bowl without their best defensive player, Leon Lett.

Tony Casillas on Wednesday was plugged into the suspended Lett's right tackle position, with Hurvin McCormack a backup.

"Obviously we'd love to have Leon but we feel confident we can do the job despite the changes," defensive coordinator Dave Campo said. "We have a tremendous amount of pride in our defensive unit. Tony Casillas is a good player. He's been around awhile. We may have to do a few things differently but we'll be all right."

The Cowboys, with Lett, have the No. 1 defense in the NFL, first against the pass and fourth against the rush.

Casillas, an 11-year veteran, has only 15 tackles and no sacks in limited playing time. McCormack has 18 tackles and has been credited with 1-1/2 sacks.

"I'm frustrated for Leon and I feel badly for him because he is a good person," Campo said. "But we've played well without Charles Haley (back operation) and we can do the same without Leon. We're paid to do a job and we'll do it."

The Cowboys, tied with Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC East, have three games left - Arizona (road), New England (home) and Washington (road).

Lett was suspended for a year Tuesday for a second violation of the NFL's drug policy. He is banned from coming to the team's headquarters and his gear was still in his locker as he ducked all interview requests.

Casillas, an excellent run-stopper in his prime, was obtained from the free agent ranks in the off-season as injury insurance in the defensive line.

"It's hard to believe what happened to Leon," Casillas said. "I feel I can still play although I came in to be a role player figuring I would get 25 or so snaps per game. I just have to look at it like somebody got injured. It's not it's like the first time I ever played."

Casillas said he figured the Arizona game plan will include running plays right at him.

"That will be fine if they come my way," Casillas said. "I'd love that."

Casillas said being a starter will automatically make him a better player.

"You get a better feel of the game when you start, it will be to my benefit," Casillas said. "It's definitely a challenge for me to get back in there starting the first time. But I think I can help this team get right back into the Super Bowl."

The Cowboys won't depend on just Casillas and McCormack. Campo said the team was actively searching for someone who could provide more depth.

Dallas could have some salary cap money freed because the checks have stopped on Lett's $150,000 per game payoff. Lett's suspension will cost him about $2 million.

"We'll be looking at some people to improve our depth," Campo said.

Former Houston Oiler Ray Childress was under consideration, but Cowboys officials weren't sure if he would price himself out of the market.

Lett missed a month last year the first time he was suspended and the Cowboys logged a 3-1 record without him.

"For whatever reason controversy always makes this team play at a high level," said safety Bill Bates. "We'll come out of this fighting. It hurts to lose somebody who would probably have been the NFL defensive player of the year. But this team is still going to be good."

Lett finished the year with 54 tackles and 3-1/2 sacks. He also had an impressive 20 quarterback pressures.

Asked if he thought Lett would retire, Campo said: "I'd be surprised if he does. If he gets the correct rehabilitation he should play again."