Thursday, December 19, 1996

Switzer says he'll wait and see on Sunday lineup

By Jean-Jacques Taylor / The Dallas Morning News (Dec. 19, 1996)

DALLAS (KRT) - Cowboys coach Barry Switzer finds himself with a dilemma this week: Should he rest his key offensive players or try to establish momentum for the playoffs?

Following last week's victory over New England, Switzer said he would treat Sunday's Washington game as a bye and rest Emmitt Smith, among others.

Since then, Switzer has been secretive about his plans.

"I don't want to make an issue of who is going to play. There are going to be players that need to rest and get well," he said. "We have played 15 games, and we haven't had any consistency. I don't know if one game is going to change that."

Although the Cowboys may begin the game with their usual starting lineup, center Ray Donaldson (ankle), tight end Eric Bjornson (ankles), and Smith (ankle) probably will see limited action.

Guards Larry Allen and Nate Newton also likely will see reduced playing times so Derek Kennard can play. Dallas signed Kennard last week, but he didn't play.

Backup quarterback Wade Wilson, who has yet to throw a pass this season, also is expected to play.

Defensively, end Tony Tolbert (knees), tackle Chad Hennings, cornerbacks Deion Sanders (back) and Kevin Smith (achilles') and safety Darren Woodson will have limited playing time.

If the offense had matched the defense's production this season, Switzer would have an easy choice.

But the Cowboys have scored only six touchdowns in the past six weeks, none in three of their past five games. Without kicker Chris Boniol, who has made 26 consecutive field goals, the Cowboys' offense really would be repugnant.

Another game, said quarterback Troy Aikman, couldn't hurt.

"It's a difficult question because you don't want to risk guys getting hurt because we're going to be playing in the first round of the playoffs," Aikman said. "But at the same time, offensively you'd like to have some momentum going into the playoffs. That's why it becomes a big decision on Barry's part as to what he wants to do."

Fullback Daryl Johnston said the Cowboys must protect their battered players. But that doesn't mean he anticipates a lackluster performance.

"The guys that are actually ailing need to be sat down and rested as much as they can, and the rest of us have to go out and play," he said. "Everybody says this is a meaningless game, but your pride takes over once you get out there. You aren't going to get on the field and let someone else beat you up."

If the Redskins had played better in the season's second half, the Cowboys might have been forced to play their regulars. Instead, Washington has lost six of its past seven games. A one-point loss to Arizona last week eliminated the Redskins from playoff contention.

"The way we've played the last seven weeks has put a damper on this game because they've clinched their playoff spot and we've lost ours," Washington cornerback Darrell Green said. "We still have to go out and do our job. We don't have the luxury of being upset about who they play or don't play."

Washington coach Norv Turner said he expects the Cowboys to do what is best for their team, which means resting players.

Still, owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys want to respect the rivalry between the teams, plus Sunday's game will be the Redskins' last at RFK Stadium.

"It's a very obvious debate whether we want to fine-tune and enter a playoff game sharp after having a good game or whether we want to rest players with injuries," Jones said. "It's a legitimate debate, and that's what the challenge is for coaches and players. I'm sure we'll find a way to compete and still be smart."

(c) 1996, The Dallas Morning News.

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