Tuesday, October 8, 1996

Cowboys' offense expects boost as Michael Irvin gives Troy Aikman options
By Jean-Jacques Taylor
The Dallas Morning News
(Oct. 8, 1996)

IRVING, Texas (KRT) - A high-powered offense that overwhelmed opponents with its diversity enabled the Cowboys to win three of the past four Super Bowls.

But as the Cowboys come off their bye week, Emmitt Smith is not among the top 10 rushers in the NFL, Troy Aikman's quarterback rating places him in the bottom half of the league, and Pro Bowl receiver Michael Irvin, whose five-game suspension ended last week, has not caught a pass this season.

The Cowboys have the NFL's top-ranked defense, but injuries and suspensions have left their once powerful offense inconsistent and at times inept.

Dallas, which ranks 26th in the NFL in offense (270 yards per game), is 25th in rushing (94.8) and passing (175.2).

Only the New York Giants, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and St. Louis have worse offenses. Dallas has not finished out of the Top 10 in total offense since 1990, when it finished last.

Aikman has passed for fewer than 200 yards passing in four of five games, including the last three. That should change with Irvin in the lineup.

"I know our quarterback will sleep a lot better this week," said running backs coach Joe Brodsky. "He now has a go-to receiver. I don't care if he's triple-covered, Troy is going to throw the ball to Michael, and he's going to catch it.

"And don't let anybody kid you about Deion Sanders . Now that he can concentrate on one offensive spot because Michael is back, he will have a chance to make some plays."

Aikman said he expects his timing with Irvin to be fine, though he said it probably take Irvin time to adjust to the competition. Except for two practices, Irvin has spent the past five weeks working out with coach Barry Switzer's son, Doug, at local high schools.

"He can catch balls from Doug Switzer all day," said Aikman, "but that doesn't simulate what you're going to face in a ballgame."

Irvin, who set career highs in receptions (111), yards (1,603) and touchdowns (10) last season, will be the key on Sunday against Arizona, which ranks 11th in the NFL in defense.

Irvin is the player who most affects Emmitt Smith's ability to run and Aikman's ability to pass.
Although teams have rarely committed a safety to stop the Cowboys' running game this season, Irvin will take one safety out of the running game because teams will double-cover him.

"When you've got a man that caught more than 100 passes and is a big-play man even when he's double- and triple-covered," Smith said, "he's definitely going to help the offense."

Dallas needs Irvin most on third down.

The Cowboys are tied for 25th in first downs (84) and are 24th in third-down offense (20 of 60) at 33.3 percent.

Last year, 88 of Irvin's 111 receptions went for first downs. He's a big, physical receiver who can gain inside position on the quick slants Aikman often throws him in key third-down situations.

bc Dallas needs to have success on third down because the Cardinals defense can present problems.
Defensive tackle Eric Swann is one of the league's best and rookie defensive end Simeon Rice ranks among the league leaders with five sacks. Linebackers Eric Hill and Seth Joyner play the run strong and have each played in the Pro Bowl.

The Cardinals allow only 3.5 yards per carry, seventh in the NFL, and they frequently give Smith problems. He has gained more than 100 yards against Arizona once in the past seven games.
ec Smith, hampered by an assortment of injuries, including a sprained left knee, has had one 100-yard game this season and is averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

It's time, he said, for the Cowboys' offensive struggles to end.

"The defense has done its part up to this point," Smith said. "Now it's time for the offense to do some things."

(c) 1996, Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

Cowboys Chatroom.....Dallas Cowboys.....Back to Reporter OnLine