Cowboys host Raiders in first preseason game

By the Associated Press
(July 27, 1996)
AUSTIN (AP) - Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer called tonight's first preseason game at Texas Stadium against the Oakland Raiders "the start of a new semester.

"This is the first exam," he said after the team had a short walkthrough practice without pads on Friday.

Switzer said Troy Aikman would start at quarterback and fullback Daryl Johnston would likely see brief action. Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders won't play, Switzer said.

"It's important that Troy is out there with Kevin Williams and (rookie receiver) Stepfret Williams," Switzer said. "D.J. (Johnston) wants a few snaps and he'll play."

Switzer said every preseason game will be a big one for second-year cornerback Alundis Brice, who has struggled early in camp but figures to see a lot of action at corner this season if Sanders is playing wide receiver.

"If Alundis Brice became the star of this game for us, I think it would be one of the most fantastic things that could happen," Switzer said. "If he stepped up like that, then we would feel a lot better about our situation."

Dallas offensive guard Nate Newton says the Raiders defensive front, featuring players like Chester McGlockton and Jerry Ball, is one of the fiercest in the NFL.

"They are top-notch athletes," Newton said. "They are true professionals and know how to hurt you physically getting up the field. They make your quarterback pay for every mistake. You have to be mentally and physically ready to deal with these guys.

"It's early in camp, so we'll hope our rust is a little less than theirs."

Newton chose his words carefully when it came to former teammates Russell Maryland and Larry Brown, both of whom joined Oakland as free agents in the offseason.

"I better just say, 'We love you guys,' " said Newton, adding that he jokingly told reporters some comments about Jim Jeffcoat's defection to the Buffalo Bills before last season and Jeffcoat took it the wrong way.

"I said something, and he took it all wrong and now he won't talk to me. His wife won't talk to me, so I'm watching what I say," Newton said.

Chris Boniol has remained one of the team's most consistent players. Boniol, who made his final 25 field-goal attempts last season, was 7 of 7 in drills against the Houston Oilers Wednesday night before the two teams scrimmaged. His longest kick was 54 yards.

The Cowboys have added another body to their secondary by signing free-agent safety Matthew Gay.

Gay, from the University of Kansas, went to two training camps with Kansas City the last two years but did not survive final cuts. He played with the Rhein Fire in the World League of American Football the past two seasons.

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