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Monday, November 24, 1997

Deion Sanders' penalty reflects Pack's success

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Knight-Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

GREEN BAY, Wis. - With hands raised, Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders recognized the jeering Green Bay Packers fans at Lambeau Field.

But this time, he wasn't reaching high to praise God as he did after his 50-yard touchdown jaunt after intercepting a Brett Favre pass in the first half, when he went down on bended knee before pointing to the heavens.

No, this acknowledgement was of the "My bad" variety, after he was called for pass interference against Packers receiver Antonio Freeman.

Sanders, a colorful showman when he excels, raised his hand to admit the error. The crowd of 60,011 spectators wouldn't have it any other way, and they serenaded him with a derisive chant.

It was one of several plays that told the story of the Packers' 45-17 domination of the Cowboys on Sunday. Green Bay's offense had the Cowboys so befuddled with its successful mix of pass and run that Sanders, considered the best cover cornerback in the game, had to resort to holding.

The third-quarter penalty gave the Packers a first down at the Cowboys' 5-yard line. A touchdown two plays later broke a 10-10 halftime tie and set the stage for the second-half rout.

"They kept us off-balance with run, run, pass, pass," Sanders said.

Sanders said the Packers did a good job of moving receivers around to get them in position to catch the ball. On the penalty play, Sanders moved over from right cornerback to cover Freeman in the slot.

Freeman started running a slant and then darted straight toward the end zone. Considering that it was second-and-10 at the Cowboys' 39 and the Packers' success running the ball early in the drive, Sanders was likely looking in the backfield.

When Freeman cut up the field, all Sanders could do was hold.

With the Cowboys unable to mount a pass rush much of the day, Favre was able to launch the ball toward Freeman in the end zone.

Favre "is truly the most valuable player," Sanders said. "His ability to run around. He just makes those types of plays."

Though he took a few shots at Sanders and cornerback Kevin Smith, Favre took advantage of the Cowboys' linebackers and safeties for his four touchdown passes.

And if the strategy didn't prove logical before the game, Sanders drove the point home late in the first half when he stepped in front a Favre pass and danced down the right sideline to score.

Sanders held the ball high and started high-stepping at the 20-yard line before slowing to a trot and stopping at the goal line. He got on one knee, extended the ball across the goal line and raised his hands toward the sky.

"I never saw Deion," Favre said. "With his speed he can make that play. I've seen him do it to me before."

(c) 1997, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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