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Saturday, November 22, 1997

Classic matchup for Dallas-Green Bay

By ARNIE STAPLETON / AP Sports Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The biggest matchup in the most hyped game of the NFL season pits the Green Bay Packers' premium passing attack against the Dallas Cowboys' select secondary.

Brett Favre and his targets of Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman and Derrick Mayes vs. cornerbacks Deion Sanders and Kevin Smith and safeties Darren Woodson and Brock Marion.

"They're a talented group, we're a talented group," Freeman said with a smile. "So, whoever does a better job at running their stuff ..."

Brooks and Freeman, the top tandem in the NFC, have combined for 99 receptions, 12 touchdown catches and 1,534 yards.

Favre is tied for the league lead with 23 TD passes and his 2,776 passing yards rank second in the NFL.

The Cowboys lead the league in pass defense, allowing 153.2 yards per game. They're second in the NFL in total defense and in points allowed.

The Packers' hopes of ending their eight-game losing streak to the Cowboys rest on whether they can penetrate the league's best secondary.

"I think this will be our No. 1 challenge as far as getting open," offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis said. "Those guys just lock up on you and they shut people down. It's going to be a challenge. I think our guys will respond."

Sanders allows the Cowboys to take risks on blitzes and run support that other teams wouldn't dare.

"He allows them to take one side of the field and say, ÔForget it, he'll take care of that,' " Lewis said. "They just figure he can shut down whoever's over there and they play with the 10 other guys."

But it's far from a one-man show.

"Kevin Smith is no slouch," Packers receiver Don Beebe said. "He gets overshadowed by Deion, but Kevin is as good as there is in the league."

"I think as good as Deion is, the guy that is as important to them as any player is Darren Woodson," Packers coach Mike Holmgren said.

"Brock Marion's our leading tackler," Cowboys coach Barry Switzer said.

Still, it all starts with Sanders, whose talents have allowed the Cowboys defense to remain dominant despite a turnstile-like turnover of players.

"With corners like that, you can afford to blitz and know that those guys are going to win most of the battles," Lewis said.

Favre, the two-time MVP, said Sanders is scary.

"You don't go after Deion," Favre said. "You pick your spots. You can't take that half of the field and totally disregard it. But if you're going to throw at him, you've got to be smart about it.

"It's not that our receivers aren't good. Our guys are good. He's just better than everything in the league."

The Cowboys (6-5) rarely flip-flop Sanders and Smith, so the Packers (8-3) can dictate matchups at Lambeau Field on Sunday by moving receivers around.

The Packers' best hope is to use multiple receiver sets, even on early downs, although that exposes the run and invites the blitz.

"We feel that our four wide receiver package, or even our three, can match up with any team," said Beebe, the No. 4 wideout. "When they bring their nickel or dime guys in, they're not the caliber of Deion or Kevin Smith, whereas our third and fourth receivers could start on a lot of teams."

It's not like the Packers will completely shy away from Sanders.

"He's not Superman out there," Beebe said. "Sure, he's one of the best, but let's not paint the picture that he's unbeatable."

"We're not going to look foolish and attack him all day," Lewis said. "But we'll take our shots."