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Wednesday, November 12, 1997

Switzer is sick but still scrapping

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Barry Switzer, battling a cold, rumors of his dismissal, and a season heading south, holds to the theory the Dallas Cowboys are capable of making a championship run if they can beat Washington on Sunday.

In fact, he points out, the Cowboys did it last year with a big win over Washington.

"This is a big game, no question about it," Switzer said Tuesday in a croaking voice. "This is a must-win situation. We responded well last year against Washington (21-10 on Thanksgiving Day) when we were 7-5. I just hope we respond the same this Sunday."

Dallas, winner of five consecutive NFC East titles, is 5-5, with one of the losses 21-16 to Washington in the sixth game of the season. The Redskins stand 6-4.

Dallas hasn't missed the NFL playoffs since 1990, but the current team has trouble winning despite owning the No. 2 defense in the league. The offense can't score touchdowns.

"I just hope we play like we did in the second half of the game against the Cardinals," Switzer said. "We're getting (guard) Nate Newton back for the Washington. He should be able to play after missing last week."

Switzer said the 24-6 win over Arizona helped team morale. There had been some grumbling among players that practices weren't hard enough.

Switzer said the practice talk "was just an excuse for getting your butt beat. I'm coaching the same way I have all my life. Winning is the only thing. It doesn't cure cancer or AIDS, but it cures football problems."

Switzer was in full command on Tuesday even though he was feeling bad. He ended his quick news conference by saying, "I've had enough of this. I'm sick. I know you (the media) are, too."

However, rumors about the coaching job persist. One broadcast report said owner Jerry Jones will replace Switzer with former San Francisco coach George Seifert next year.

A weary Rich Dalrymple, spokesman for the Cowboys, responded: "Our reaction is there is no need for a comment. Jerry Jones is the only source that matters on any subjects pertaining to the contract status of any coach on the Dallas Cowboys staff.

"He has repeatedly made it clear that any speculation in that area is a waste of time."