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Wednesday, November 19, 1997

Switzer says Cowboys won't be bullied

By DENNE H. FREEMAN

Associated Press

IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys haven't regained their swagger, but they aren't intimidated by the Green Bay Packers. At least that's the spin from coach Barry Switzer.

"We're not going to be awed because Green Bay won the Super Bowl last year," he said. "Our guys still think they're Super Bowl champions because they have won three of them in the 1990s."

There are some interesting streaks going into the game. The Cowboys have defeated the Packers in their last eight meetings, including last year when Green Bay was Super Bowl bound. However, seven of those wins were in Texas Stadium and the other one was in Milwaukee in 1991.

The other streak is that the Cowboys have never won in Lambeau Field. They are 0-3 in that facility.

"What happened in the past has nothing to do with this game," Switzer said. "This game is a big game for a lot of people. The people in Green Bay have had this one marked on their calendars for a long time.

"But it has a different flavor than what everybody predicted. This game is significant because both teams need a win. Green Bay is fighting for its division and needs a win. We need a win to go 7-5. Then if we win the rest of our games at home we could be 10-6 which is the record we had last year and it got us into the playoffs."

Switzer said the reason the Cowboys have had success against the Packers is the matchups.

"Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin have all played well against Green Bay," Switzer said. "They have to step up again on Sunday."

All three were instrumental in the come-from-behind 17-14 win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Aikman took Dallas on a 97-yard scoring drive in the last five minutes, capping it with a touchdown pass to Irvin and a 2-point conversion pass to Smith.

"This is the time of year championships are won," Switzer said. "If we can win Sunday it gives us a good chance because three of our last four games are at home. In the 1990s in all our games after Nov. 15, we have a 25-3 record at home."

Switzer said he had never been to Lambeau Field but has seen it numerous times on television.

"I'm sure it will be a very emotional atmosphere," Switzer said. "I'm sure they will give us a big welcome to town."

Dallas got some good news from trainer Jim Maurer on Tuesday. Maurer said offensive tackle Erik Williams, who missed the Washington game with a leg injury, will return to practice.

Rookie Tony Hutson filled in for Williams last week and played well.

"Tony didn't allow any sacks and I thought he would get embarrassed," Switzer said. "He's a good backup but it's good to know Erik will be back."