Switzer: Don't blame the coach
By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Barry Switzer isn't blaming himself
for the Dallas Cowboys' failed season.
"I did as good a job as when we won the Super Bowl, probably
a little bit better considering some of the younger players,"
he said Tuesday.
Dallas has won three Super Bowls in the 1990s, including one
in Switzer's second season as coach.
This season, a combination of injuries, age and undisciplined
play has led to a 6-9 record, putting Switzer's job in jeopardy.
Owner Jerry Jones has steadfastly refused to say Switzer and
his assistants will be back.
Only six teams in the NFL have a worse record than the Cowboys
do entering Sunday's game with the NFC East champion New York
Giants.
Facing perhaps his last week as coach of the Cowboys, Switzer
was in an almost jolly mood at Valley Ranch. He was wishing everyone
"Merry Christmas" and said a big priority next week
was shopping.
"You know, I live by myself, so I have to do my own shopping,"
Switzer said. "I've only got a couple of days. "
Switzer said all the speculation about his ouster hadn't hurt
him.
"It hasn't bothered me at all, not one bit," Switzer
said. "It's probably affected my family members more than
anyone else."
Switzer talked some about the meaningless game with the Giants
on Sunday. New York will host a wild-card team in a first-round
game, and that won't change regardless of a loss.
A loss for Dallas could help propel the Cowboys in the top
10 on draft day and give them a fourth-place finish and a much
easier schedule next year.
Switzer said the Cowboys, although they will play some young
players, will go all out.
"We're going to try to win a football game," Switzer
said. "It's not like this is an exhibition game. "
Switzer said the careers of several veterans, such as tackle
Mark Tuinei and special teams star Bill Bates, could be winding
down.
"This is a business," Switzer said. "Some of
the guys had great careers but it comes a time when every has
to move on."
Switzer said he didn't think 15-year offensive tackle Mark
Tuinei would be back.
"The last two years have been a disaster for him physically,"
Switzer said.
He said 12-year guard Nate Newton could return if he gets
in better shape.
"Nate could drop 40 pounds in the off-season and still
be a force if he wanted to," Switzer said.
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