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Wednesday, December 4, 1996

Switzer warns Cowboys of another possible trap in Cardinals

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / Associated Press (Dec. 4, 1996)

IRVING - Two weeks ago, Barry Switzer warned the Dallas Cowboys of the biggest "trap" game of the season against the lowly New York Giants.

Despite the alert, the Cowboys were upset by Giants 20-6.

Switzer has warned the Cowboys of another potential ambush on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

In a team meeting Monday, Switzer lectured the Cowboys about their upcoming "three-game" season which starts at Tempe, Ariz., against the Cardinals, a team Dallas has beaten 12 consecutive times.

"It's the same scenario as we had against the Giants two weeks ago," Switzer said Tuesday. "We're playing a team we've beaten (17-3) and we think we're the better team and everybody else thinks it, too. We have to play smart. We have to play efficient.

"I told the team yesterday we have another trap game. We can't afford a letdown. Every game we play now is big. We've got to win 'em all."

The defending Super Bowl champions, who have overcome Michael Irvin's five-game suspension and a 1-3 start, can win their fifth consecutive NFC East title by defeating Arizona, New England (at home) and Washington (away). The Cowboys beat the Redskins 21-10 on Thanksgiving Day.

Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia are tied with 8-5 records. If the Cowboys win out, they would own the tiebreaker over the Eagles.

"We all know what type of intensity we need now," Switzer said. "... This team thinks it can win the Super Bowl again."

Dallas' defense ranks No. 1 in the NFL, allowing only 251.8 yards per game. The Cowboys are tops in pass defense and fourth against the rush.

Offensively, they are struggling, ranking only 23rd in total offense.

Troy Aikman passed for only 62 yards against Washington, but Emmitt Smith had his best game of the season with 155 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns.

Smith responded positively after being benched in the fourth quarter of the Giants game in which he gained only 18 yards on 11 carries.

Asked the difference in Smith's game, Switzer said, "He didn't run out of bounds. He turned up the field with reckless abandon. He turned it loose and was cutting and slashing.

"Maybe we need to rag on Troy this week."