Sunday, January 5, 1997

No one does it better in the playoffs than Troy Aikman

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / Associated Press (Jan. 5, 1997)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Crowd noise and the Carolina blitz package will be making life miserable for Troy Aikman today, but the Dallas Cowboys quarterback has proven nobody handles playoff pressure better than he does.

Except Bart Starr.

Aikman ranks second in all-time quarterback playoff ratings behind the former Green Bay star who twice beat the Cowboys in NFL title games. Aikman also owns an incredible 11-1 record in post-season games he has started.

What makes him so good in big pressure-cooker games?

Not even Aikman himself is sure.

"That's just the way it has come out," said Aikman, who led Dallas to a 40-15 wild-card w3in over the Minnesota Vikings last week. "I just seem to always play well in playoff games. My game seems to come off at a higher level. I can't put my finger on why I enjoy playoff success."

One good reason might be that Aikman relishes the pressure, particularly in a hostile arena. He endures the regular season with all the circus that swirls around a team with image problems. In prime playoff time his confidence and concentration reach amazing levels, as his three Super Bowl rings will attest.

Aikman got the Cowboys to a fifth consecutive NFC East title with a 10-6 record, and now he's ready to really have some fun.

"I like the playoffs and what it represents," Aikman said. "There's no problem that this team is going to overlook anybody. There are no excuses in the playoffs. If you don't play, you go home. I like that sudden death quality about it."

Actually, Aikman said, the game is "going to be a big relief. This organization draws a lot of attention. Some of it is because of its rich history, and some of it is self-inflicted because of off-field activities. At least on Sunday, we'll have three more hours to enjoy the games."

He said the distraction of the Michael Irvin and Erik Williams police sexual assault investigation "is just another thing we're forced to overcome. We've done it in the past."

Fullback Daryl Johnston said there is no player he would rather go into a playoff game with than Aikman.

"His 11-1 record speaks for itself," Johnston said. "That says it all right there. He always rises to the occasion in the playoffs. When the heat is on, he has his best games. He's at his best in the big games."

Running back Emmitt Smith said Aikman is very poised on game day in the playoffs.

"In big games, he is calm as calm can be," Smith said. "Our major task on Sunday is to keep the rush pressure off of him and let him perform like we know he can."

In his 12 playoff games as a starter, Aikman has passed for over 3,000 yards and thrown 21 touchdown passes to just 10 INTs.

"Troy has proven he's the best when the playoffs roll around," said coach Barry Switzer. "He plays at a level reached by very few quarterbacks."

Only one, really. Bart Starr.