Wednesday, December 23, 1998

Cowboys to go all out against Redskins

By DENNE H. FREEMAN

AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- It would be tempting for Dallas coach Chan Gailey to rest his starters Sunday night against the Washingtons Redskins in a game that means nothing for the NFC postseason. But he's not going to do it.

Running back Emmitt Smith could use a rest. Tight end David LaFleur, wide receiver Michael Irvin, defensive end Greg Ellis, and offensive lineman Erik Williams are nursing injuries.

However, Gailey, won't pull back.

"We need to improve as a team on offense and defense and we can't do that without them (the regulars) playing good," Gailey said on Tuesday. "If it was a tight game out there it would be hard to get the team off the field. They probably wouldn't let me take them out."

The Cowboys beat Philadelphia 13-9 on Sunday to clinch the NFC East with a 9-6 record. The unimpressive victory snapped a three-game losing streak. Gailey would like to get the team on a roll going into the playoffs.

"We're just doing what we can do right now but I'd like to see us do better," Gailey said.

If Dallas can beat Washington it would become the first team to sweep games against the NFC East in a single season. It would also be the 23rd time in club history the Cowboys have registered a 10-win season, the most of any NFL team.

The Redskins have been hot. After losing their first seven games, the Redskins have charged back to win six of their last eight, including a 20-16 win over Tampa Bay last Sunday. Dallas beat Washington 31-10 earlier in the fourth game of the season.

"They are playing a lot better offense and (quarterback) Trent (Green) has really settled down," Gailey said. "On defense they are stopping the run much better than they did early in the year. They are keeping points off the board."

The Dallas injury list is piling up.

Defensive end Kavika Pittman is out with a pulled hamstring and Michael Myers will start in his spot.

Cornerback Deion Sanders was expected to miss his fifth consecutive game and Kevin Smith will step into his spot like he did last week.

Chris Warren's groin pull will keep him out of action and backup running back Sherman Williams will spell Smith and also come into the game on third down.

"Sherman keeps playing better and better so will should be Ok there," Gailey said.

Gailey also will resist another temptation and that's doing film study on possible playoff opponents in two weeks.

"All our attention will be centered on Washington," Gailey said. "You can waste a lot of time preparing for an opponent you might not play."

Gailey still maintains the Cowboys can get their offense and defense playing well enough to make a serious Super Bowl run.

He pointed to the recent troubles of defending Super Bowl champion Denver, saying "it reconfirms what we know -- on any day, anybody can win."