Sunday, August 23, 1998

Rams 22, Cowboys 14

By R.B. FALLSTROM

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Although the Dallas Cowboys remained winless in the preseason, their big names put up some big numbers for the first time.

Emmitt Smith ran for 110 yards and a touchdown and Troy Aikman threw a touchdown pass and had seven straight completions in the first half of a 22-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams (1-2) Saturday night.

The Cowboys (0-4) have lost nine in a row dating to Week 13 of last season, but the last four don't count. Plus, Dallas' first unit looked strong in the first half, leading 14-9.

The Rams' backups outscored the Cowboys' backups 13-0 in the second half with the winning score a 1-yard run by Greg Hill with 5:42 left in the third quarter. The score came one play after Charlie Williams was whistled for interference in the end zone against Eddie Kennison.

A 52-yard run by rookie Robert Holcombe set up his 4-yard run to clinch it with 1:40 to play.

Smith, held back by elbow and thigh injuries, entered the game with just 14 yards on seven carries. He had a 47-yard gain over right tackle late in the first quarter and added pickups of 24 and 14 yards in the second quarter. Aikman led the Cowboys to 258 yards in total offense in the half and was 10 for 14 for 123 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Michael Irvin also had his best game of the preseason with six catches for 100 yards, after entering with two catches for 14 yards.

Most of Irvin's receptions came against Rams' second-year cornerback Dexter McCleon, filling in as a starter while Ryan McNeil continues a contract holdout.

McCleon also was whistled for interference against Irvin in the end zone, leading to Smith's 1-yard run with 3:55 to go in the second half that put Dallas ahead 14-0. McCleon made 10 tackles in the half.

McNeil wants a five-year, $25 million deal and said Friday he's prepared to sit out the season. He led the NFL with nine interceptions last year.

Rams quarterback Tony Banks also broke out of a preseason slump. After entering with only 10 completions, Banks worked into the third quarter, running for one touchdown and setting up one.

Banks improvised on a 5-yard run late in the first half and led the Rams to Hill's touchdown. He was 9 for 20 for 107 yards and Rams receivers dropped several balls.

The Cowboys ended a nine-quarter exhibition touchdown drought when Aikman hit Irvin on a 46-yard play to the 6, then connected with Billy Davis for the game's first score with 6:53 left in the first quarter.

Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins hit a 54-yard field goal, 2 yards better than his personal best, in the second quarter.

The Rams were unsuccessful on 2-point conversion attempts after their first two touchdowns.