Monday, September 7, 1998

Dallas Cowboys dominate Cardinals, 38-10

IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys could do little wrong Sunday afternoon in their season opener, easily defeating an over-matched Arizona Cardinals team, 38-10.

Quarterback Troy Aikman finished with almost 350 yards passing, two TD passes as well as running for two touchdowns on a day when he gained 40 yards in 5 carries.

Emmitt Smith rushed for almost 120 yards and Michael Irvin caught passes for 110 yards, as the Cowboys again had an easy opener.

Meanwhile the defense did not allow Arizona to make a single third down conversion (0 for 11), and the stingy Cowboys defense dominated other aspects of the game as well.

Defenisve back Deion Sanders electrified the crowd a couple of times running punts back for sizeable yardage.

Aikman took control early, keeping cool under pressure, not getting sacked and falling victim to two interceptions that were fluke tipped balls. Aikman showed elation rarely seen last year after his touchdown passes, one to Ernie Mills and one to Billy Davis.

With just seconds left in the game, the Cardinals fumbled on a kickoff return and the Cowboys' Kenny Wheaton picked it off the artificial turf and ran in for the final score. That was just seconds after Richie Cunningham had kicked a 25-yard field goal to make the score 31-10.

The game was reminiscent of last year's opener when Dallas beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 37-7.

Gailey, who was doused with ice water after the victory, was the offensive coordinator of the Steelers last year, who went on to the AFC Championship game against Denver last season.

The Cowboys, who finished 6-10 last season, play Denver next.

MORE TO COME later tonight ... Photos, Stats, Game Stories, Notes