Friday, November 20, 1998

Irvin frustrated but happy to trade catches for wins

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The only pass that came his way was two yards behind him and into the dirt. Double-covered and double-frustrated Michael Irvin's 117-game receiving streak ended in Phoenix last Sunday.

Irvin spent two days off wondering if there was anything he should have done. In the old days, Irvin would have come off the field ranting that he wasn't getting the ball. Once he threw a helmet and hit Emmitt Smith in the knee.

But these are different times and a different coach with the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Chan Gailey feels statistics are for losers. Quarterback Troy Aikman seconds the notion.

Irvin calmly discussed his frustrations on Thursday but came to the conclusion a 35-28 victory was much better than a 10-reception, no-win day.

"It's frustrating but I'll take this kind of frustration any time compared to the frustration we had last year," Irvin said, referring to the Cowboys 6-10 collapse that cost Barry Switzer his job. "We won the game. That's the ultimate goal."

The last time Irvin was shut out was Dec. 23, 1990, in a loss to Philadelphia.

Gailey said after the game he was "shocked" Irvin didn't get a pass. Gailey was calling plays to other receivers because Irvin was being shadowed by two defenders on every down.

"I couldn't believe it," Gailey said. "But where the passes go is dictated by the defense. You hope everybody is involved and everybody is contributing. But defenses sometimes don't want that to happen."

Irvin let Gailey off the hook.

"I'm fine," Irvin said, trying to look on the bright side. "I'd like to be making more plays. The streak is gone and I'd like to be more involved. But I guess you could say my confidence is being boosted because of the double teams. That shows respect."

Irvin draws extra coverage because he ranks 10th on the NFL's all-time pass receiving list. This year he has caught 44 passes for 633 yards but has scored only one touchdown. He's only caught six passes in the last three games.

Teammates have consoled Irvin because they know how much the streak meant to him.

"I can feel his pain," said running back Emmitt Smith. "But I know for a fact winning is more important to him than the streak."

Aikman said Irvin finally fell victim to a double-teaming set of circumstances.

"Chan said it best about it being unfortunate we couldn't get Michael the ball," Aikman said. "But we're here to win football games. Personal goals are great if you can get them and win games, too. Michael has done great things and will continue to do great things."