Sunday, August 30, 1998

Cowboys a big question mark under Gailey

By DENNE H. FREEMAN

Associated Press

IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys felt Chan Gailey's influence immediately. All he had to do was hand over the new playbook, which is the size of a small-town phone directory.

The former Pittsburgh offensive coordinator has installed an offense completely unfamiliar to Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and the huge offensive line.

So, nobody is sure what kind of team to expect under the new coach when the Cowboys open the regular season Sept. 6 at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Except for a two-touchdown fling in the first half of an exhibition game against St. Louis, Dallas has looked disorganized.

"We just need to get confidence in what we are doing and we keep getting a little better every day," quarterback Troy Aikman said. "Also, I'm saying my prayers at night."

Gailey, who replaced Barry Switzer, is noted for his innovations. As a coach at Troy State he won the NCAA small college championship by running a no-huddle wishbone.

The Cowboys worked on everything from a five-receiver set to putting wideout Irvin in the backfield during training camp, but rarely have shown such formations in the preseason.

Aikman has had good and bad moments operating out of the shotgun for the first time in his career.

"I've never objected to the shotgun," he said. "I just always thought we did pretty well in the offense we were running. There are some good things about the shotgun. It gives you a little more time to read the defense. The bad things include a bad snap."

Smith has shown flashes that he may be ready for a big season. He rushed for 110 yards in the first half against St. Louis and looked like the Emmitt of old, not the old Emmitt he resembled a year ago.

"Maybe everyone can quit asking coach Gailey who is going to start at running back," said Smith, who has been battling criticism he is too beat up and old to remain an impact player. Former Seattle Seahawk Chris Warren was picked up as insurance.

Smith will be asked to read and react under Gailey's system instead of bursting through a hole like he did under Jimmy Johnson and Switzer. The offensive linemen will be blocking in a zone area and not taking on a specific defender.

"It's definitely different," said Smith, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of seven straight seasons. "I'm having to read my blocks and then make cuts. It will take time to get a feel for it."

A second starting receiver opposite Irvin must be found and it could be Billy Davis, who caught a touchdown pass against the Rams and has been running ahead of Ernie Mills, who played for Gailey in Pittsburgh.

Irvin said he likes the new offense.

"We're getting it down a little bit at a time," he said. "Anyone who thought we would grasp this offense from the start was doing a little wishful thinking. But it will come.

"The man was hired to fix mistakes, particularly mental mistakes, and that's what he's doing," Irvin said of Gailey.

The offensive line was in shambles last year, with injuries to Mark Tuinei, now retired, and Nate Newton. The switch of right guard Larry Allen to left tackle paid off, though, and Newton came back 50 pounds lighter this season. Undersized center Clay Shiver has beefed up.

Right guard Everett McIver was picked up as a free agent from Miami. His biggest contribution was keeping Dallas in the news when he got cut on the neck with scissors while roughhousing with Irvin.

McIver missed several weeks of practice while rumors flew there was a payoff to keep him quiet so Irvin's probation for cocaine possession wouldn't be revoked. Investigations by the NFL and the Dallas County probation office concluded it was just "horseplay."

Ower Jerry Jones isn't taking any more chances, banning alcohol on all team flights this season.

Defensively, injuries during the preseason cut into what depth there was on a team that was second in the NFL last year, but 20th against the run.

Linebacker Broderick Thomas and lineman Darren Benson had season-ending knee injuries. Cornerback Deion Sanders and lineman Leon Lett missed most of the preseason with injuries, but are expected back against the Cardinals.

"We have a chance to have a very good defense," coordinator Dave Campo said. "Having Leon back will big a big help to both stopping the run and getting a pass rush."

The pass rush was poor last year and the secondary got just seven interceptions because of it. Rookie Greg Ellis, a first-round pick from North Carolina, will start on the strong side. Kavika Pittman, a third-year veteran without an impressive portfolio, will start on the right side.

Safety Brock Marion left for Miami and Kenny Wheaton and Omar Stoutmire are batting for the spot. Veteran Kevin Smith and Sanders return at the corners with Darren Woodson at strong safety.

"We haven't looked good at times in the preseason because we don't have all our stuff in and we've been playing a lot of young guys," defensive tackle Chad Hennings said. "There is no use butting your head against a wall in preseason. What good does it do? We'll be fine."

After a disastrous 6-10 season, the Cowboys have a softer schedule but could have trouble getting out of the gate in Gailey's system.

Dallas meets Arizona then is at Super Bowl champion Denver, at NFC East champion New York Giants, returns home for Oakland and then plays at Washington.

"If we could have a good September it would really be something," Jones said. "But it could take us time to get going, to get the new offense functioning the way we want it."

Gailey expects to win from the start. He's boldly said he is shooting for a 16-0 season.

"What kind of leader would I be to the team if I came out and said I hope we have an 8-8 season?" Gailey said. "I just hope we can have some early success. It's not life or death, but it makes it easier if we go out and play well early. I think we can make it happen."