Saturday, August 22, 1998

Cowboys say they are ready to get up and go

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

ST. LOUIS -- No more excuses. No more justifications.

And, it's hoped, no more three-and-outs.

Almost to a man, the Cowboys, who have struggled for much of the preseason with coach Chan Gailey's new offense, say the time has come to show progress in Saturday night's preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at the TransWorld Dome.

"There is definitely reason for concern," quarterback Troy Aikman said. "If we pay more attention to detail and be more consistent, then we can have a good offensive football team. If we don't, we won't be much improved over last year."

And with the starters slated to log their most extensive amount of work to date, the Cowboys said they must improve on the maladies that have led to an 0-3 preseason record.

"We got to step up and play better," Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin said. "It's getting close to the season, and we got to start honing in on everything. It's definitely time. There is no question about it."

The season opener against the Arizona Cardinals is two weeks away, and the first-team offense has netted just 40 yards and two first downs in the past two outings, 16-3 and 21-3 losses to the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots, respectively.

The Cowboys' lackluster efforts have also included poor offensive-line play, mental miscues, dropped passes and the inability to mount a pass rush, especially from starting defensive ends Greg Ellis and Kavika Pittman.

Gailey, who initially preached patience regarding the his team's poor performances, now seems a little worried about his players' confidence.

"They want to win, and they want to look good," Gailey said. "Who doesn't? You don't want your players to start thinking that nothing is going right. I hope that's not the case."

Though he's disappointed in his team's play, Gailey said he's far from discouraged. He said he knew it would be a struggle early -- especially considering that limiting starters' playing time, installing an offense and evaluating players were his focus in the first three games.

Gailey also said the Cowboys have been pointing to the St. Louis game since the start of training camp as a prime opportunity for a long look at their starters. And with the first team expected to play the entire first half, Gailey said he expects better results.

The Cowboys' first-team offense has played only 68 snaps through three preseason games and two scrimmages, netting just two touchdowns.

"Playing together for a half gives them continuity, which should help," Gailey said.

The Cowboys said they believe that the offense will look better against the Rams with tailbacks Emmitt Smith and Chris Warren back in the lineup. They both sat out last Monday's game against the Patriots nursing injuries. Pittman, who missed the last week of practice because of a sprained ankle, also is expected to start.

However, the key to improvement, Aikman said, is eliminating mental mistakes that have plagued the team. They also have revived memories of last season's 6-10 record, when similar problems resulted in the Cowboys finishing 20th in the league in offense.

Aikman said there should be some patience with this year's mistakes because the Cowboys are learning a new offense. He also said the Cowboys have practiced well, but acknowledged good practices aren't enough.

"Unfortunately, they don't let you turn in the practice tapes," Aikman said. "You got to do it on game day."

For the Cowboys, game day is today is against the Cardinals.

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(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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