Deion's Talk Worries Cowboys
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Deion Sanders worries the Dallas Cowboys.
They squirm when the opposition has a talented player who can talk
trash with the best of the Cowboys.
So when Sanders left Atlanta to sign with the San Francisco
49ers, the Cowboys' chief NFC rival, the Dallas coaches took
notice. They know Sanders has the ability to dog the NFL's best
receivers and turn an interception into a game-breaking play.
``Deion is the best at what he does,'' Cowboys coach Barry
Switzer said. ``He's a leader. He's talented. He has big play
ability and he has proved it many times.''
Wide receiver Michael Irvin and Sanders have had some classic
duels when Sanders played for the Falcons. Irvin has won a few, so
has Sanders.
``I hope he'll follow me all over the field on Sunday,'' Irvin
said. ``We have some things planned if he does. I'm sure there will
be some conversation.''
Sanders can't wait for Sunday.
``Come on,'' he says. ``I thrive for stuff like this. I live for
stuff like this.''
And he expects to see a lot of Irvin.
``He feels like he must get the ball a numerous amount of times
during the game,'' Sanders said. ``He wants the ball, he craves for
the ball, he craves for the big play. I hope to see a lot of him.
Mike is a great receiver.''
Alvin Harper, the Cowboys other wide receiver, has benefited in
the past as the 49ers worried about Irvin. If his sprained knee
heals, Harper is looking forward to an Irvin-Sanders lockup because
he might get more passes.
``I think getting Deion has added a big element to the 49ers
squad because he is a great defensive player,'' Harper said. ``I
bet he'll be following Michael around everywhere he goes. I hope
so. That will leave me with some mulligans.''
Harper has averaged 29 yards every time he catches a pass
against San Francisco.
Running back Emmitt Smith said Sanders was a great acquistion
for the 49ers.
``Deion brings a lot of spirit and enthusiasm to the team,''
Smith said. ``He's a big time, big play, player. He's very, very
excellent. He'll talk to you. That makes it fun.''
Troy Aikman said Sanders is somebody he has to watch.
``I've got as much respect for him as anybody in the league,''
Aikman said. ``He can turn a game around all by himself. You've got
to be real careful with him back there in the secondary. You're
always aware of where he is.''
What worries Aikman is that Sanders will be even better playing
with a better team.
``He's had success but now he should be even better because of
his supporting cast,'' Aikman said. ``It's not good having to play
against somebody like him.''