Cowboys Take Gamble On Free Safety
A quick study of the Dallas Cowboys’ top-ranked defense shows proven experience back at every position except one: free safety.
Gone to the Redskins is James Washington, a bandanna-wearing, sledgehammer-hitting trash talker who wasn’t afraid to disgrace teammates if he didn’t think they were measuring up.
Like him or not - and many Cowboys do not - Washington was a big-game player who helped win Super Bowl XXVIII with two key interceptions.
But the Cowboys didn’t panic after his departure. They simply went to their special teams unit and promoted Brock Marion, a third-year player known for running downfield and leveling returners.
Sure, Marion’s $178,000, league-minimum salary is a benefit to the capconscious Cowboys. But what about his skills? The Cowboys seem unconcerned.
“We don’t need a riverboat gambler back there,” coach Barry Switzer said. “I told Brock I would rather have him be passive than a missile. Missiles get out of position. We are going to be all right at safety. We may even upgrade.”
Blades, Galloway to start
Coach Dennis Erickson said Brian Blades will start at wide receiver along with Joey Galloway Saturday against the Colts. Though Ricky Proehl is also considered a starter, he will make his Seahawks debut as a backup in order to get Galloway more playing time. Proehl and Blades will be the starting receivers for the regular-season opener against the Chiefs.
Linebacker Terry Wooden (swollen knee) and halfback Chris Warren (Achilles) will sit out the game along with tight end Paul Green (back) and receiver Robb Thomas (hand). Free safety Eugene Robinson is questionable with soreness in his surgically repaired Achilles.
The starting halfback Saturday will be Steve Broussard.
Crime roundup
Browns defensive tackle Larry Webster will miss the first six regular-season games under a league-ordered suspension for drug use, team officials said.
Cardinals linebacker Jamir Miller was suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season, becoming the second Arizona player to break the NFL’s substance-abuse rules.
The other 1994 draftee with a problem is second-round choice Chuck Levy.
Falcons cornerback Anthony Phillips was arrested on a drunken driving charge Wednesday night after he hit a car on Interstate 85 near Norcross, Ariz.
While Saints coach Jim Mora prepared his team for its second preseason game, officials in La Crosse, Wis., continued to interview players in the investigation of a rape allegation.
Lions beat Jaguars, 19-3
In Pontiac, Mich., Scott Mitchell threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Brett Perriman, and former Washington State kicker Jason Hanson booted a 40-yard field goal as Detroit beat Jacksonville.