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Michael Irvin didn't
have much to celebrate after his lone touchdown
in PFL SuperBowl III.
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Dallas
Mistakes Cost Them A Title
The
Swammi was living the worst SuperBowl nightmare he could have possibly
envisioned? Falling behind the explosive Gresham 21-0 before the
middle of the first quarter. The Dallas game plan was to keep the
tempo of the game slow, and methodical. Use as much time on offense
as possible while keeping the Denver offense on the sideline. But
instead, after two Troy Aikman interceptions at mid field, Denver
was in good scoring position to capitalize and go up 14-0 early.
After the ensuing Dallas drive stalled, the Bronc's converted on
their next drive to go up 21-0. "Falling behind that much that early
in the game really took us out of our rhythm," Charles responded.
"We were a little jittery to start the game. We felt like we could
win with our game plan, we were very confident for that matter.
, But we didn't count on falling behind so much so early. That forced
us to play "Denver" ball. We did not want an up tempo style game,
but you have to give credit to Gresham for forcing us to play their
style. For us, that was the key to loosing the game." However, it
was the inability for Dallas to cover Shannon Sharpe that was most
frustrating for Charles. Sharpe's 14 catches for 311 yards earned
him MVP honors and a the Bronco's a second SuperBowl trophy. When
Dallas did try to cover Sharpe in the middle of the field, Gresham
went to Davis or Griffith on the screens or he had Elway go deep
to Smith or McCaffery. "We just couldn't cover everyone and we take
our hats off to him for setting up his game plan in that manner."
Close
But No Cigar
The loss makes Dallas 0-1 in SuperBowls. They must
wait another year to have a shot at claiming that elusive title.
It also makes Charles 0-3 against Gresham, the only coach in THE
LEAGUE he has still yet to defeat. "Many people say I should be
happy to be here. But we don't play as hard as we do to JUST be
here. We didn't prepare all of those hours just to be here. We
do all of that to win it all. I can't settle for just being here."
Charles also added, "We learned a lot today. I think it will help
us in the long run, should we have the chance to do this again."
The
Pains Of Losing
"There is not a worse feeling than loosing the SuperBowl.
Believe me, you would rather not be here than to get here and
loose." Charles stated on Monday. "I couldn't sleep last night.
The entire night I tossed and turned thinking about all the mistakes,
the missed opportunities, and the bad decisions. I take nothing
away from Gresham, for it was his game plan that forced us into
our unenviable position. But I'm disappointed we didn't adjust
better, consistently throughout the game. It's going to reside
in me probably for the entire off season." The disappointed Charles
now has to bounce back next season with a team that will be one
year older, and won't feature as high caliber players. With Deion's
toe injury a question mark, and Irvin a year older, two of Dallas
main go to guys may not be performing at the caliber Charles has
been used to the past two years. The Cowboys must address their
wide receiver talent situation in the off season. Billy Davis,
and Stepfret Williams just were not the answers. Charles was forced
to play Chris Warren and an inconsistent Ernie Mills at the second
receiver spot allowing defenses to key on Irvin. At any rate,
both Dallas and Denver will be facing major changes in the offense
next season.
Dallas
Stats
Passing - Aikman - 43/64 - 4 ints -
67% - 718 yds. 8 TD's
Rushing - E. Smith 14-48 yrds, D. Johnston
8-18 yds.
Receiving - E. Smith 18 catches -118
yds 2 TD's, C. Warren 8 - 157 yards,1 TD, D. Sanders - 7 - 118
1 TD, D. LaFluer 4 -162, 2 TD's, M. Irvin - 3 - 114, TD
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