Sports: Aikman, Cowboys mull future

Aikman, Cowboys mull future

By Compiled by ERNEST HOOPER

People jokingly have changed the spelling of Troy Aikman's last name to "Ache-man," but it's the Dallas organization that is agonizing over the health of the long-time Cowboys quarterback.

Aikman was knocked out of the season-opening loss to Philadelphia with a concussion after being sacked four times. That set the tone for what has been an injury-plagued season for Aikman. He's been knocked out of two games and has missed three others because of the concussion and a chronically bad back.

* * *

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and coach Dave Campo would like nothing more than to see Aikman, 34, finish with a flurry of quality performances. Jones has to give up a $7-million bonus to bring Aikman back next season, and would like some assurances his health problems are behind him.

"Because of the injury situation this year and some of the issues and the age, it has forced us to look at what might be the case down the road," Campo said. "We can't stick our head in the sand. We have to say, "Okay, which direction are we headed?' We're not quite, at this particular time, ready to do that 100 percent because we really feel like he will be back.

"That's something Troy will have to make a decision on, but I feel comfortable that he is going to be our quarterback, at least in the near future."

Although Aikman threw for 276 yards against Minnesota on Thanksgiving, he's hardly had a standout season. In his nine starts, he's thrown for more than 300 yards once. His interceptions (13) outnumber his touchdown passes (7) and his quarterback rating is 65.4.

Certainly, the absences of receivers Rocket Ismail and Joey Galloway, have been a devastating factor.

"We had a plan going into this season and really in the first ballgame, that plan was derailed with Galloway getting hurt and Troy getting hurt in that game," Campo said. "Even though Troy has played plenty of plays during the course of the season, the consistency has never been able to be there because it was kind of back and forth between he and Randall (Cunningham) and not knowing who's going to play that particular week and that definitely set us back."

The best way to come away with a victory and help Aikman flourish is protection. The problem is that four of the league's best defenses lie ahead: the Bucs, Redskins, Giants and Titans.

Dallas has allowed 17 sacks in 2000, but the Bucs, with 49 sacks, are sure to test the offensive line, especially center Ben Fricke, who is making his second start in place of injured Mark Stepnoski.

If Aikman can't stay off his back, he may end up heeding the advice of the many people who have suggested he retire after a glorious career that includes three Super Bowl rings and more than 32,000 passing yards. Emmitt Smith said he's not sure what Aikman will do.

"The factors that might determine whether or not he'll return remain on his head," Smith said of Aikman. "How he feels physically? Does he feel like he can continue to play? Does he feel like he still has the ability to be a successful quarterback?

"If he feels confident in those things, then it falls on the organization. If they both feel the same way, obviously I believe he'll be back. But if for some reason one of them feels differently ... obviously a change will come. Do I see myself playing without Troy Aikman? I don't want to see that. ... I also understand that there comes a point in time when changes cannot be avoided."

WILL TO WIN: At 4-8, Dallas supposedly has little motivation to win beyond pride. But none of the Cowboys or Bucs are saying that's the case. Jones insists every game matters even if the Cowboys are out of the playoff race.

"When the Dallas Cowboys take the field, a lot of people have made a serious investment in time and resources," Jones said. "That's why it hurts to lose and it feels good to win. I can't diminish the importance of games just because we're not going to the playoffs. It's not just one of 16 games. There's too much at stake because we have a huge following. That's why it will be a big win if we can beat Tampa Bay this week."

ET CETERA: Second-year pro Alexander Wright may be the backup quarterback for Dallas today. Wright, who played at South Carolina, has never taken a snap in an NFL game. Cunningham has a groin strain. ... Defensive end Aaron Fields replaces Peppi Zellner, who is out with a season-ending knee injury. Fields is the seventh defensive linemen to start for Dallas. Defensive tackles Chad Hennings and Leon Lett also are out for the year.

NEED AN NFL SCORE? Visit our Web site at www.sptimes.com/scores