Champion Blahs In Big D

Asked how much Lilly's disability has affected the Cowboy pass rush, Stautner did not hesitate. "A slowed-down Lilly costs us a third of our efficiency," he replied. "Combine that with the rest of the injuries on the defensive line and our pass rush has been considerably less useful than it was last year. I think that accounts for a good deal of our letdown in the second half. Last year, when we had a club whipped at the half, we knew they would come out throwing in the second half, but we could put so much pressure on their passer that we forced mistakes, sacks and interceptions. This year we can't do that and some clubs have put themselves right back in the game because of it."

The Cowboys have sacked quarterbacks 31 times this year (the total was 42 for all of last season), but the present figures are somewhat misleading since nine came in the game against the feckless Eagles. Last Saturday, Dallas managed to reach Kilmer only one time, that on a blitz, when Howley dropped him for a nine-yard loss. Now, with Howley out for the season, even more pressure falls on Middle Linebacker Lee Roy Jordan (see cover), who at 6'1", 220 is nearly diminutive in the profession. Jordan is durable, if not large, and among the Dallas walking wounded that counts more than ever.

Still, as Lilly explains it, the major Cowboy problem is mental, not physical. "The injuries have made a difference," he says, "but that's not really it. It's the general attitude of the club. We even make more mistakes in practice than we did before. I guess it's been too easy for us on defense. The offense puts the points up and then we relax. We're not running for our life anymore—and in this league you have to run for your life every game."

At least the Cowboys will have an opportunity to redeem themselves by producing some full games in the playoffs. Their problem has been that they only run in the first half, and no one has ever won a race merely jogging the rest of the way.