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Atlanta offense powerless without Anderson

Associated Press

IRVING, Texas - Denver isn't the only Super Bowl team in trouble.

The Atlanta Falcons were wiped out 24-7 last night by the Dallas Cowboys, marking the first time both defending conference champions have started the following season 0-2.

But that's not the worst of it for the Falcons.

Quarterback Chris Chandler couldn't play because of a strained hamstring, and running back Jamal Anderson joined him on the sideline after spraining right knee early in the first quarter of the weak offensive performance.

As for Dallas, things are looking good.

The Cowboys are 2-0 for the first time since 1995, their last Super Bowl season, and their defense didn't look anything like the group that got torched by Washington in the opener.

Then again, Dallas was stopping an Atlanta offense led by Tony Graziani and Byron Hanspard, third-year players with empty resumes compared to Pro Bowlers Chandler and Anderson.

Things might have been different if the defense had to worry about Anderson. The reigning NFC rushing champion was lost six minutes into the game without even being hit. On his third carry, Anderson planted his right foot, cut left and immediately knew something was wrong. He was grabbing his knee before he even landed on the artificial turf of Texas Stadium.

His style was especially missed on three third-and-short situations when the Falcons were down 10-0. Atlanta instead had a nearly intercepted pass, a no-gain by Hanspardand Graziani's fumble.

The Falcons defense was the only reason the game remained close.

After gaining 541 yards against Washington in a 41-35 overtime victory, the Cowboys had just 231 yards. Troy Aikman went from 355 yards passing to 109, his lowest total since the last game of the 1997 season. He was 10-of-22 and threw two interceptions, giving him five for the year, matching last season's total.

Instead of sustaining long drives, Dallas cashed in on Atlanta mistakes.

Graziani's interception led to a 23-yard field goal by Richie Cunningham midway through the first quarter. A second-quarter missed field goal by Morten Andersen turned into a 2-yard touchdown run by Emmitt Smith.

Smith scored again on a 7-yard run early in the third quarter a few plays after Graziani's

fumble.

Smith had 29 carries for 108 yards, his second straight 100-yard outing. He also passed Tony Dorsett to become fourth on the NFL's career rushing list at 12,783 yards. Dorsett was at the game to take part in a halftime celebration honoring the Cowboys' 40th anniversary.

Andersen's 49-yard miss was his third this year. He had only five last year. Cunningham left a 47-yarder wide right late in the third quarter.

With the victory, Cowboys coach Chan Gailey took a 1-0 lead over his former Little League

baseball coach Dan Reeves. The Americus, Ga., natives had never met as head coaches.