Herschel Walker did a better job avoiding reporters after the game than eluding defenders in Sunday`s 17-7 loss to the Bears at Soldier Field.
The Dallas Cowboys` all-purpose running back ran into the National Football League`s No. 1-rated defense and came away with only 88 yards on 21 carries.
”The big fear was the big play with Walker,” said linebacker Ron Rivera, who was credited with three tackles. ”Near the end of the game, he started to get outside. Our defense is so in tune to the players that we have. We`ve got guys who cover well, we`ve got guys who play the run well, we`ve got guys who contain well.”
Walker, who entered the game with a league-high 877 total yards (537 rushing and 300 receiving), added 47 yards receiving on four catches.
”Walker was everything we expected, but we were able to prevent him from doing the things he wanted to do. We played to contain him. That was the idea, to not let him have the big play,” said Rivera.
”He`s got a strong upper body and he`s great as far as pushing off tacklers. But he didn`t really make any big plays,” said Bears safety Maurice Douglass. ”But we can still play better in a lot of areas.”
Rookie Dante Jones, in his first NFL start, registered seven tackles and half a sack at outside linebacker.
”When I look at the films, I`ll know more. But I thought Dante played outstanding football,” said coach Mike Ditka.
”It felt good to go out there and hit Walker a couple of times. One play I hit Herschel and we both fell sideways. My neck was a little sore from the hit,” said Jones, who generally plays middle linebacker. ”My face mask was twisted. Hopefully, he kind of got a little vibration out of it, too. I guess I did all right today. I`m happy but not satisfied. I can go out there and do better.
”Dallas was doing a lot of talking, especially No. 83 (Kelvin Martin)
and a lot of their linemen,” said Jones, who twisted his ankle in the second half. ”Talking doesn`t mean anything unless you back it up.”
At virtually every turn, Walker met up with tackles Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael and middle linebacker Mike Singletary.
”The greatest thing that any middle linebacker can have is two great tackles, and that`s what I have,” said Singletary. ”I`ve been extremely blessed to come here and play with Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael.”
The work of rookies David Tate (two interceptions), Jones and defensive back Lemuel Stinson on defense frustrated Walker and Dallas quarterbacks Steve Pelluer and Danny White.
”Rookies, my butt. These guys made the team and that means that they can play,” said Bears wide receiver Dennis McKinnon.
”David Tate did an exceptional job out there and our front seven put a lot of pressure on their quarterbacks today. Singletary knocked Pelluer out of the game early and White did not want to play, I guarantee you. I wish we could have had a shutout.”
