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Saturday, Nov. 21, 1998

Williams feels pressure in replacing Deion

Backup cornerback says he's ready if injured Sanders can't play against Seattle

By DENNE H. FREEMAN
Associated Press

   IRVING - Deion Sanders limped by Charlie Williams' locker and started chanting, "it's on you, Charlie ... it's on you, Charlie."
   Sanders laughed. The lockeroom erupted into roars. Charlie managed a nervous smile.
   Williams is the replacement for Sanders at the Dallas Cowboys' right cornerback position on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks if Sanders' left big toe doesn't quit hurting.
   Sanders had to leave last Sunday's game against Arizona with the painful injury and the Cowboys almost blew a 28-0 lead with their top defender gone. The Cowboys held on for a 35-28 win.
   Williams was thrown into the fray and got beat on a touchdown pass. He hopes a week of practice with the first team defense will better prepare him for the onslaught by Warren Moon and the Seahawks.
   "I know I'm replacing the best cornerback in the NFL but I feel I can get out there and compete," Williams said. "Everything kind of caught me off guard out there in Arizona. I was nervous but now I have a whole week to prepare."
   Sanders wasn't expected to practice this week and coach Chan Gailey will make a game-time decision on whether he will play. The Cowboys have Sanders listed as questionable.
   "I think it's pretty obvious that Seattle will be coming after me if I'm in there," Williams said. "But I'm going to battle, you can bet on that."
   The Cowboys are also hurting at the other cornerback position. Kevin Smith still has a sore shoulder.
   He suffered a separated shoulder during the game and trainers had to pop it into place.
   Gailey was readying safety Kenny Wheaton for cornerback duty if needed.
   

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  © 1998 Corpus Christi Caller Times, a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.