IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys are struggling with
"America's Burden," the downside to being "America's Team."
Players were a little snippy today as they addressed questions
about a 31-22 victory against the winless Cincinnati Bengals that
everyone figured would be a breeze when Dallas jumped to a 17-0
lead.
Even though the Cowboys are 4-1, fans are jittery after last
year's playoff flop, last week's loss to Washington and a
closer-than-it-should-have-been win over one of the league's worst
teams.
Nose tackle Tank Johnson says everyone needs to "calm down"
and let the Cowboys play out the season. Linebacker Bradie James
says it wears on him to hear all the criticism after a win.
Coach Wade Phillips simply refuses to acknowledge the negative.
Asked about Tony Romo's eight-game interception streak, Phillips
says Dallas has four of the five games this year.
Asked about the seemingly fragile emotions of receiver Terrell
Owens, Phillips says he really enjoyed watching T-O's 57-yard
touchdown.
Phillips doesn't care if outsiders label him soft, as long as
the Cowboys win.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)