The Bengals last played the Dallas Cowboys in 1997, a long time ago by NFL standards.

        “We look forward to facing Dallas, because it's my first time playing them since I've been here,” linebacker Takeo Spikes said. “It's a lot of guys' first time playing them.”

        Spikes was still in college Dec.14, 1997, when resurgent quarterback Boomer Esiason led Cincinnati to a 31-24 victory over the Cowboys at Cinergy Field.

        Only 12 Bengals remain from that '97 team. And there are no Bengals remaining from the team's last visit to Dallas, 1991, when the Cowboys beat Cincinnati 35-23 in Sam Wyche's final season as Bengals coach.

        “You look at Dallas, you see them growing up, with Tony Dorsett and everybody,” Spikes said. “And now with Emmitt (Smith). With the tradition they have, it shouldn't be a problem for everybody to get motivated.”

        Coach Dick LeBeau said the Cowboys remain a threat despite their 3-6 record.

        “They've still got a lot of those players that helped build their tradition,” he said. “They could have a lot different record.”

        Dallas has lost two straight games, both in overtime (Jacksonville, Philadelphia). They lost another game by five points (New York Giants) and another by one point (Arizona) this year.

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