A dose of sweetness

By David Shaw Sports Central Columnist

You have to think that in some way, Walter Payton, the current all-time rushing record holder with 16,727 rushing yards, is looking down from up above on Emmitt Smith.

This week, with Smith just 93 yards shy of the record, the Cowboys play host to the 1-5 Seahawks. The Seahawks also possess the leagues' worst-rated run defense.

The Cowboys' game plan going in, combined with a quarterback switch to 25-year-old rookie Chad Hutchinson, could very well be -- run Emmitt right, run Emmitt left, and run Emmitt up the middle.

In the 'Boys first six games, Smith has only had 107 carries, the most by any Cowboys running back this year, but well off his career pace for carries per game. Smith has a lot of miles on those wheels, so the Cowboys are trying to work in youngsters Troy Hambrick and Michael Wiley.

They are also trying to solve their quarterback issues. The early decision was to start Quincy Carter over former Stanford quarterback and pro baseball player Hutchinson. At 3-3, the Cowboys are at a crossroads at quarterback. Carter has not looked impressive at all. He has not performed like Donovan McNabb or Aaron Brooks, quarterbacks with mobility and cannon arms, like Jerry Jones had expected. So the switch is set to occur this Sunday.

The hype and anticipation surrounding Smith's run at Payton's record should ease some of the burden on Hutchinson. As long as he gets the record, it really won't matter if the Cowboys do not beat up on the Seahawks and Hutchinson performs at a sub-par level.

More than that, Smith is on the cusp of a great career, obviously, a Hall of Fame career. He is a silky-smooth runner, a team player and, most importantly, a fine individual. He does do those commercials with Alf, but everybody deserves a Mulligan.

Smith has been taking his pursuit of Walter Payton gracefully, as well. His mantra is a team concept, doing what is best for the team, sacrifice, and hard work. In short, he represents everything a professional athlete should be.

Imagine if, staying in the Cowboys organization, Michael Irvin were going for all of Jerry Rice's receiving records, or Deion Sanders was after kick return and interception records. I would have to think that Irvin and Sanders would not be as gracious about it.

For once, I will be rooting for the Cowboys. I guess, more specifically, for Emmitt Smith. A great record for a great guy, with the blessing of "Sweetness" Walter Payton himself, no less.