Rams News

McCleon says he'll learn from setback vs. Irvin

08/22/98

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Dexter McCleon isn't the first cornerback to be victimized by Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman. He won't be the last.
And that's about the only consolation McCleon can take out of Saturday's 22-14 preseason victory over Dallas.
``I learned a lot tonight,'' McCleon said. ``They came after me. It was tough. But I've got to stand up; I've got to respond to the challenge. I'm glad that it was against one of the best in the game (Irvin).
``I feel that I learned a lot from him, and I learned a lot about going out in those types of situations. Now, I can build on that and know what to expect.''
Irvin beat McCleon short, deep, and over the middle. McCleon also was flagged for a pass interference penalty that set up a Dallas touchdown.
``You have to have short-term memory,'' McCleon said. ``Because if you dwell on it, they'll come back and do it again. You can't sit there and think about what just happened the play before. You've got to let it go, and be ready to go on to the next play.''
With Ryan McNeil still holding out in a contract dispute, the Rams have no choice but to send out McCleon, a second-round pick in 1997 out of Clemson, as their starting right cornerback.
``He'll get better,'' coach Dick Vermeil said. ``Last year at this time, they were running right by Ryan McNeil. Right by him. In fact, they did it a number of times.
``Dexter needs to play under fire and have the great receivers attack him. And then line up and play again. That's how you become a good corner and I think that's what he'll do.''
Injury update: The Rams' postgame injury report included fullback Derrick Harris (strained thigh), tight end Mitch Jacoby (thumb), and . . . Vermeil. He was run over along the sidelines on a Dallas punt late in the game, and needed treatment for a sore shoulder. Jacoby may need surgery.
Sitting out for the Rams were running back Amp Lee (foot), center Mike Gruttadauria (knee), safety Gerald McBurrows (hip), tackle Roger Chanoine (ankle), and linebackers Daryl Bush (knee) and Muadianvita Kazadi (biceps).
Among those who didn't suit up for Dallas were cornerback Deion Sanders (ribs) and defensive lineman Leon Lett (knee).
Ram-blings: Saturday's sellout was the Rams' second in six preseason games since moving to St. Louis. . . . Strong safety Toby Wright made his first start of the preseason as he continues his road back from reconstructive knee surgery. . . . Despite missing four days of practice due to a death in the family, Ernie Conwell started at tight end. . . . Team President John Shaw dined with Dallas owner Jerry Jones on Friday night at Tony's.

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