JAY PARIS

Staff Writer

IRVING, Texas -- Ryan McNeil swore he took little personal satisfaction in sticking it to the Cowboys. His smile said otherwise.

It was McNeil's two interceptions which led the Chargers' defense in Sunday's 32-21 triumph over Dallas. McNeil, who earlier predicted a win to ex-teammate Darren Woodson, added three tackles and two passes defensed.

"My main concern was helping my team win," said McNeil, who has three interceptions in two games, one shy of last year's total for all the Chargers' defensive backs.

"I'm satisfied with the win, but it has nothing to do with me playing here last year. I left on good terms."

The defense wasn't in a similar situation with under three minutes remaining. The Cowboys were but a touchdown and two-point conversion behind, and were nearly at midfield. But an Anthony Wright pass headed for Joey Galloway instead found his old pal, McNeil.

"We are a veteran defense," McNeil said. "When the game's on the line, we want to be on the field."

It's the same field where McNeil exchanged warm embraces with most of the Cowboys.

"Those hugs and kisses are genuine," McNeil said. "I like those guys, love them like brothers."

Smith passes Sanders

McNeil also had his hand in on a piece of history. When Emmitt Smith scooted 14 yards late in the second quarter, he was tackled by McNeil. But not before going past Barry Sanders, for No. 2 on the NFL's all-time rushing list.

"I have mixed feelings about it," said Smith, who finished with 85 yards on 17 carries, pushing his career total to 15,291 yards. "You want to be up here talking about the record coming off a win. But that's not the case right now."

Still, the nine-time Pro Bowler was touched by his accomplishment coming in his 12th season.

"Just to be compared to guys like Walter Payton (No. 1 at 16,726) and Barry Sanders is an honor," he said. "When you grow up watching guys like this play and now you're just one of the boys. To be able to pass him is a wonderful feeling. But I'm a team player, this is not about me."

Flutie flings it

A former coach was outside the locker room, and he couldn't resist putting the needle to Flutie.

"When are you going to throw for 400 yards," ex-Bills coach Wade Phillips said.

Flutie came close, finishing with 353 passing yards. It was the fifth time he's reached that plateau in the NFL, and the second-best, regular-season game of his career.

"Doug was looking forward to coming out and playing again after the first game," Junior Seau said. "It wasn't a Doug Flute-type of game. Today, he moved the ball, moved the chains and got a lot of first downs."

And a lot of yards. Not since the Chargers gained 512 on Oct. 19, 1986, at Kansas City, had the offense barbecued a defense like this. Under Flutie's direction, the unit had 480 yards and 32 points; that's 62 points in two games.

"We couldn't contain him and he did what he needed to do to win the game," Dallas cornerback Izell Reese said.

Added Flutie: "We had an efficient offense. I was very happy the way things went."

Flutie's total was the most a Dallas defense had allowed since the Giants' Kerry Collins threw for 355 yards on Sept. 12, 1999.

Smith, II

Rookie LaDainian Tomlinson is often compared to Smith, someone he grew up idolizing as a kid in nearby Waco, Texas. After rushing for 113 yards in his first NFL game, Tomlinson's encore was 90 yards on 27 carries.

"It was really sweet to come back and get a win and I thought about (returning home) a lot before the game just to come back here," Tomlinson said.

When exiting the players' tunnel, Tomlinson glanced up near the Texas Stadium rafters, where he sat while rooting for his Cowboys.

"I looked at that the first time I got out on the field and I was thinking to myself I remember when I came I sat right up there," he said. "When I walked out there, I thought 'I can't believe I am here, playing against the Dallas Cowboys.' "

Tomlinson, though, was miffed with two fumbles -- one lost -- marring his return. Tomlinson said his month-long holdout was the reason for his carelessness.

"You never can work on ball security when you are not in camp," he said.

"You can work on conditioning, but not holding the ball tight. I put us in a bad situation. That is something I have to go back and correct and I will do that."

'D'-ing up Dwight

Exciting Tim Dwight continues to cause folks to notice whenever he touches the ball.

"There's nothing secret about him," Flutie said.

Dwight scored on a 16-yard reverse and caught a pass for 78 yards.

"They ran me down a little bit on that one," Dwight said, with a smile.

In the opener, Dwight returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown.

"We've got to get it in his hands a few times a game," Flutie said. "He can make plays."

First-down Freddie

Freddie Jones' numbers weren't earth shattering: one touchdown on five catches for 51 yards. But it seemed whenever the Chargers needed a second-half first down, Flutie would find Jones .

Three times his catches got the team a fresh set of downs. And many came after absorbing thunderous hits.

"He had some big ones," Flutie said. "He does a great job of feeling the coverage and sitting it down. Freddie is a big-time tight end."

Jones isn't hyped about being recognized. He would rather just go about his business, letting his play and the Chargers' play sneak up on opponents.

"I like being the underdogs," he said. "I just look forward to going in there every week and just hitting somebody in the mouth and coming out with the win."

Quick hits

Right tackle Vaughn Parker exited early in the third quarter after his right knee was smacked by a helmet. He strained a ligament, and was replaced by Ed Ellis. Parker will undergo an MRI today. … The last time the Chargers started 2-0 was with QB Ryan Leaf as the starter during his rookie year of 1998. … Bob Hayes' name was added to the Cowboys' ring of honor, which circles Texas Stadium. The former wide receiver was inducted in a half time ceremony. … Freddie Jones moved into ninth place on team's all-time reception list, passing Don Norton's total of 228.

9/24/01