GOOD-`BYE' TO RFK : FINAL GAME AT STADIUM WILL BE LITTLE MORE THAN A FORMALITY FOR REDSKINS AND COWBOYS.

Byline: Joseph White Associated Press 

The NFL's last game at RFK Stadium will be an event sure to stir the emotions of fans, dignitaries and the throng of former Redskins players and coaches expected to attend.

As for the game itself, well, that's another matter. For opposite reasons, the Redskins and Dallas Cowboys just don't have the usual motivation.

``Honestly, it's going to be hard,'' Redskins linebacker Marvcus Patton said. ``Once the whistle blows and the game starts, the ball's kicked, we'll probably be into it, but it's going to be difficult.''

The Redskins are dealing with the humiliation of one of the worst collapses in recent sports history. Knocked out of playoff contention last week, they have a chance to become the first team since the NFL went to a 16-game regular season in 1979 to finish 8-8 after starting 7-1.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, went in the opposite direction, winning nine of their last 11 to clinch their fifth consecutive NFC East title. With no realistic chance of improving their playoff seeding, the Cowboys will rest several of their injured starters and coast into the postseason.

``I think it's wonderful; I'm glad we don't have to come there and win,'' coach Barry Switzer said. ``We got that accomplished last week, and that was our goal. Our attitude is excellent in regard that there are certain players that are happy because they won't have to be extended this week, because they can take that opportunity to get ready to play the playoffs.''

That includes tackle Mark Tuinei, defensive end Tony Tolbert and tight end Eric Bjornson, and probably running back Emmitt Smith and safety Bill Bates. Quarterback Troy Aikman could have a short night as well.

Switzer even called this a ``bye'' week for the Cowboys. Though he later called that a ``poor choice of words,'' the comment didn't seem to rile the Redskins. Most of the team's usual tough-talkers, including Patton, Tre Johnson and Rich Owens, offered little or no reaction.

``They've got to do what's best for them,'' was coach Norv Turner's shoulder-shrugging response.

While the line between victory and defeat may be blurred today, it's also true that an NFL game is never meaningless. For the Redskins, there are a number of players who have one last chance to prove they shouldn't be put on the chopping block for their performances in the second half of the season.

``A lot of guys may not think they don't have much to play for, but you've got a job you want to keep next year,'' return specialist Brian Mitchell said. ``People whose contracts are up, you want to be able to come back to this team or have another team look at you.

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Photo: Washington has suffered a breakdown and is out of the playoffs, while Dallas has won nine of 11 to win the NFC East. Their matchup Sunday will offer little motivation for either.

Associated Press