Cowboys record in this decade for games in which they had fewer than 20 rushing attempts. The lone win came against lowly Detroit in 2007. Their most recent game with fewer than 20 attempts came in Sunday's loss at Green Bay. The Cowboys had 14, their third-lowest total in this decade, for 61 yards. The Cowboys' next two opponents rank among the league's bottom 10 for rushing yards allowed: Washington (125.7) and Oakland (155.6).

For the second consecutive season, the Cowboys have lost a starting offensive lineman in November.

A year ago, the development started a slide that ended with the Cowboys missing the playoffs.

Guard Kyle Kosier missed the final five games last year because of a nagging foot injury. Without their starting offensive line intact, the Cowboys went 2-3 down the stretch.

This time, the Cowboys will play an extended stretch without right tackle Marc Colombo, who suffered injuries to his left ankle and fibula during Sunday's loss at Green Bay.

Colombo could return late in the regular season.

"That's going to be very tough," quarterback Tony Romo said of playing without Colombo. "He's been playing that side for a long time at a high level. We're going to have to take it upon ourselves to step up and play better."

Colombo's partners in the "team within a team," as offensive line coach Hudson Houck says, understand the situation.

"There can't be any excuses," guard Leonard Davis said. "We have to play and do our best."