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[an error occurred while processing this directive] 11/06/2009

Dallas Cowboys' 'No. 1 receiver' is only talking a good game

Sunday's game at Philadelphia would be a good time for Roy Williams (left) and Tony Romo to show that those post-practice tosses this week are paying off, writes Tim Cowlishaw.

TOM FOX / DMN

Tim Cowlishaw writes that he is amused how much attention Roy Williams' comments commanded this week leading up to a significant NFC East battle between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. After all, we're talking about a receiver who checks in this week at No. 79 on the NFL receiving yards chart.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys-Eagles preview

11/07/2009

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
PHILADELPHIA – When it comes to addressing his team's rivalries in the NFC East, Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid is a man of few words.

COWBOYS BRIEFS
IRVING – The Cowboys' attempt to avoid pre-snap penalties by the offense during road games will receive a loud test Sunday at Philadelphia.

11/06/2009

Philly will be sound test for Dallas Cowboys' offense
The Dallas Cowboys' attempt to avoid pre-snap penalties by the offense during road games will receive a loud test Sunday at Philadelphia.

Reid and weep: Philly coach's team has been been hard on Dallas Cowboys this decade
With Andy Reid coaching throughout this decade, the Philadelphia Eagles have finished ahead of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East in seven of the nine seasons, writes Rick Gosselin.

11/05/2009

Spread offense takes on new meaning for Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys' offense would not be served by Tony Romo (right) trying to force the ball to Roy Williams (center) at the expense of Miles Austin, writes David Moore.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Tony Romo and Roy Williams just haven't clicked. But the Dallas Cowboys' offense is still pretty good, writes David Moore. Dallas is coming off a game where six players ran the ball and 10 players had receptions, a show of diversity that has occurred only one other time in club history.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys' stats

Cowboys-Eagles preview

Drop the idea that Roy Williams is causing turmoil for Dallas Cowboys

Expected to be the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver, Roy Williams has only 13 receptions in six games.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Because of what the Dallas Cowboys gave up and paid for receiver Roy Williams, he will be the target of criticism. His numbers should be better. But Williams' comments - if you took them as a slap against Tony Romo – and his on-field work are not a problem right now, writes Todd Archer.

Blog: Cowboys

Williams stats

Cowboys stats

Cowboys-Eagles preview

Romo, Williams spend extra time trying to get in sync
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and receiver Roy Williams are spending more time together in their attempt to fix a broken connection.

For Dallas Cowboys' Kitna, workweek ends on Saturday
Quarterback Jon Kitna passed the 13-month mark since his last appearance in a regular-season game.

11/06/2009

DMN staff picks (11/6)

11/04/2009

Cover band: Big hits on rise for Dallas Cowboys' DBs

Dallas cornerbacks Mike Jenkins (right) and Orlando Scandrick separate Falcons receiver Marty Booker from the ball.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

After taking some big hits, the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary has started hitting back, writes Bill Nichols. They have created enough big plays with their aggressiveness during a three-game winning streak to earn the stamp of approval from Philadelphia coach Andy Reid.

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Cowboys-Eagles matchup

Cowboys-Eagles preview

Dallas Cowboys motivated by more than revenge
Bradie James avoids the word revenge. But the Dallas Cowboys linebacker doesn't want to fool himself or anyone else, either. He admits the team's 44-6 loss in Philadelphia to end last season is incentive as the Cowboys prepare to return to the scene of the crime.

11/03/2009

Adjusting to Eagles' script key to a happy ending for Dallas Cowboys

Leonard Weaver scored on a 41-yard run on the Eagles' third play from scrimmage in their win Sunday over the New York Giants.

In Philadelphia, the Dallas Cowboys take on the ultimate "script" offense, writes Gerry Fraley. The Eagles have built their success on being able to take control of a game early by following the "script" - a pre-determined list of what a team considers its 10 to 20 best plays.

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Chat replay: Taylor (11/3)

Dallas Cowboys' Crayton would make history with another punt return for TD Sunday
Dallas Cowboys punt returner Patrick Crayton has returned a punt for a touchdown in each of the last two games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no professional player has ever returned a punt for a touchdown in three consecutive games.

Chat replay: Jean-Jacques Taylor on Dallas sports

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 38-17, on Sunday in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Jean-Jacques Taylor, sports columnist for The Dallas Morning News , chatted with readers about the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks and other area sports topics. Review the chat, and get the observations from Jacques on his blog.

Taylor: Test awaits

Blog: Taylor

Credit must be given to Dallas Cowboys' offensive line

Kyle Kosier (63) is part of an offensive line that has helped the Dallas Cowboys average 147.5 yards rushing per game.

Yes, they commit too many pre-snap penalties and they occasionally struggle with blitzes up the middle, but the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line is doing a good job, and it's time to give it some love, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in this week's Inside the Dallas Cowboys.

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Subscribe: Inside the Dallas Cowboys

Scouting the Eagles: DeSean Jackson will be a handful
In the third week of the season against Carolina, the Cowboys assigned cornerback Terence Newman man-to-man coverage of Steve Smith all over the field. In a battle of Pro Bowlers, Newman limited Smith to four catches for a harmless 38 yards, and the Cowboys won easily.

Point-counterpoint

11/02/2009

A revealing return to Philly for the Dallas Cowboys

Last December's 44-6 loss at Philadelphia crushed the Cowboys' playoff hopes and was Dallas' eighth defeat of 20 points or more against Andy Reid's Eagles.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Sunday's game at Philadelphia will tell you just about everything you need to know about the Cowboys heading into the second half of the season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Cowboys return to the scene of their 44-6 humiliation last December that crushed their playoff hopes.

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Blog: Taylor

Dallas Cowboys say team is different than one in Eagles debacle
The loss was so disheartening, the outcome so painfully symbolic of a season gone wrong, no one refers to the date or opponent, David Moore writes. All you need is the score. So why is this team better than the one that ended last season with a sickening thud?

11/03/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Phillips answers, What's with Romo's return?
The Dallas Cowboys led Seattle by 28 points with 9:31 to play when quarterback Tony Romo took the field. Should Romo have been left in, risking injury with the outcome decided? On Monday, Wade Phillips explained his rationale for pulling the starting quarterback.

11/01/2009

Crayton shows punt return prowess in Dallas Cowboys' 38-17 win

Patrick Crayton (84) dodges Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan on his way to a third-quarter touchdown on an 82-yard punt return.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

One week after picking up the first punt return for a touchdown in his career, Crayton came up with the second in as many weeks in the Dallas Cowboys' 38-17 win against Seattle, writes Todd Archer.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

Tell us: Grades

Photos: Cowboys-Seahawks

Results: Week 8

11/02/2009

Chat replay: Todd Archer on the Cowboys

Orlando Scandrick (32) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle's Nate Burleson (81) in the third quarter.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Todd Archer, Dallas Cowboys beat writer for The Dallas Morning News , chatted with readers about the team's 38-14 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Read the chat, and get the latest updates on our Cowboys blog.

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Photos: Cowboys-Seahawks

Tell us: Grades

Results: Week 8

Dallas Cowboys' 38-17 win helps with Philadelphia trip looming

Jay Ratliff enjoys a defensive stop for the Dallas Cowboys during their game with Seattle.

TOM FOX / DMN

If the Eagles' victory over the Giants Sunday was more impressive than the Dallas Cowboys' 38-17 win over Seattle, it makes no difference, writes Tim Cowlishaw. Both are 5-2 entering their showdown in Philadelphia for the NFC East lead next week.

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Blog: Cowlishaw

Photos: Cowboys-Seahawks

Chat: Archer

Results: Week 8

11/01/2009

Dallas Cowboys' success seems to be catching in 38-17 win

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (center) talks with receivers Roy Williams (left) and Miles Austin.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Every question you've had about "Romo Friendly," the phrase Jerry Jones coined while explaining the reasons for T.O.'s release, should've been answered Sunday in the Cowboys' 38-17 blowout win over Seattle, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Dallas Cowboys continue strong sack attack in 38-17 win

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter sacks Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in the second quarter.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys defense dropped Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck three times in a 38-17 win. That lifted the sacks total to 17 in the last five games. The Cowboys are 4-1 in those games. The record and the flurry of sacks are not coincidental, writes Gerry Fraley.

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Photos: Cowboys-Seahawks

Results: Week 8

Dallas Cowboys defeat Seahawks, 38-17

The Dallas Cowboys' Roy Williams reaches across the goal line to make a second quarter touchdown Sunday.

TOM FOX / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys built toward next week's showdown in Philadelphia with another strong performance. A 38-17 victory over Seattle gave the Cowboys a three-game winning streak for the first time in nearly a year.

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Photos: Cowboys-Seahawks

Tell us: Grades

Trufant's errors costly for Seattle in Dallas Cowboys' 38-17 win

Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (right) asks for a pass interference call on Seattle's Marcus Trufant (23) in the second quarter.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant was a welcome addition to Seattle's defense. As it turned out, he was welcomed even more by the Dallas Cowboys, writes Bill Nichols.

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Photos: Cowboys-Seahawks

Tell us: Grades

Results: Week 8

Cowboys-Seahawks notebook

Cowboys-Seahawks: Highs and Lows

Chat replay: Cowboys pregame
DMN staff writers Todd Archer and Evan Grant chatted with readers about the Dallas Cowboys before their game with the Seattle Seahawks. Read the chat, and get the latest updates on our Cowboys blog.

Blog: Taylor

10/31/2009

Miles Austin: Dallas Cowboys' overnight sensation

In two games as a starter, receiver Miles Austin has more yardage than all of the Cowboys' other receivers and has matched their combined number of touchdowns.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

If not for his mother's prodding, Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin might not have even played football, writes Bill Nichols. "He was like, 'I don't want to get dirty,' " said Ann Austin. Six games into the 2009 season, Miles Austin has ignited the Cowboys' offense with 16 catches, 421 yards and four touchdowns in his first two starts.

Blog: Cowboys

Austin's stats

Cowboys-Seahawks preview

Cowboys-Seahawks matchup

For the record, only the Dallas Cowboys' record matters
As much as we like to examine statistics and comment on the significance or lack of same that should be attached to victories in the NFL, it's really all about the record, writes Tim Cowlishaw. And so it is for the Dallas Cowboys.

10/30/2009

Williams and Dallas Cowboys are dropping the ball

Roy Williams, expected to be the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver this season, has caught only 12 passes in six games.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Receiver Roy Williams absolutely, positively isn't as bad as he has played since joining the Dallas Cowboys last October. Unfortunately, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, there's no statistical data or tangible evidence to support that point of view.

Blog: Cowboys

Williams' stats

Cowboys-Seahawks preview

Cowboys-Seahawks matchup

10/31/2009

GameDay: Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys

10/30/2009

Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Ratliff questionable
Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff did not practice Friday after spraining his knee in Thursday's practice at Cowboys Stadium. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Seattle.

Dallas Cowboys take pride in kicking game
Think for a moment what it is you like about one of your favorite paintings. Maybe it's the color, the lines, the subject. Now, picture the frame.

10/29/2009

Young buds starting to blossom for Dallas Cowboys

Martellus Bennett (left), Tashard Choice and Felix Jones (right) are three rising young offensive stars for the Cowboys, and all are 25 or younger.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The optimism building in the Dallas Cowboys' locker room these days runs deeper than their win over Atlanta, writes David Moore. It's rooted in a number of players who are contributing - all of them 25 or younger.

Archer: Spears focused

Blog: Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys' Spears focused on having his best season

Dallas' Marcus Spears, a first-round draft pick in 2005, is on pace for a career-high 56 tackles.

RON T. ENNIS / Special to DMN

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Marcus Spears nine spots after Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who signed a six-year, $78 million contract extension this week. The team has not talked to Spears about an extension, but he's not thinking about that anyway. Spears, writes Todd Archer, is focused on having the best season of his career.

Blog: Cowboys

Spears' stats

10/30/2009

DMN staff picks (10/30)

10/29/2009

Revived Siavii keeps Ratliff fresh for Dallas Cowboys
Reborn Junior Siavii has succeeded where the more heralded Tank Johnson failed, giving the Dallas Cowboys an effective backup to nose tackle Jay Ratliff.

Seahawks lose Tatupu; Hasselbeck improving
Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu went on the injured reserve list with a torn left pectoral muscle. He had surgery Thursday.

11/01/2009

Grade the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Seahawks
Grade the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Seahawks

10/28/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Phillips, Seattle's Mora know following in dad's footsteps is no easy feat

Clockwise from top left: Bum Phillips, former Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints coach; Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips; Jim E. Mora, former coach of the Saints and Indianapolis Colts; and Seattle Seahawks coach Jim L. Mora.

Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys' game vs. Seattle on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium brings together two men who understand the pitfalls of following a successful father in the high-pressure world of coaching, writes Gerry Fraley. Wade Phillips can compare experiences with Seahawks coach Jim L. Mora.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys-Seahawks: Preview | Matchup

Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams: 'I played terrible'
Roy Williams won't make excuses for his play last Sunday against Atlanta when he caught one pass for 16 yards. He's ready to move on and improve.

10/27/2009

"Victory Monday" sends wrong message to Dallas Cowboys

Coach Wade Phillips (right) liked what he saw from the Cowboys in their win over Atlanta.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Wade Phillips gave the Dallas Cowboys the day off Monday - "Victory Monday." Phillips' problem is he's too nice. Phillips wants the players to love him. But his job is to get this team to play to its potential each week, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in this week's Inside the Dallas Cowboys.

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Blog: Taylor

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Dallas Cowboys' pass rush could feast on porous Seattle OL

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (left) has four sacks in the last two games and now faces a banged-up Seattle offensive line.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

The good times roll on for Dallas Cowboys multi-millionaire outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, writes Gerry Fraley. Ware just signed a lucrative deal that likely makes him a Cowboy for life. And Sunday, he and his defensive teamates get to take cuts against Seattle's makeshift offensive line.

Blog: Cowboys

NFL defensive stats

10/28/2009

Cowboys-Seahawks scouting report: Seattle vulnerable to the run
Sunday is one of those games in which you turn the ball over to Marion Barber. The best thing the Seattle defense did in 2008 was play the run. But the underbelly softened in the off-season, writes Rick Gosselin.

Cowboys-Seahawks in focus: Seattle TE John Carlson
A second-round pick last year, Carlson set a Seahawks record for tight ends with 55 receptions for 627 yards as a rookie.

10/27/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Crayton returning to punt return role
Return specialist Allen Rossum will miss Sunday's game against Seattle and will likely be out longer with a pulled hamstring. That means Patrick Crayton will resume his role as the Dallas Cowboys' primary punt returner.

10/28/2009

Cowboys-Seahawks point-counterpoint: Extension for Austin?

10/26/2009

Ware's new contract is money well spent for Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones was happy to give pass-rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware a six-year, $78 million contract, the largest in Cowboys history.

TOM FOX / DMN

Some players start feeling pressure to prove their worth when they sign a huge contract. Others don’t work as hard because they’re set for life. None of that will be a problem for DeMarcus Ware, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor.

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Blog: Taylor

Tell us: Grades

Chat replay: Moore

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

10/27/2009

Dallas Cowboys players get a 'morale boost'
IRVING – The Cowboys began preparations for slumping Seattle with their first "Victory Monday" of the season.

10/26/2009

Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware agree on contract extension

DeMarcus Ware has recorded four sacks in his last two games with the Dallas Cowboys.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

It might have taken some time, but DeMarcus Ware and the Dallas Cowboys have come to terms on a contract extension.

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Blog: Sherrington

Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Dallas Cowboys turn in the right direction
Nine days ago, it was too early to call the Cowboys irrelevant, but they had written down the directions and were pulling out of the driveway. Now, they find themselves in the thick of the hunt in a division that has suddenly gone soft.

Chat replay: Moore

Chat replay: David Moore on the Cowboys

Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys gave owner Jerry Jones a fourth win in six games.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

David Moore, Dallas Cowboys beat writer for The Dallas Morning News , chatted with readers about the team's 37-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Read the chat, and get the latest updates on our Cowboys blog.

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Blog: Sherrington

Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

10/25/2009

Dallas Cowboys' defense deserves credit for 37-21 win

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware sacks Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan in the first quarter.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Please don't get seduced by the sexy display of offensive football we witnessed Sunday afternoon at Cowboys Stadium in the Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win over Atlanta, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Cowboys' pass rush won this game.

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Blog: Taylor

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Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Dallas Cowboys make statement with 37-21 win over Falcons

Miles Austin (left) scores on a 22-yard catch for the Dallas Cowbys.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win over Atlanta on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium marks the first time they have won back-to-back games since last November.

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Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Dallas Cowboys' Austin has second straight big day

Miles Austin (right) had six catches for 171 yards.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Miles Austin followed up his original hit against Kansas City in his first career start on Oct. 11 with another chart-climber against Atlanta in the Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win.

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Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Dallas Cowboys defense foils Falcons in 37-21 win

Anthony Spencer (93) and Stephen Bowen (72) converge on Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan (2) causing him to fumble.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Offensive tackle Tyson Clabo offered several explanations for the Falcons' inability to control Dallas' defensive front. Finally, he realized there was no reason to sidestep the issue.

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Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

10/26/2009

Austin awesome again in Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win

Atlanta's Thomas DeCoud watches Miles Austin score a touchdown in the second quarter for the Dallas Cowboys.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

After the Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win Sunday, all anyone could talk about when describing the first half was Miles Austin's 59-yard touchdown catch and what it did for the Cowboys' confidence, writes Kevin Sherrington. Funny how one player can change your perspective.

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Blog: Sherrington

Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Cowboys-Falcons: Highs and Lows

10/25/2009

Dallas Cowboys minimize TE Tony Gonzalez's impact in win

Dallas' Gerald Sensabaugh tackles Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez during the first half.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys worked over Tony Gonzalez, the perennial Pro Bowl tight end, throughout a 37-21 victory over Atlanta. It was a public mugging at Cowboys Stadium.

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Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Romo magical, efficient in Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo looks for room to run against the Atlanta Falcons.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

The difference between a great play and a bad play in the NFL is as thin as a shoelace. On Sunday, Tony Romo was at his Romo best in a 37-21 win for the Dallas Cowboys over the Atlanta Falcons.

Blog: Cowboys

Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

Grade the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Falcons
Grade the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Falcons

10/26/2009

Cowboys-Falcons: Notebook
Roy Williams' return after missing the last game with bruised ribs did not go as well as he hoped.

10/25/2009

Chat replay: Cowboys pregame
DMN staff writers Todd Archer and Evan Grant chatted with readers about the Dallas Cowboys before their game today (3:15, Ch. 4) against the Atlanta Falcons. Read the chat, and get the latest updates on our Cowboys blog.

10/24/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Witten, Falcons' Gonzalez stand apart among tight ends

Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez (left) is the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns at tight end. He calls Cowboys star Jason Witten (right) the best tight end in the NFL.

Getty Images | LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Mutual Admiration Society for Tight Ends will gather at Cowboys' Stadium on Sunday for a debate, writes Gerry Fraley. Who is better: Jason Witten of the Cowboys or Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez? Don't expect a definitive answer from the players themselves. Each calls the other the game's best.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys-Falcons matchup

Cowboys-Falcons preview

10/25/2009

Dallas Cowboys assistant coach shows true grit in comeback

Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, with his wife Dana, suffered a broken neck in the collapse of the team's practice facility. But now he is up, walking and coaching again.

JOHN F. RHODES/DMN

Joe DeCamillis, with wife Dana, suffered a broken neck in the collapse of the team's practice facility. But now he is coaching again.
Blog: Cowboys
Sunday pre-game chat: 2 p.m.
Review the report on the collapse

10/24/2009

Dallas Cowboys reveal flaws, but they're hardly alone
Other than the fact that it was an extremely bad week for Patrick Crayton, who lost not one job but two, and a loud week for the owner, here's what we know for sure about the Dallas Cowboys going into today's game at JerryWorld, writes Kevin Sherrington: They have to beat the Falcons. Or maybe they don't.

10/23/2009

Uncommonly good: Falcons head coach Smith big part of Atlanta's turnaround

Falcons head coach Mike Smith boasts a 15-7 record with Atlanta.

Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons were in disarray two seasons ago. After 13 games in 2007, they hired as head coach a relatively anonymous assistant from Jacksonville with the oh-so-common name of Mike Smith. As the Falcons head into Sunday's against the Cowboys, Smith boasts a 15-7 record with Atlanta.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys-Falcons matchup

Cowboys-Falcons preview

Dallas Cowboys' Felix Jones braced to go full speed again
Running back Felix Jones began the week practicing on a limited basis and adjusting to the brace on his knee. He finished going full speed without the brace. Coach Wade Phillips expects Jones to be at full speed Sunday against Atlanta.

10/22/2009

Dallas Cowboys' offensive line wants to avoid playing flag football

The Cowboys' offensive line paved the way for a 251-yard rushing output by Felix Jones and company against the New York Giants. But it has been penalized 15 times.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line is a paradox, writes Bill Nichols. A group that has helped the team average an NFL-best 5.9 yards per carry has been penalized 15 times - three times per game.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys-Falcons matchup

Cowboys-Falcons preview

Dallas Cowboys' Crayton knows the business side of NFL

Receiver Patrick Crayton has been replaced as the Cowboys' punt returner.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

It has not been a good two weeks for Dallas Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton. He lost his punt return job to Allen Rossum and his starting wide receiver spot to Miles Austin. But the NFL is a business, writes Todd Archer, and Crayton gets it.

Blog: Cowboys

Crayton's stats

Dallas Cowboys WR Williams hopes connections are coming
Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams declared himself 100 percent healthy Thursday but still talked about how the team needs to "dial 911" ... as in a connection from No. 9 Tony Romo to No. 11 - Williams himself.

DMN staff picks (10/23)

10/21/2009

Mystery solved: Dallas Cowboys' Austin to start ahead of Crayton at WR

Cowboys receiver Miles Austin earned a starting job with his record-setting performance (250 receiving yards) against Kansas City.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips finally confirmed Wednesday afternoon that receiver Miles Austin has replaced Patrick Crayton in the starting lineup. Patrick Crayton, writes Bill Nichols, was not happy about not being told face-to-face of his demotion.

Blog: Cowboys

Cowboys-Falcons matchup

Cowboys-Falcons preview

Dallas Cowboys pass on chance to add 'key' player at trade deadline
The Dallas Cowboys didn't make a trade before the deadline. But they could have. Owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday that the club had the opportunity to acquire a key player but turned it down.

Dallas Cowboys' Barber, Ware on injury report but both will play
Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber and linebacker DeMarcus Ware – two key starters – were added to the team's injury report Wednesday but both will start Sunday vs. Atlanta.

10/20/2009

Red zone has been dead zone lately for Dallas Cowboys' offense

Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten has not had a red-zone pass directed his way in the Cowboys' last three games.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive production in the red zone has become an issue over the last three games, writes David Moore. The Cowboys have made nine trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line. They have scored only two touchdowns and three times came away with no points.

Blog: Cowboys

Chat replay: Jean-Jacques Taylor

Newsletter: Inside the Cowboys

A year later, deal for WR Williams yet to pay off for Dallas Cowboys
Just more than a year after their blockbuster trade for Roy Williams, the Dallas Cowboys watched Tuesday's deadline pass without making a move. The Cowboys traded first, third and sixth-round draft picks to Detroit for Williams, who has just 30 receptions for 412 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games.

Chat replay: DMN sports columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor

With a bye over the weekend, Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys had even more time than usual to focus on this Sunday's game.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Jean-Jacques Taylor, sports columnist of The Dallas Morning News, chatted with readers today about the Dallas Cowboys and other area sports topics. Read the chat, and enjoy more of Jacques' observations on the Jean-Jacques Taylor blog.

Blog: Taylor

Inside the Cowboys: Get it

Taylor: Falcons game is key

Roy Williams qualifies as Jerry's worst deal for Dallas Cowboys

Roy Williams has been unable to separate himself from defenders like Denver's Champ Bailey since joining the Cowboys from Detroit, managing 30 catches for 412 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games.

TOM FOX / DMN

Of all the deals Jerry Jones has pulled off as owner of the Dallas Cowboys, none has failed as spectacularly as the trade that brought wide receiver Roy Williams from Detroit last season. In his Inside the Dallas Cowboys newsletter, columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor says nothing else is even close.

Blog: Cowboys

Protection vital to Falcons QB Ryan
There's a reason the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft to claim Southern Cal offensive tackle Sam Baker.

Point-Counterpoint

In focus
Turner established himself last season as one of the NFL's best by topping 1,000 yards for the first time in his career en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. Olshansky, a 6-6, 315-pound defensive end, is one of the NFL's strongest players and has provided great push up front for the Cowboys in his first season with the team.

10/19/2009

Game against Atlanta will be key to predicting future of Dallas Cowboys’ season

Wade Phillips had an extra week to prepare the Cowboys for Sunday's home game against the Falcons.

Players and coaches love to say every NFL game counts the same. No game, they insist, carries any more weight than another. Well, that just ain't the case, as you're about to find out Sunday against Atlanta, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys entering a critical stretch

Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles lost at Oakland, 13-9.

The Cowboys had one of their best weekends of the season and did not even play Sunday as the Giants, Eagles and Redskins all lost, writes Todd Archer. Now the Cowboys encounter a run of five straight NFC opponents.

Blog: Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys' running back unit up and running again
For the first time in more than a month, all three Cowboys running backs were cleared to go full speed in practice Monday and participate in all the drills.

Sources: WR Austin works with Dallas Cowboys' first team
Officially, nothing has changed on the Cowboys' depth chart at wide receiver. However, according to multiple sources, Miles Austin worked with the first-team offense Monday.

10/18/2009

Keith Brooking's enthusiasm infectious for Dallas Cowboys

Keith Brooking (right) joined the Dallas Cowboys this season after 11 years with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas' opponent on Sunday.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

For the first time in his 12-year NFL career, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking is playing for a team other than the Atlanta Falcons. That makes Sunday's home game against Atlanta a special one for Brooking. "It will be very exciting. I've had it circled on my calendar since I signed here," Brooking said.

Blog: Cowboys

10/17/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Romo still big man on campus

Tony Romo receives the key to the City of Charleston from Mayor John Inyart (right) and Eastern Illinois University President William Perry. The school also retired Romo's No. 17 jersey at Saturday's EIU-Tennessee Tech game.

When Tony Romo arrived at Eastern Illinois in 1998, he drove a Dodge Shadow with creaky doors, writes Todd Archer. Though he arrived via private plane on Saturday to be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame, have his No. 17 retired and receive the key to the city, he's still the same guy.

Blog: Cowboys

10/16/2009

Whatever his role, Choice is a great option for Dallas Cowboys

In the last 10 games, Tashard Choice leads Cowboys running backs with 868 yards from scrimmage.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Running back Tashard Choice is listed behind Marion Barber and Felix Jones on the Dallas Cowboys' depth chart. But Choice is no third-string back, writes David Moore. In the team's last 10 games, Choice has been the team's most productive back, by far.

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Choice's stats

10/15/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Bennett sets energy bar high - even during bye week

Martellus Bennett (left) has only four receptions this season as Dallas' two-tight end sets have leaned heavily toward Jason Witten's side.

Getty Images

Here's Bill Nichols' scouting report on Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett: he's a 6-6, 266-pound human amphetamine, a high-energy, high-tech geek/rapper swirling in a tweet-laden stream of consciousness. Bye week? Marty B's world doesn't allow for down time.

Blog: Cowboys

Bennett's stats

10/16/2009

Eastern Illinois to give Romo special day
Tony Romo will spend part of his bye weekend at his alma mater, Eastern Illinois, to be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame today. He also will see his No. 17 retired.

10/15/2009

Jerry Jones says Phillips' job is safe
Under no circumstances will Wade Phillips be removed as the Dallas Cowboys head coach this season, owner Jerry Jones said Thursday morning.

Haley's comments: Dallas Cowboys' Ware seizes chance to learn from one of the best

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (left), who led the NFL with 20 sacks last season, got his first two of 2009 in Sunday's win over Kansas City.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Imagine you're at work and run into one of the best ever at what you do. Would you quiz that person on the finer points of the job? That's what Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware did when he ran into Charles Haley at Valley Ranch, writes Todd Archer.

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Ware's stats

Cowboys stats

DMN staff picks (10/16)

10/14/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Austin has tough act to follow - his own

Miles Austin's 10 catches against Kansas City doubled the total he had in the Cowboys' first four games this season.

RODGER MALLISON / Special to DMN

Now comes the hard part for Miles Austin, writes Todd Archer. The Dallas Cowboys receiver, who had 10 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns in the overtime win against Kansas City, has to show he can contribute every week.

Blog: Cowboys

Austin's stats

Cowboys stats

Now with Dallas Cowboys, Rossum looks to return the favor
Since leaving Skyline High School, Allen Rossum has played for five NFL teams and gained more return yards in his career than all but one player. On Wednesday, he checked off another ambition when he checked in at Dallas Cowboys headquarters.

Fox apologizes for cartoon mocking Jessica Simpson
Burger King and the Fox network have apologized for a cartoon skit that aired during Fox's NFL Sunday last week that had showed the Cowboys mocking Jessica Simpson for her supposed weight gain.

10/13/2009

Getting two-minute drilled: Dallas Cowboys' 'D' faltering late

The Cowboys have given up late fourth-quarter touchdown drives in each of their last two games, including this one that ended with Denver's Brandon Marshall scoring the winning TD.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys can play good defense - just not in the last two minutes, writes David Moore. Dallas' inability to stop the New York Giants and Denver Broncos in the closing moments resulted in losses. And Dallas narrowly escaped a similar fate against Kansas City. Sounds like a project for the bye week.

Blog: Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys hope signing Rossum will upgrade punt, kickoff returns
In need of a veteran return man, the Cowboys will sign Allen Rossum, who ranks second in NFL history with 14,987 return yards.

10/12/2009

Williams trade looks dim for Dallas Cowboys in light of celebrated Walker deal

Herschel Walker turned out to be more valuable to the Cowboys as a trade chip than a running back.

FILE / DMN

Twenty years after the Herschel Walker trade that is credited for paving the way to three Super Bowl victories, columnist Tim Cowlishaw sees some comparisons between that deal and the trade that brought Roy Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. Only in Williams' case, the Cowboys were the ones who gave up too much.

Download: Results of Walker trade (from Dallas Cowboys)

Blogs: Cowboys | Cowlishaw

Video: Report

WR Austin earns his way onto field for Dallas Cowboys

Miles Austin capped off his record-setting performance with the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Wade Phillips stopped short of declaring Miles Austin a starter. But the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach did say the receiver will be on the field against Atlanta as much as he was against Kansas City on Sunday, when he set a franchise record with 250 receiving yards.

Blog: Cowboys

Video: Report

Chat replay: Nichols

Dallas Cowboys' identity is a muddle after five games
The Cowboys have been a running teams at times, a passing team at times -- a team that is stingy at times and avoids penalties at times. But columnist Todd Archer says the team has been none of those things on a regular basis.

Blog: Cowboys

Video: Report

Chat replay: Nichols

Chat replay: DMN's Bill Nichols on Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin is congratulated by teammates after scoreing the winning touchdown in overtime Sunday.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Dallas Morning News staff writer Bill Nichols is chatted with readers about the Dallas Cowboys after Sunday's 26-20 overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Read the chat replay, and get the latest information on the team on our Cowboys blog.

Tell us: Grades

Blog: Cowboys

Video: Report

Photos: Cowboys-KC

10/11/2009

Choice makes most of chances in Dallas Cowboys' win

Dallas Cowboys running back Tashard Choice scores a touchdown in the third quarter against Kansas City.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Tashard Choice has been invaluable as the Cowboys' third running back. Used sparingly, he makes sure he gets his money's worth. On Sunday, he showed he can be a money player, too, writes Bill Nichols.

Tell us: Grades

Blog: Cowboys

Video: Report

Photos: Cowboys-KC

Tony Romo responds to challenge in Dallas Cowboys' win

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo looks for a receiver under a heavy pass rush in the second quarter.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Tony Romo's 60-yard touchdown throw to Miles Austin delivered the Dallas Cowboys a 26-20 overtime victory against Kansas City, writes Todd Archer. The smile that so many say has vanished from Romo's face was back.

Tell us: Grades

Blog: Cowboys

Video: Report

Photos: Cowboys-KC

After Dallas Cowboys beat Chiefs, it's time for one chief to leave

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips saw his team go into overtime with the winless Kansas City Chiefs.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The right thing after Sunday's 26-20 overtime win for the Dallas Cowboys would be to remove Wade Phillips during the bye week and give offensive coordinator Jason Garrett the final 11 games as head coach, writes Tim Cowlishaw.

Tell us: Fire Wade?

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Cowlishaw

Video: Report

Photos: Cowboys-KC

Austin rescues Dallas Cowboys in 26-20 win

Miles Austin had a record day receiving for the Dallas Cowboys, including this catch for the winning touchdown.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Miles Austin's 60-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the Dallas Cowboys' 26-20 overtime win saved the season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. That's why the locker room vibe felt a lot closer to relief than satisfaction.

Photos: Cowboys-KC

Dallas Cowboys edge Kansas City Chiefs, 26-20

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin bursts away from the Chiefs' Mike Brown as he scores the winning touchdown Sunday.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys were more thankful than euphoric with a 26-20 overtime victory over Kansas City. "Was it pretty?" tight end Jason Witten asked. "No. Did we play our best football? No. "But give a lot of credit to these guys to battle and find a way."

Blog: Cowboys

Tell us: Grades

Cowboys-Chiefs notebook

10/12/2009

Ratliff smoothes uneven day for Dallas Cowboys' special teams
When it mattered most, the Cowboys' special teams came up with a play, making up for an uneven performance.

Chiefs can't close in Dallas Cowboys' 26-20 win
Miles Austin's heroics made it a tough afternoon Sunday for Kansas City cornerback Maurice Leggett.

10/11/2009

Making a stand tough for Dallas Cowboys in 26-20 win
For the third time this season, the Cowboys' defense failed with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter.

10/12/2009

Cowboys-Chiefs grades

10/11/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Garrett needs a new game plan

Tony Romo's play this season may not be doing much for offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's resume.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys' Ivy League-educated offensive coordinator, who just happens to be the NFL's highest-paid assistant coach at $3 million per season, crossed the fine line between confidence and arrogance last week against Denver, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. This offense can't afford for Jason Garrett to do it again – even against the raggedy Kansas City Chiefs.

Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Buy: Cowboys gear | Tickets

Chat replay: Cowboys pregame
DMN staff writer Todd Archer chatted with readers about the Dallas Cowboys before their game today (noon, Ch. 4) with the Kansas City Chiefs. Read the chat, and get the latest updates on our Cowboys blog.

Grade the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Chiefs
Grade the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Chiefs

10/10/2009

Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Texans once battled each other to gain fans, respect
It wasn't as though the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Texans were enemies by choice. They were born into it, fighting for survival in a brave new world.

Two injured Dallas Cowboys don't make trip to Kansas City
When the Dallas Cowboys play the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, receiver Roy Williams and running back Felix Jones will be watching from home.

DMN Staff Dallas Cowboys picks

Dallas Cowboys-Chiefs: How they match up

Dallas Cowboys-Chiefs: Key matchup
Dallas cornerback Terence Newman vs. Kansas City wide receiver Dwayne Bowe

Dallas Cowboys-Chiefs: Four downs – Keys to today's game

Dallas Cowboys-Chiefs: Lineup twist
Since 2003, the Dallas Cowboys have drafted a tight end in five of the last seven drafts.

Dallas Cowboys-Chiefs: What it would mean

Dallas Cowboys-Chiefs: The starters

10/09/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Spencer feels he's close to breaking out

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer, shown playing against Carolina, has 11 tackles.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Spencer said he had his best game of the season Sunday against Denver. Now, if close counted in football, Spencer would have posted a career day. But coming close is at least progress for Spencer.

Blog: Cowboys

Miles Austin gets first career start for Dallas Cowboys
With receiver Roy Williams not expected to play Sunday at Kansas City because of bruised ribs, Miles Austin will get his first career start.

Fox's Troy Aikman strives for honesty in appraisal of Romo

In his job as analyst for Fox Sports, Troy Aikman's honesty is often misunderstood by fans.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Tony Romo can turn to Troy Aikman, the Dallas Cowboys' second Hall of Fame quarterback, for counsel, writes columnist Barry Horn. But here's the difference: Aikman publicly analyzes Romo all the time.

Blog: Barry Horn

10/10/2009

Wife of former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator dies
Vikki Zimmer, the wife of Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, died suddenly Thursday night in Cincinnati. "We are stunned and saddened to learn of Vikki's passing," said Bengals president Mike Brown in a statement.

10/09/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Romo vows to 'stay the course'

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo concedes there are phases of his game he must improve.

TOM FOX / DMN

Tony Romo touched on a variety of topics Thursday afternoon as he sat at his locker. Most had to do with his mediocre statistical start with the Dallas Cowboys and how he handles the intense scrutiny that comes with the position, writes David Moore.

Blog: Cowboys

10/08/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Jenkins won't forget past teammates

Mike Jenkins (right) earned the second interception of his NFL career against Carolina.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Before every game, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (right) drops to a knee and says a prayer, writes Todd Archer. He remembers Keeley Dorsey. He remembers Javan Camon. And his final thought is of Will Bleakley, his third South Florida teammate to have died in the last two years.

Blog: Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys aren't happy with two-tight end sets yet
Pro Bowler Jason Witten said Thursday that the Dallas Cowboys' two-tight end sets that include him and Martellus Bennett are a work in progress.

09/12/2009

Dallas Cowboys blog: Don't tell DeCamillis special teams have been turned around

The Dallas Cowboys get to Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys and their new stadium get another night in the national spotlight, this time against the Carolina Panthers (7:30 p.m., ESPN, Ch. 21). Our guys at the stadium are keeping you updated on our Cowboys blog.

Buy: Gear | Tickets

Interactive: Stadium

09/08/2009

Cowboys Insider blog: What do we have here...

TOM FOX / DMN

Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens (81) reacts after dropping a pass during Wednesday's workout.

Dallas Cowboys running back Tashard Choice gives readers an inside look at what it's like to be a player for America's Team on our Dallas Cowboys Insider blog.

Cowboys Stadium blog: Four high school playoff games scheduled for Cowboys Stadium

TOM FOX / DMN

Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens (81) reacts after dropping a pass during Wednesday's workout.

Keep up with the latest news and information on our Cowboys Stadium blog.

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