It wasn't a spectacular performance, but it was workmanlike, allowing the Cowboys to hold the ball for 32 minutes, 15 seconds. The Cowboys picked up 126 yards on 35 carries, and for the first time this season, Marion Barber outgained Julius Jones, rushing for 65 yards.
RUN DEFENSE
B
The front seven was worried this could be the week Edgerrin James would go off. He didn't, gaining 68 yards on 15 carries. His longest run was 13 yards. Jason Ferguson, Marcus Spears and Chris Canty controlled the line of scrimmage, and linebackers Bradie James and Akin Ayodele were the beneficiaries.
PASS OFFENSE
A
The grade isn't just for Tony Romo's 308-yard effort. It also goes to the offensive line – left tackle Flozell Adams, left guard Kyle Kosier, center Andre Gurode, right guard Marco Rivera and right tackle Marc Colombo. They did not allow a sack for the second time this season. Patrick Crayton had five catches for 104.
PASS DEFENSE
B+
Matt Leinart was sacked just once, but he was hit a ton of times and was forced to throw the ball away even more. Safeties Roy Williams and Keith Davis kept things in front of them, and rookie Pat Watkins had the first INT of his career. DeMarcus Ware had a sack, forced a fumble and brought consistent pressure.
SPECIAL TEAMS
B
Punter Mat McBriar had a 58-yard gross and 46-yard net average. The coverage teams were swarming. Bobby Carpenter beat two blockers for the tackle on the opening kickoff, and Ryan Fowler had two special teams stops. Rookie Miles Austin returned kicks for the first time, averaging 19.5 yards.
COACHING
A
On both sides of the ball, the Cowboys were well-prepared. They also were emotionally ready. The offense went for the throat after Akin Ayodele's interception, calling for a deep ball to Terrell Owens that went for a touchdown and a 20-3 third-quarter lead.
OVERALL
B+
Coming off a disastrous loss at Washington last week, the Cowboys were ready to play. They even scored points in the first quarter for the first time in four games and did not allow points in the opening quarter for the first time since Week 2. This could have been a season-turner had the Cowboys lost, but they never allowed the Cardinals a sniff of a victory. This might have been the most complete game the Cowboys have played the entire season.
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