Cowboys reduce errors
By RICK HERRIN
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cowboys avoided making self-inflicted losses a trend against the lowly Arizona Cardinals.
No back-breaking penalties, no blown coverages and no sacks allowed. They also avoided turnovers, and it all helped lead to an easy 27-10 victory Sunday.
Last week against Washington, the Cowboys committed 11 penalties for 153 yards (both season highs), dropped interceptions and dropped a touchdown. The Cowboys still had penalty issues against the Cardinals with eight for 69 yards. One penalty negated a Sam Hurd touchdown catch just before halftime. But without the pass interference by receiver Patrick Crayton, Hurd wouldn't have been wide open. Dallas settled for a field goal and a 13-3 halftime lead.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and his offensive line were practically mistake-free. Romo wasn't intercepted for the second consecutive game, and the offensive line did not allow a sack for the first time since the victory against Tennessee on Oct.1.
Tillman honored
The Cardinals inducted former safety Pat Tillman into the University of Phoenix Stadium's Ring of Honor at halftime.
Tillman was killed in 2004 in Afghanistan after quitting the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers. Fans stood during the ceremony, which included a video tribute and the singing of God Bless America by Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish.
The team also dedicated the outdoor pedestrian walkway ringing the stadium as Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza and unveiled a bronze statue of him.
Getting a look
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he brought 17 of his stadium officials to evaluate the Cardinals' new stadium.
The Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington is scheduled to open in 2009.
Barber leads team
Running back Marion Barber got the bulk of the workload in the second half with a comfortable lead and finished as the team's leading rusher.
Barber had 14 carries for 65 yards (4.6 average per carry) and had a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give Dallas a 27-3 lead.
Starter Julius Jones had 15 carries for 45 yards. Barber had 11 carries for 48 yards in the second half. It was the first time this season Jones, who had just five second-half carries, was not the team's leading rusher.
Barber has a team-high seven rushing touchdowns.
Witten again
Tony Romo and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten have a special connection.
Witten had five catches for 58 yards against the Cardinals. He has 16 catches for 188 yards and his only touchdown in Romo's three starts. Witten had 16 catches in the first five games.
Briefly
Former NHL great and current Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky was in the Cowboys' locker room after the game and talked with several players.
Cowboys inactives were wide receivers Terry Glenn and Skyler Green, cornerback Nate Jones, linebacker Junior Glymph, guard Cory Procter, defensive end Stephen Bowen and tackle Pat McQuistan.
Former Cowboys and Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith attended the game.
Patrick Crayton and Terence Newman shared punt return duties, replacing Green.
Rookie Miles Austin returned two kickoffs for 39 yards in his second NFL game.
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cowboys avoided making self-inflicted losses a trend against the lowly Arizona Cardinals.
No back-breaking penalties, no blown coverages and no sacks allowed. They also avoided turnovers, and it all helped lead to an easy 27-10 victory Sunday.
Last week against Washington, the Cowboys committed 11 penalties for 153 yards (both season highs), dropped interceptions and dropped a touchdown. The Cowboys still had penalty issues against the Cardinals with eight for 69 yards. One penalty negated a Sam Hurd touchdown catch just before halftime. But without the pass interference by receiver Patrick Crayton, Hurd wouldn't have been wide open. Dallas settled for a field goal and a 13-3 halftime lead.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and his offensive line were practically mistake-free. Romo wasn't intercepted for the second consecutive game, and the offensive line did not allow a sack for the first time since the victory against Tennessee on Oct.1.
Tillman honored
The Cardinals inducted former safety Pat Tillman into the University of Phoenix Stadium's Ring of Honor at halftime.
Tillman was killed in 2004 in Afghanistan after quitting the Cardinals to join the Army Rangers. Fans stood during the ceremony, which included a video tribute and the singing of God Bless America by Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish.
The team also dedicated the outdoor pedestrian walkway ringing the stadium as Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza and unveiled a bronze statue of him.
Getting a look
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he brought 17 of his stadium officials to evaluate the Cardinals' new stadium.
The Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington is scheduled to open in 2009.
Barber leads team
Running back Marion Barber got the bulk of the workload in the second half with a comfortable lead and finished as the team's leading rusher.
Barber had 14 carries for 65 yards (4.6 average per carry) and had a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give Dallas a 27-3 lead.
Starter Julius Jones had 15 carries for 45 yards. Barber had 11 carries for 48 yards in the second half. It was the first time this season Jones, who had just five second-half carries, was not the team's leading rusher.
Barber has a team-high seven rushing touchdowns.
Witten again
Tony Romo and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten have a special connection.
Witten had five catches for 58 yards against the Cardinals. He has 16 catches for 188 yards and his only touchdown in Romo's three starts. Witten had 16 catches in the first five games.
Briefly
Former NHL great and current Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky was in the Cowboys' locker room after the game and talked with several players.
Cowboys inactives were wide receivers Terry Glenn and Skyler Green, cornerback Nate Jones, linebacker Junior Glymph, guard Cory Procter, defensive end Stephen Bowen and tackle Pat McQuistan.
Former Cowboys and Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith attended the game.
Patrick Crayton and Terence Newman shared punt return duties, replacing Green.
Rookie Miles Austin returned two kickoffs for 39 yards in his second NFL game.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:45 AM
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