Commentary

Report card: Cowboys vs. Falcons

Tim MacMahon hands out his grades for Cowboys-Falcons

Updated: October 26, 2009, 10:24 AM ET

By Tim MacMahon

Tim MacMahon's Cowboys-Falcons Report Card

		Passing offense Tony Romo was efficient and electrifying, completing 21 of 29 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns. Miles Austin answered any questions about whether his franchise-record showing in his first career start was a fluke, following up the breakout performance by catching six passes for 171 yards and two TDs. Who needs Roy Williams (one catch, two drops)?
		Rushing offense What happened to Tashard Choice having earned a significant role? He didn't have a carry. Marion Barber (14 carries, 47 yards) was a nonfactor until the fourth quarter, when he had more than half his yardage. Felix Jones (8 carries, 37 yards) lost a fumble. Tony Romo's scrambling pushed the Cowboys over 100 rushing yards.
		Passing defense A pass rush that was missing the first month of the season has returned. The Cowboys recorded four sacks, twice as many as Atlanta had allowed all season entering the game. DeMarcus Ware had two sacks for the second consecutive game and forced a fumble. Cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick got picks. SS Gerald Sensabaugh kept TE Tony Gonzalez from making an impact. And the Cowboys didn't let Matt Ryan (19 of 35 for 198 yards) get in a rhythm after the opening possession.
		Rushing defense The Cowboys never let Michael Turner (18 carries, 50 yards, TD) get rolling. But backup Jason Snelling was effective, gaining 68 yards on seven carries. Nevertheless, Dallas played the run well enough to consistently force the Falcons into second- and third-and-long situations. That allowed Wade Phillips to be aggressive with his blitz calls. In that sense, the run defense was a success despite giving up 4.8 yards per carry.
		Special teams Recently signed return specialist Allen Rossum pulled his hamstring the first time he touched the ball. The Cowboys didn't miss him, with Patrick Crayton popping a 73-yard TD on a punt return to seal the win. Atlanta return specialist Eric Weems, a major threat, didn't make his mark on the game. That's in part because David Buehler boomed half of his eight kickoffs for touchbacks.

Tim MacMahon

ESPNDallas.com

Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009
Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks
Appears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM

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