Dallas Cowboys....................34
Arizona Cardinals.................13

Ironic, isn't it? The week I decide not to post a Cowboys Report Card, they lose a game. But it's a new week and the 'Boys came back strong against a relatively weak opponent. While the uniforms are (somewhat) the same, the matchup no longer has the appeal it did when they were division rivals.

Regardless, the Cowboys played exceptionaly well and - for the first time I can remember - did not commit a penalty. Not bad, if you ask me. Furthermore, it appears the team may have a new competition at running back in lieu of Marion Barber's two-game total of 222 yards.

Cowboys Report Card

Passing Offense: B+
Bledsoe was sharp and made a few beautiful throws to Terry Glenn. The consistent Cardinal blitzes got him moving a little too much and he was sacked 3 times and fumbled twice (losing 1). But he showed great poise and led the team well. Jason Witten and Keyshawn Johnson also make clutch receptions, including a TD pass for Keyshawn.

Rushing Offense: A
Welcome to the NFL, Marion Barber! Filling in for the injured Julius Jones, Barber gained 127 yards rushing (and an additional 15 on 2 receptions). It was the most by a Cowboy this season. Barber's 28-yard run was a thing of beauty. Tyson Thompson ran well in his limited role. Anthony Thomas didn't play.

Passing Defense: B+
Greg Ellis had 1.5 sacks as the Cowboy line kept pressure on Josh McCown all day. Although he didn't get a sack himself, Demetrius Ware showed once again why he is one of the front-runners for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn both made interceptions, with Henry's going 58 yards for a TD.

Rushing Defense: A
Pretty soon, the other teams in the league will be noticing the 'Boys run defense. While 'Zona is not a very good rushing team, the Cowboys smothered the Cardinals attack. With the exception of Lamont Jordan - in game 4 against the Raiders - they have not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season. That includes having faced LaDanian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis and Tiki Barber this year. Against the Cards, they allowed just 49 yards to their running backs and just 71 overall.

Special Teams: B
Not spectacular, but sufficient. Tyson Thompson has turned into a solid kick returner, but the jury's still out regarding Peerless Price. Shaun Suisham made the most of his NFL debut. The only negative was a 32-yard punt return by ex-Cowboy Reggie Swinton.

Coaching: A-
The team looked ready to play. They went to the well once too often in throwing the out-pattern to Johnson. But with Barber making the plays that he did, the offense clicked. Parcells played for the points in both field goal drives, when in the past, he has opted to go for it on 4th down. However, that may have more to do with his new kicker than anything else.