IRVING, Texas - "Falcons' no huddle attack unstoppable."
That's the title of a recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and multiple copies have found their way onto the Cowboys' locker-room bulletin board.
"I don't know who put that up there," head coach Wade Phillips said. "I kind of know the reason."
Most likely, it provides some level of motivation three days before the 4-1 Falcons enter Cowboys Stadium, as well as a defensive reminder to be ready for Atlanta's hurry-up attack.
It's not unstoppable, but it's been successful. Second-year quarterback Matt Ryan has used it periodically the last two seasons. In last Sunday's win over Chicago, the offense scored two first-half touchdowns with it.
Cowboys' linebacker Keith Brooking, who left Atlanta via free agency in the off-season, likened it to Peyton Manning's patient no-huddle in Indianapolis.
"They get up to the ball quick and you've got to be ready because they will snap it with a quick count every now and then," Brooking said. "But for the most part they're looking at the defense, seeing what the defense is giving them and Matt's making checks. He has a few calls that he can go to and then they snap the ball.
"But for the most part you have a chance defensively to kind of collect yourself and get in the right position to make your checks and get ready for the ball to be snapped."
Phillips said the Cowboys worked extensively Thursday on defensive two-minute situations, which is similar to a no-huddle approach. It's been emphasized more in practices because recent opponents have scored on their final possession. Two of those games resulted in losses.
"We work on that all the time," Phillips said. "That's really the way we like to work in practice is to give our defense a no-huddle look and call the plays quickly so we have to think fast on defense no matter what. So when we play a team like that, we should be fine.
"But it does take communication, and when you're home the crowd is making noise at that time so you do have to be able to communicate defensively."
Felix Looks Ready
Phillips said running back Felix Jones likely will wear a brace on his left knee Sunday but doesn't expect him to be limited.
"I don't think so," Phillips said. "He didn't look like it at practice."
Jones has had full participation this week in his return from an injured posterior cruciate ligament. Phillips said he hasn't experienced soreness after practice.
All 53 players practiced fully again on Thursday, including wide receiver Roy Williams, whom Phillips said is still dealing with three sore ribs. Williams said he is "100 percent" ready to play, though.
Crayton Still Critical Piece
Wide receiver Miles Austin is expected to replace Patrick Crayton in the starting lineup Sunday, but Crayton's teammates still expect him to be a significant part of the offense.
Austin has received first-team reps since his 250-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Chiefs.
"Patrick's a consummate professional, he understands, and he's going to play a ton," quarterback Tony Romo said. "To think that he's not going to be a major part of this offense is wrong."
Said tight end Jason Witten: "Patrick is a huge part of what we do. You talk about the underneath stuff, but Tony probably feels as comfortable with Patrick as he does anyone else with some of those throws."
Bennett Flattered
Tight end Martellus Bennett had not heard reports that the Cincinnati Bengals inquired about his availability via trade before Tuesday's deadline.
Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones wasn't specific Wednesday, but said the Cowboys turned down a "significant offer for a key player."
"As far as the organization to really care about you," Bennett said. "I'd like to have 40 catches right now but I don't. I have four. So to still value me the way they do is always good."
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