ARLINGTON, Texas - Way back in late July, Jerry Jones opened training camp like he always does - full of optimism and hope. He knew there were some big question marks surrounding this team, but if all things went exactly right, he knew the Cowboys just might have something special.
So maybe it took six games into the regular season, but it all came together just perfectly here Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.
Explosive offense, balanced running, an attacking defense and much-improved special teams play. Oh, and let's not forget the Cowboys feeding off the excitement that came from this energetic new stadium.
Add it all up, and the Cowboys arguably played their most complete football game in two years, handling what will likely be a really good football team in the Falcons here Sunday, by the tune of 37-21.
When you're drawing up your best-case scenario for the 2009 season, it's likely it went something like this.
Tony Romo with a 141.6 quarterback rating, thanks to 21-of-29 passing for 311 and three scores - and more importantly no turnovers. He even showed that elusiveness that has been somewhat missing this season, running for 31 yards but also escaping three would-be sacks and throwing a touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton for one of the biggest plays of the day.
You've got Miles Austin, who the Cowboys were counting on more than anyone to carry the load in T.O.'s absence. Once again, he showed the playmaking skills the club has been waiting for now for about three years. It's safe to say he's turned that corner with yet another huge day - 171 yards on six catches and two more touchdowns.
Yes, I know what I wrote earlier this week about Austin, stating we needed to tap the brakes a little on this still-unpolished receiver. Well, before we pass the crow completely my way, I will admit this guy has played out of his mind the last two weeks. One game could be an aberration, but two games in a row? Doubtful. This kid can play and he's proven he needs to play. I was wrong about not starting him, because the guy completely opens up the middle with his speed. Now, let's remember that Austin has played against two very below-average sets of cornerbacks the last two weeks. Still, 421 yards and four touchdowns in two games is borderline unreal.
OK, back to this best-case scenario.
The running game wasn't that great, but was good enough, especially at the end of the game and the second half. Marion Barber may not be 100 percent, but he came through with some tough runs in the fourth quarter in that closer role. Not sure if Felix Jones is the same player with a knee brace on, but he was pretty good, just inches away on two occasions from breaking off long runs. And yes, Tashard Choice wasn't much of a factor, although he did come up with a huge catch over the middle on third down.
I'm sure the Cowboys would've liked a little more from Roy Williams, who told me after the game it was the worst he's played in six years, with a dropped pass and an offensive interference. He did have one nice catch on a slant over the middle that wasn't far from an even bigger game.
How about that defense? That looked like the Wade Phillips' defenses we saw in San Diego and then last year as well. Very aggressive, tons of pressure with sacks and turnovers. Not only that, but the tackling was as good as we've seen all year long. When Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman are laying out receivers, you know it was a hard-hitting afternoon.
Speaking of Jenkins, but is he playing the best of the three cornerbacks right now? He's being physical in the running game and just about flawless covering receivers and even making plays. His interception in the second quarter was huge because it looked like Atlanta was driving in for a 14-0 lead. After his pick, things changed dramatically.
When the Cowboys were drawing this up, they had big things in mind for their newcomers on defense. Clearly, Gerald Sensabaugh and Keith Brooking have been nothing short of outstanding. The Cowboys are so much better with Sensabaugh back there and it makes Ken Hamlin better as well. Brooking not only knows where to be and knows how to tackle, but he isn't shy about being a vocal voice this team needs defensively.
And if all that isn't enough, let's not forget the special teams play. The Cowboys have made an all-out effort to improve that area, evident by the addition of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, one of the most respected in the business. But the fact the Cowboys had five players active Sunday that were just special teams guys, that says enough right there. But David Buehler has been everything the Cowboys hoped for - with four more touchbacks Sunday. And then when Allen Rossum goes down on his first return with the Cowboys, Crayton steps right in and picks up the slack. We all know Crayton is far from a speedster, so that should tell us how great the blocking was on his game-clinching punt return in the fourth quarter.
OK, before we get too crazy here, let's remember the Cowboys are still 4-2. They've had two tough losses and up until Sunday, they hadn't beaten any team that will contend for the playoffs.
There aren't many "perfect games" in football and this certainly wasn't an exception. The Cowboys had their share of mistakes, with some penalties and missed assignments.
But for this game on this day, it was everything the Cowboys could've hoped for. Now the question begs, whether the Cowboys have officially turned the corner themselves or this was an aberration of their own.
Either way, the Cowboys needed a game like this. So without a doubt, they'll take it.
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Nick Eatman - 
