Three Phases: Cowboys-Rams

Every week, we'll grade the Cowboys on the three phases of the weekend's game.

Offense: B

For the first 20 minutes, it looked like this would be whatever is below an F. But for the final 40 minutes of the game, the Cowboys' offense dominated as they scored on five straight possessions to come back from a 21-0 second-quarter deficit. That hole was dug by some sloppy play early, including another DeMarco Murray fumble lost and a pick-6 from Tony Romo. But they more than made up for it, as Romo began showing flashes of his old self and Murray hit the century mark for the third straight game and found the end zone.

Defense: B+

This would actually be an A if not for the awful play of cornerback Mo Claiborne. Yes, I realize he had the interception to ice the game on the Rams' final drive and allowed the Cowboys to kneel on the ball to close the game, but he was absolutely awful before that. It seemed every time the Rams made a big play in the passing game, it was Claiborne who was the victim. Without the defensive star of the first two weeks, Rolando McClain, the Cowboys' defense fared well, though. Bruce Carter finally did something, and it was a big something as his pick-6 gave the Cowboys an 8-point lead and really turned the momentum. He also totaled 12 tackles.

Special teams: B

Dan Bailey was once again fantastic, going 2-for-2 on his field goals to keep his super streak intact, but punter Chris Jones had a pretty bad game, as he averaged just 39 yards per punt, including one awful shank that gave the Rams primo field position.

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