Cowboys Corner

Did Tearrius George just make the team?

LB Tearrius George is a monster. He just hit the quarterback on three consecutive plays. He was tranformed into DeMarcus Ware momentarily. He sack Brooks Bollinger and then applied pressure on back-to-back hits to force the Vikes to punt.

George was also a guy Jerry Jones actually raved about in the offseason. Surprised he knew who he was, but anyway he has stood out tonight. George also got off to a slow start in training camp with a knee bruise.

George wasn't expected to make the team, but he might now.

- Rick Herrin

Cowboys 13-7 at halftime

Nick Folk just blasted a 52-yard field goal to give the Cowboys a 13-7 halftime lead. He had Wade Phillips clapping as he left the field. Wade is here to win tonight baby with mostly players he may not know by name.

Not a bad half for Cowboys quarterback Richard Bartel, who went 17-of-23 for 148 yards in the first half. This is his first start since his days at Tarleton State in Stephenville. Bartel may be showcasing himself for another team as the Cowboys are not expected to keep three quarterbacks on the roster.

Bobby Carpenter and Tyson Smith are tied for the lead with three tackles apiece.

- Rick Herrin

Carpenter making plays

The very-maligned Bobby Carpenter started and is playing a ton in another preseason game. Is he setting a record for minutes played in the preseason by an NFL player? Carpenter is making plays tonight and he's talking with veteran Zach Thomas on the sidelines between series. If anybody could figure out what's going on out there it's definitely Zach.

Here's the problem. Bobby's making plays against backup players, but, I guess, at least he's making them. Carpenter couldn't do it last year and Wade Phillips gave up on him. He is starting to change Wade's opinion of him.

- Rick Herrin

New Cowboys CBs

The Cowboys now have Alan Ball and Evan Oglesby on the field and the rookie corners are out. Ball needs a good night. He could be one of the cuts on Saturday. He is behind Oglesby for the last corner spot on the roster.

- Rick Herrin

Vikings roaring back

The Vikings have pulled to within 10-7 early in the second quarter. Richard Bartel just got sacked. Minnesota wants this one.

- Rick Herrin

Choice gives Dallas 10-0 lead

Rookie running back Tashard Choice just busted a Felix Jones-looking run popping to the outside using a block and using some nice speed getting into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown to give Dallas a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

- Rick Herrin

Tyson Smith with pick

Linebacker Tyson Smith, know for getting blown up by Marion Barber in training camp, just took advantage of his opportunity to start. He just picked off Vikings quarterback John David Booty. Smith is not expected to make this team but he could show something for another team.

- Rick Herrin

Sam Hurd hurt

The Cowboys have another wide receiver down. Sam Hurd came off the field with a sprained left ankle after his 35-yard end around. The athletic trainers are looking at him now. The Cowboys should keep him off the field the rest of the way. They have already lost Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback. Heck, should Sam Hurd have even been playing with those guys out? He is now headed to the locker room to be examined. He slapped his hands together in digust as he headed off.

Now the wideouts are Mike Jefferson, Danny Amendola and Mark Bradford.

- Rick Herrin

Stars in shorts and warmups

Since this is a night off for everyone but FB Deon Anderson, some of the stars have gone to the more comfy attire. Pacman Jones is wearing blue shorts and his jersey. Terrell Owens is wearing warmup pants he probably got from Brad Johnson and Tony Romo has actually decided to fully suitup for some reason.

- Rick Herrin

Cowboys have pulled nearly all starters

The Cowboys have pulled all their starters for tonight's game except for Deon Anderson...Here is the lineup.

WRs Sam Hurd, Mike Jefferson

TE Martellus Bennett

LT Doug Free

LG Pat McQuistan

C Cory Procter

RG Joe Berger

RT Cory Lekkerkerker

QB Richard Bartel

FB Deon Anderson

RB Felix Jones

DEFENSE
DEs Marcus Smith, Stephen Bowen

NT Junior Savaii

LBs Justin Rogers, Bobby Carpenter, Tyson Smith, Erik Walden

CBs Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick

FS Pat Watkins

SS Courtney Brown

- Rick Herrin