Cowboys Corner

Joe Jon Finley sighting

Ah, yes, you Arlington High alums, parents and fans know him well. Same for you Sooners.

The former Colts tight end was in on the 49ers' last drive, catching a 19-yard pass that set up Kory Sheets' 1-yard touchdown run on the next play. Tie game, by the way, 10-10.

Good to see the hometown product on a grand stage.

-- Tracey Myers

Who knew?

The University of Texas-Arlington's marching band is playing for our halftime entertainment.

I'll admit it: I had no idea UTA had a marching band. From what I can hear of it, they sound pretty good.

As I said, who knew...

And they can scoot, too. As soon as their performance ended they ran off the field. I mean, they were in a sprint off the field. God speed to those tuba and xylophone players.

-- Tracey Myers

We're at the half

And here we are, folks, at halftime. Obviously a stronger second quarter for the Cowboys, although they probably should be up more than 10-0. When Terence Newman gives you a punt return like that, that puts you in the red zone immediately, you gotta get six.

I figured Miles Austin was going to have a bigger part in this offense at the start of the second quarter, but apparently not. Three catches for 44 yards. Need to see more of him, don't ya?

Anyway, thoughts?

-- Tracey Myers

First-quarter thoughts

Aaah, it's preseason, so the brain is also going through its regular-season preparations Bear with me, folks.

Some quick thoughts:

Some early miscues, but nothing too crazy for the Cowboys. Tony Romo's interception didn't end up being costly.

The 'Boys' top two backs look just fine. Marion Barber? No problem. And Felix Jones' last run before the quarter ended had touchdown written all over it, save Mark Roman's tackle (i.e., catch around the ankle).

And so the second begins.

Happy with the first, folks?

-- Tracey Myers

Third time's a completion

Hey, try, try again, right?

Tony Romo missed on his first two attempts to Miles Austin on this latest set of downs, but Austin finally grabbed it (he was wide, wide, WIDE open) on third down.

And that, I believe, is Austin's first reception this month.

Ah, and now it's two in a row.

-- Tracey Myers

Early problems

Cowboys are a little sloppy early, ay?

A 49-yard field goal attempt was nullified by a holding penalty...

Patrick Watkins' attempt to bat a Dallas punt near the San Francisco goal line didn't work out well (touchback)...

And San Francisco just got a first down thanks to an encroachment on Jay Ratliff.

Then again, good pass protection and a stop on Frank Gore's rush has them getting the ball back, so maybe not so bad.

-- Tracey Myers

Careful where you look

We were in the media dining room a few minutes ago, surrounded by a lot of pretty TV screens (not as big as the video board, of course) when a shot from inside the Cowboys' locker room came up.

It disappeared pretty quick, too. I'm guessing that camera view won't be seen very often, especially up in the media room.

-- Tracey Myers

Something for everyone...

Hey, you have to represent both sides...

No surprise, R. Williams out; Hurd, too

The Cowboys weren't about to throw Roy Williams and his bruised left shoulder into a preseason game that will be as hotly contested as any preseason game can be. The third preseason game is typically the dress rehearsal game and the Cowboys are playing it that way with the starters set to go for about three quarters.

Sam Hurd (thigh bruise) is also out. He didn't practice all week, so that makes Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin as your starting WRs.

Jeff Caplan

Are they necessary?

I'm sure there's a need for them, especially if you're looking for someone/something in particular. Still, considering we have a video board the size of a small planet, seeing this sign amused me: