Dallas Cowboys Midseason Report Card

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The Cowboys have improved in every way since their last report card and haven't lost since, either, making this quarter a lot better.

Quarterback

Romo has thrown nine TDs and one interception in his last four games. He's also cut down on bad throws and has been is as elusive as ever when scrambling.

The true test comes in December, when the Cowboys will face some legitimate teams, and where the past three seasons have been awful, but for now Romo's the QB everyone in Dallas wanted him to be.

Grade: A

Running Back

Smash, Dash, and Tash have just one individual 100-yard game between them, but they've all contributed greatly to the running game and because of that they're eighth in the league in rushing with 136 ypg.

Marion Barber kept playing despite a broken thumb and had a great fourth quarter against the Eagles last week. Felix Jones is always a big play threat and has come back from his injury and hasn't lost a step and Tashard Choice has been successful in the wildcat in the last two weeks.

Grade: A

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Miles Austin has come on strong and is tied for the league lead with seven TDs. Patrick Crayton hasn't been getting a lot of balls, but catches the ones thrown to him and has improved since his demotion.

Roy Williams has still been a disappointment, but came on last Sunday to catch five passes for 75 yards and Kevin Ogletree has broken out of the practice squad ranks and is getting more playing time than Sam Hurd. 

Jason Witten is still as reliable as ever, even if his numbers are down a bit this season. Martellus Bennett has produced a bit in recent weeks, but still has less catches and yards than Tashard Choice.

Grade: B-plus

Offensive Line

This group continues to do a great job run blocking and although Romo was sacked four times last Sunday, you have to expect that against the Eagles' blitz, though they did keep him upright late in the game and on most third downs.

Flozell Adams has cut down on his personal fouls and the unit has stayed healthy throughout the season, something ESPN's John Clayton said wouldn't happen because of their age. Now if they could cut down on false starts, but that might be asking too much.

Grade: B-plus

Linebackers

Keith Brooking is becoming a bigger free agent singing every week and leads the team in tackles. DeMarcus Ware found his game and all it took was a stress fracture in his foot; he leads the team with five sacks. Bobby Carpenter is finally turning into the linebacker the Cowboys thought they were getting when they drafted him.

Anthony Spencer leads the team with four tackles for losses, but still has no sacks. Bradie James is still the leader of this unit and is second on the team in tackles. Victor Butler saved the game last week with his sack on Donovan McNabb.

Grade: A

Defensive Line

Jay Ratliff is going to the Pro Bowl again if he keeps it up. He's got four sacks and has been a huge part of the Cowboys not allowing the Seahawks and Eagles 100 yards rushing in the last two games.

Jason Hatcher, Steven Bowen, and Junior Siavii have been great in the rotation and have also been beneficial in stopping the run game. 

Grade: B-minus

Corners and Safety's

Mike Jenkins has a team high three interceptions this season. Orlando Scandrick has been solid in the slot since the Week Two game against the Giants. When receivers do make catches on him, it's been because of a perfect throw instead of bad coverage.

Terence Newman is still one of the fastest corners in the league and leads the team with nine passes defended.

Gerald Sensabaugh has been fantastic in coverage with a broken thumb and isn't afraid to hit in the run game. Ken Hamlin hasn't made any coverage mistakes and has done a great job recognizing what receivers are going to do before the snap.

Grade: B-plus

Special Teams

Patrick Crayton returned punts for TDs two weeks in a row. The Cowboys haven't allowed a return TD all season. Punter Mat McBriar is sixth in the NFL in average yards per punt and Nick Folk is tied for fifth in field goals made.

Grade: A-plus

Coaching

Phillips has the defense playing much better after a slow start and Jason Garrett has found the right mix of running and passing to keep defenses on their toes.

It would seem as if the Cowboys are finally maturing under Wade Phillips. It's very early to say it, but a playoff berth and a division title could save Phillips' job—that is if December goes right and the Cowboys don't fall apart like they've done in the past.

Grade: B

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