Dallas Cowboys: 7 Things We Learned Against Minnesota

Last night, the Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-17 on Mall of America Field to improve their preseason standing to 2-1, their only loss coming against the San Diego Chargers last week.

A winning preseason record isn’t much to stand on, but the way in which the Cowboys played in all three may be.

The ‘Boys looked good against the Vikings and the best part of their victory is how strong Tony Romo looked against a persistent Vikings pass rush.

Romo was efficient, completing 15-of-20 passes for 141 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. His favorite target of the night was Dez Bryant as he found the second-year man five times.

The Cowboys offense was on point in the first half and if they are able to keep up this level of play throughout the regular season the Cowboys may find themselves deep in the playoffs.

But there is still room for improvement.

Here are seven things we learned from the Cowboys' play against the Vikings.

Tony Romo Is the Old Tony Romo

Romo’s play is as good as it’s ever been. He hasn’t regressed any and he looks just as good as he did when he threw a career-low nine interceptions in 2009.

He was resourceful and sharp and didn’t make any of his signature forced errors.

He’ll need that type of efficiency as the Cowboys prepare to face the Jets in their first regular season game.

Andre Gurode’s Days in Dallas Are Numbered

The Pro Bowl center may have played his last down as a Cowboy. He’s been injured for all of training camp and has yet to play in a preseason contest. Dallas started rookie Kevin Kowalski at center last night due to backup center Phil Costa’s knee injury.

Andre is due $3.5 million this season and team owner Jerry Jones is angling for Gurode to take a healthy pay cut. The most interesting part of this story is that even if Gurode decides to cut his pay, Costa is still likely to start at center.

This is a developing story, but according to Dan Graziano on ESPN.com, Gurode’s days are numbered.

Dez Bryant Is a Monster

The only thing I can think about is Nicki Minaj screaming, “Ahhhh, I’m a m************ monster!” at the end of her verse on Kanye West’s song “Monster” after watching Bryant play.

He’s powerful, quick, fast and best of all, he’s only in his second season. "Beast" best describes Bryant’s play and if he’s able to stay healthy for the entire season I guarantee he’ll make his first Pro Bowl this season.

Felix Jones Is One of the Best Backs in the League

Felix Jones continues to look like a man on a mission. He’s out to prove that he can carry the load for Dallas and so far he’s shown himself to be right.

Jones is known for being shifty and fast but he’s demonstrated just how strong he can be. He bowled over Vikings safety Tyrell Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown showing just how powerful he can be.

Felix is poised for a breakout season in 2011 and any players of fantasy football out there should take heed.

Cowboys Defense Still Has a Ways to Go

The Cowboys first team defense is still getting acclimated to defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme. They looked skittish at times against Minnesota and quarterback Donovan McNabb had a pretty good showing against them.

The biggest defensive concern coming out of last night’s game is the rush defense. All-Pro running Adrian Peterson picked his poison last night as he rushed for 81 yards on 14 carries.

While the Jets offense won’t scare anyone the Cowboys will have to get things together defensively before heading up to the Meadowlands to start the season.

Cowboys Offensive Line Is Still in Flux

The only difference between the way Romo was harassed in the 2009 playoff game against the Vikings and last night’s contest is that Romo was cool, efficient and sharp.

He was under pressure for most of the time he played but he still completed the majority of his passes.

The line is young and Jason Garrett is still tinkering with it and until he finds the right group of players up front it will remain in flux.

There may be a new center and who knows who may play guard on the left and right side of the offensive line.

The Jets have a ferocious defense and there needs to be some stability upfront before the Jets game in a few weeks.

The Martellus Bennett Era Is Ending

Every training camp I hear how improved Bennett is and how great he’s playing in preseason. But he always seems to make an error or miss a block or drop a key pass when he gets on the field for competitive play.

After last night’s big drop, I think it's safe to say that unless we see a quantum leap in Bennett’s play in 2011, this is probably the tight end’s last season as a Cowboy.