vikings/nfl

GAME BALLS

Marion Barber, Cowboys: His fourth-quarter bullying gave him the edge over Adrian Peterson as game's toughest back; had 91 yards on 19 carries.

Tony Romo, Cowboys: Efficient but not spectacular, showed nice leadership. Completed 31 of 39 for 277 yards and a opening-drive touchdown pass.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Third quarter, 3:05 remaining, score tied 14-14

The situation: The Vikings' Ryan Longwell attempted a 48-yard field goal.

The play: Chris Canty charged up the middle to block the kick, and Pat Watkins emerged from a crowd to scoop it up and return it 68 yards for a TD.

The result: The Cowboys eased to the victory as the Vikings never had another chance to score.

JACKSON'S ACTIONS

A weekly look at the progress of Tarvaris Jackson

Play: Indecisive, tentative, and only occasionally nimble ... stumbled on national stage. Grade: Wynn

Leadership: Had chance to spark comeback against poor pass defense but failed. Grade: Wynn

Stats: Completed six of 19 for 72 yards ... high school numbers. Sacked three times, almost took a safety. Grade: Wynn

Overall: This game was well set up for the Vikings to spring an upset, but they needed something -- anything -- from Jackson to pull it off. They didn't get it. Grade: Wynn

TOUCHDOWN DANCES

Offense

Defense After being shut out for three games, the defense scored ... and almost had two!

TWO-BACK TRACKER