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

The Vikings had only 49 offensive plays, and 13 were incomplete passes. That doesn't leave nearly enough carries for Peterson or Taylor, who got equal work again Sunday.

NEXT WEEK

vs. Philadelphia

Noon, Sunday

Metrodome, Ch. 9

About the Eagles

Philadelphia dropped a 19-16 decision at home, to the Bears on Sunday and fell to 2-4. QB Donovan McNabb has been up and down, and home fans have turned on the Eagles. Playing a road game might be a welcome break.

Dangerous player

Speedy receiver Kevin Curtis was wooed by the Vikings as a free agent but signed with the Eagles instead. He has 24 catches for 444 yards and four TDs.