Dallas Cowboys Redemption: Crush Houston Texans 27-13

To borrow from Monty Python, we're not dead yet. A season that was teetering on the precipice of an 0-3 start has suddenly been revived with a resounding 27-13 win over red-hot Houston. The Cowboys went on the road and beat a team that was thought to be on the rise, and their in-state rival. What was once looking like a lost season now has a pulse; indeed, the Cowboys aren't dead yet.

Dallas can thank a stifling defense that put pressure on Matt Schaub, that also put together a huge goal line stand, and finally, got some turnovers. The Texans came into the game as the number one ranked offense in the league, and left with 13 points, seven of those in garbage time. DeMarcus Ware pitched in a couple of third-down sacks and ended up with three total, Keith Brooking had a huge third-down sack, Anthony Spencer caused a fumble, and Mike Jenkins had a pick.

Offensively, the Cowboys still made some mistakes, but this week, they were able to overcome them. And more than anybody else, this week's redemption belongs to Roy Williams. The much-maligned wide receiver caught 5 passes for 117 yards, and more importantly, two big TDs. Roy was denied his big moment by Alex Barron in week one, this week he overcame. Roy showed crisp route-running, the ability to catch in traffic, the ability to make a tough catch, and the ability to break the long one, all in one game. Few have taken as much abuse as Williams has, now we come to praise him. Well done, Roy!

Other notables below:

- The running game was finally effective. Marion Barber showed consistency and punched one in from the goal line, and Felix Jones had some burst.

- Tony Romo looked sharp, throwing on-target passes all day long. He went an efficient 23/30 for 284 yards, 2 TDs and no INTs,

- Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman and Danny McCray (corrected from Barry Church) each got a turnover. The Cowboys had zero in the first two games.

- Second in line for redemption in this game to Roy Williams? David Buehler, who a perfect day, including a clutch 49-yarder right before halftime. The reports of his death may have been premature.

- The offensive line. They kept Romo clean the whole day.

- The secondary. Gerald Sensabaugh was very active in this game, and Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins did a great job on Andre Johnson and the Houston passing game.

We'll have more detailed breakdowns soon, but the news of the day is that Dallas isn't dead. A bye week is next, time for the Cowboys to reflect on their season-saving win, to get healthy, and to get re-focused on a 2010 that still has possibilities. Call the morgue, the patient made it, their services won't be needed on this day.