IRVING, Texas - The Green Bay game aside (a season-low seven points and 61 rushing yards), consider the Cowboys' overall offensive production through nine regular-season games:
They rank 11th in scoring (24.9), fourth in total yardage (390.4), sixth in passing (260.4) and eighth in rushing (130.0). Four times they have topped 30 points.
Not bad, considering they don't always put themselves in ideal situations.
The Cowboys rank 15th in third-down efficiency (39.8 percent), a decline from last year's 47.5 percent. In last Sunday's 17-7 loss to Green Bay, they converted only three of 12 attempts. Nine were third-and-eight or longer.
What's alarming - and surprising given the offense's overall success - has been the number of third-and-longs. Of their 113 total third downs this season, 63 have been at least third-and-eight. The Cowboys have converted 20 of 63 (31.7 percent)
And get this: 43 of those 113 have been at least third-and-10. They're only converting 23.3 percent there. Sacks, minus-runs and penalties have helped cause those unfavorable down-and-distances.
Surprisingly, though, the offense is tied for ninth in first downs (184) and tied for third in average first-down yardage (6.25).
"That's something we talk about every day," offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. "The more you can reduce negative plays, the more efficient you're going to be, and really the better you're going to be on third down.
"We've done a pretty decent job of converting some of the third-and-longer ones, but obviously around the league it's easier to be in third-and-short situations. You want to be really efficient on first and second down. I think we're among the better teams on first down in terms of yards, but if we can eliminate some of the minus plays, it gives us a chance to be that much better."
Garrett credits quarterback Tony Romo in two areas: making things happen in third-and-long, as well as throwing the ball away in some situations rather than forcing a risky pass.
"That's always part of the developmental process for any quarterback," Garrett said, "is to be a good decision-maker within a play, but also how that play fits into the entire game."
Buehler Probable
Cowboys rookie kickoff specialist David Buehler (right pinky toe) had full practice participation Friday for the first time this week and is listed as "probable" against the Redskins.
Barring a setback, Buehler is expected to handle kickoffs. His 17 touchbacks are tied for third in the NFL.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins (elbow) is also "probable." As expected, offensive tackle Marc Colombo (leg/ankle), safety Ken Hamlin (ankle) and return specialist Allen Rossum (hamstring) have been ruled out.
For the Redskins, running back Clinton Portis (concussion) has been ruled out and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is "questionable" after missing practice all week.
Practice Moved
Due to continuous rain Thursday night and Friday morning, the team boarded buses to closed-roof Cowboys Stadium for its final practice of the week.
Without an indoor practice facility, the Cowboys have changed sites several times due to inclement weather this season.
"The more times we can feel at home, the better it is," head coach Wade Phillips said.
Accounting For Moss
A 1,000-yard receiver a year ago, Washington's Santana Moss only has one 100-yard game this season and two total touchdowns. But he's known for saving his best against the Cowboys. In seven meetings since 2005, Moss has 41 catches for 711 yards and four touchdowns.
"He always finds a way to just have some kind of astronomical game against us," inside linebacker Bradie James said. "For all you guys that don't have Twin-Turbos, it's a sixth gear. He has that sixth gear when he plays against us."
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman has contained Moss in past meetings, however, and Jenkins could get some match-ups as well depending on how they choose to cover him.
Party Passes On Sale
Cowboys Stadium "Party Pass" tickets for the team's remaining two home games - Dec. 13 game against the San Diego Chargers and Jan. 3, 2010 against the Philadelphia Eagles - are now on sale. Tickets are $29 and available through Ticketmaster by visiting online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling toll-free, 800-755-3000.
Party Pass tickets give fans a chance to enjoy pre-game festivities in the plazas outside Cowboys Stadium and get access to six party decks located in the end zones. Standing-room viewing along the party deck rails is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Large video screens with live broadcasts of the game are located in the plazas just outside the party decks.
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