Phillips said at this point, it appears Jones will be able to practice next week.

IRVING, Texas - As the Cowboys undergo self-evaluation this bye week - what's gone right, what's gone wrong, what needs fixing - one previous weakness has become an overall consistent strength through five games:

Special teams, particularly their improved kickoff coverage under first-year coordinator Joe DeCamillis.

In 2008, opponents' average starting position was the 29.3-yard line. This year, the Cowboys' fourth-ranked coverage has pushed opponents back to the 22.2-yard line.

Rookie kickoff specialist David Buehler has been a large factor in their success. When he's not landing touchbacks (nine so far; the Cowboys had zero in 2008), he's pinning balls in the corner and outside the numbers.

"It has to do with the kicker and I think the scheme is really good and Joe has always been one of the top guys," Phillips said. "I think there's a reason for it as far as his profession. I think he's had a big influence."

Safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who played under DeCamillis from 2007-08, said players also have responded well to his demanding approach.

"He always been like that," Sensabaugh said. "He's always holding everybody accountable and he treats everybody the same. If one guy messes up, it doesn't matter who messes up. If I mess up he's going to be right down my throat, too."

The Cowboys are optimistic new return specialist Allen Rossum can boost their 10th-ranked kickoff return unit (23.7-yard average) and 16th-ranked punt return unit (7.3).

DeCamillis isn't satisfied yet.

"Overall I think we've just got to keep improving," he said. "I think the guys are playing hard and hopefully doing things as far as situationally that we'd like to see. But we've got a long way to go."

Felix, Roy Improving

Barring a setback, Phillips said he's been informed the entire 53-man roster could practice together next Wednesday with the possible exception of linebacker Curtis Johnson (hamstring).

That would mean three key players - running back Felix Jones (knee), wide receiver Roy Williams (rib) and Sensabaugh (thumb) - are returning to practice.

Jones and Williams did some more running off to the side during Thursday's practice, the team's final workout of the week. Sensabaugh will have his surgically-repaired thumb reexamined next Tuesday but is optimistic he'll be able to return against Atlanta.

Offense At the Top

Penalties and turnovers have stalled the Cowboys for stretches, but after five games the offense ranks first in average total yardage (420.4) and points (24.4).

"I think it's shocking to you guys with some of the things," quarterback Tony Romo said. "But we feel strongly that when we're out there that if we minimize mistakes we have a chance to be a pretty darn good ballclub.

"A lot of it is that perception side that people talk about. Does it really mean anything? No. But we've moved the ball pretty successfully this year, contrary to what people might say or believe. You don't luck your way into being in that spot and obviously it's got to produce wins."

One area for improvement is the red zone. The Cowboys are tied for 22nd, having scored seven touchdowns out of 15 trips inside the 20-yard line (46.7 percent).