Is it too early to book a flight and hotel room in Arizona just yet?

The Dallas Cowboys showed some gusto Sunday afternoon in their 37-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.

With injuries abounding for the Cowboys and 14:53 left to play in the second quarter, Anthony Henry stepped up for a big interception that allowed the Dallas offense to get rolling. After Patrick Crayton left the game in the second quarter with a hand injury, other receivers were forced to make some plays.

Tony Romo, making only his 12^th NFL start, made some quality connections with receiver Terrell Owens all afternoon. Owens looked impressive, making a nice catch with less than seven minutes to go in the second quarter for a gain of 28 yards on third and 15. However, there was a five yard penalty because Owens threw the ball after the play.

With 1:52 left in the first half, Cowboys running back Marion Barber (MBIII) ran in a touchdown, and, after the extra point from Nick Folk, the Boys led 10-3. The Dolphins then had a sloppy drive all the way down the field, which resulted in a Jay Feely field goal to send us to halftime with a 10-6 Dallas lead.

After Miami scored early in the third quarter to gain a 13-10 lead, Patrick Crayton had a 49-yard punt return to put the Cowboys in good field positioning on the Miami 30-yard line.

Romo, who often makes risky passes, continued to impress in the second half. He had a 14-yard completion to tight end Jason Witten, followed by a superb throw, for he was being tackled at the time, to Tony Curtis, who had his first NFL reception and touchdown all in one. It was on this play that Fox commentator Daryl "Moose" Johnston compared Romo to the likes of Brett Favre. Now that’s something.

Moose had said good things about Romo throughout the game, such as "This guy can make some throws" and "He’s the anti-Grossman." Anytime someone says you can do what you are paid to do, and you are the polar opposite of a highly criticized quarterback, it can only mean good things.

Another positive point for the Cowboys is Mr. Owens. Not only does he seem a whole lot happier now that Big Bill is gone, but he is also acting like more of a teammate. There was a shot of Owens and Romo together on the sidelines, and Owens appeared to be giving Romo a few pointers and words of wisdom, all which Romo seemed to be absorbing with appreciated intrigue. See, T.O. really isn’t the bad guy here.

The Cowboys defense also played somewhat better than they have so far this year. Ken Hamlin had an interception with less than four minutes to play in the third, which led to a Folk field goal for a 20-13 Dallas lead.

Then with 1:13 in the same quarter, Dallas recovered a fumbled Trent Green snap, which also eventually led to another field goal by Folk, increasing the lead to 23-13.

With less than six minutes in the game, Anthony Henry made his second interception of the day (and 24^th of his career). The Cowboys went for it on fourth and four, and Romo made another connection with Owens, who ran it in for a touchdown. Not surprisingly, Owens received a penalty after the play for excessive celebration (It looked like he was reeling a movie camera or something to that effect). I’m not sure anyone actually cared about that. Romo was still pumping his fists and running to congratulate his receiver, and the kick was still good to put the Cowboys up 30-13. How can anyone not love a man like T.O.? I mean, honestly.

The Dolphins were able to get one more touchdown in the fourth, making the score 30-20. But MBIII scored his second touchdown with less than four minutes to go in the game, putting America’s team ahead by a score of 37-20.

Even Roy Williams made an interception. With 2:56 left in the game, he caused the fifth Miami turnover.

True, the defense definitely needs to work out some of its kinks, and the offense is nowhere near perfect (yet), but don’t be surprised if Cowboys fans are already packing their bags for the Desert Land. I wonder what movie will be featured on my flight.

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