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Dallas Cowboys report card grades after 6 games

By The Sports Xchange
Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott throws against the New York Giants during the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 11, 2016. Prescott got the start in place of the injured Tony Romo. Ian Halperin/UPI
1 of 3 | Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott throws against the New York Giants during the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 11, 2016. Prescott got the start in place of the injured Tony Romo. Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo

FRISCO, Texas -- Quarterback Tony Romo was not on the practice field Monday when the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys (5-1) resumed work following last week's bye in preparation for Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2).

Romo has missed the first six games of the season with a fractured bone in his back. He had been targeted to return for this week's game, but he is still doing rehab to strengthen his back and his core.

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He is throwing, but he has yet to begin practicing. The Cowboys still don't know when he will be back.

"We're getting closer," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "I don't know the exact time, but we're getting closer with him. I know that."

With Romo still sidelined, it sets up the much-anticipated rookie quarterback showdown between Dallas' Dak Prescott and Philadelphia's Carson Wentz.

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Prescott, a fourth-round pick in the 2016 draft, has thrown seven touchdown passes with just one interception and is the league's fifth-ranked passer, while leading the Cowboys to five straight wins.

Wentz was picked second overall has been just as impressive, with eight touchdown passes and three interceptions.

What the Cowboys are not sweating -- inside the locker room, at least -- is the impending quarterback decision between Romo and Prescott.

"Nah. Not at all," safety Byron Jones said. "As long as we're winning, we're all cool. We're all a team."

So what do the Cowboys do when Romo is ready to return?

"We're not really worried about that honestly," running back Ezekiel Elliott said. "We just focus on now. We focus on going out there and winning every week and getting better as a team. To this team, it really doesn't matter who is at quarterback. We have faith in our guys. So we're just going to.... Honestly, that's not our decision anyway, so there's no reason to worry about it. So, I mean, whatever happens, happens, and we're going to keep getting better as a team."

"It's definitely going to be a difficult decision," quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson said. "Tony's shown that he can play extremely well. Dak is doing everything that's been asked of him. When that time comes, it will have to be dealt with.

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"...Whatever happens, happens. It gets very competitive, and that's why we're in this business. The main thing is, it can't affect any of the relationships in the building."

REPORT CARD AFTER SIX GAMES

RUN OFFENSE: A -- What more is there to say? The Cowboys offensive line has solidified itself as the league's best unit. The Cowboys lead the league in rushing yards per game. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott is the league's leading rusher by a wide margin. He has 703 yards in six games, averaging 117.2 yards per game. Arizona's David Johnson is second, averaging 97.3 yards per game.

PASS OFFENSE: A -- Rookie Dak Prescott has played so well that he is considered an MVP candidate. He is fifth in the league in passing. He has seven touchdowns to just one interception. The Cowboys are a functional unit without Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo for the first six games and with top receiver Dez Bryant out the last three games. Cole Beasley has emerged as the team's top weapon in the passing game.

RUN DEFENSE: B -- The Cowboys don't do anything that wows you on defense. But they are effective against the run. They rank 10th in the league, giving up 92.2 yards per game. They have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher. Sean Lee has been the top tackler but the best player up front has been nose tackle Terrell McClain, who has been a disruptive force.

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PASS DEFENSE: B -- The Cowboys still leave a lot to be desired in sacking the quarterback with just 11 on the season. But they play great bend-but-don't-break pass defense. They have not given up a 100-yard receiver all season and they have recorded four interceptions after getting just eight in 16 games in 2016. Cornerback Morris Claiborne has been the best defensive player and has played at Pro Bowl level. Byron Jones is starting to come on at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B -- The Cowboys have withstood a back injury to kicker Dan Bailey, who missed field-goal attempts in consecutive games. Otherwise, he has been automatic, making 11 of 13 kicks. Chris Jones has averaged 48.2 yards on 17 punts, with seven downed inside the 20. Lucky Whitehead has yet to be dynamic on returns.

COACHING: A -- Jason Garrett is having his finest year as a coach. The Cowboys are 5-1 and sit atop the NFC East despite a host of injuries to key players, including Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and Orlando Scandrick. The absence of those three played a role in the 4-12 record of a year ago. The Cowboys have built a team that can withstand the losses and Garrett has led the way with a next-man-up mentality.

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