IRVING, Texas (AP) -Tony Romo should keep dropping back and throwing passes. That's what everybody else has done against the Minnesota Vikings - with plenty of success.
For Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, a successful game through the air against the NFL's worst pass defense could be a perfect remedy.
First, the Cowboys want to bounce back from their lone loss and get a boost before going into their bye week.
Plus, if a lot of passes are thrown Sunday, that should mean plenty of chances for Terrell Owens to get the ball. T.O. has only one touchdown the past four games, with 124 yards receiving the last three games after 329 the first three.
There haven't been any outbursts from Owens, and the receiver insisted this week he's learned that doesn't work when he's frustrated about not getting the ball. But there should be no reason for any "give-me-the-ball" gripes this week.
"I still think we have something special here," Owens said.
Despite their three-TD loss to New England last week, the Cowboys' 5-1 record is matched in the NFC only by Green Bay. The Patriots are the only NFL team that has won more than five games.
With Romo among the top-rated passers and with an 11-5 record after 16 starts, the equivalent of a full season, it seems like an easy game plan for the Cowboys.
"You can run right at them, but you're not going to get anything," Romo said. "We're going to do what we do, try to establish the run, see how it happens and we'll go from there."
That means the Cowboys will probably be throwing early and a lot.
While the Vikings (2-3) haven't been able to cover receivers, allowing 288 yards passing a game with three teams throwing for at least 338, they are the league's second-ranked rushing defense. Minnesota has allowed only 66 yards rushing a game, and always less than 100.
"Teams are dropping back 45-50 times against you, you really don't look at the yards you give up. You want to look at the points," cornerback Antoine Winfield said.
"I still think you have to run the ball," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips insisted. "If you just throw it every down, there is the possibility you could have four interceptions and that can hurt you and get you beat."
