Sports

The Cowboys have a large, powerful offensive line and a running back tandem that is both productive and dangerous. So the Cardinals' defense has a simple packing list for Sunday's game at University of Phoenix Stadium.

"We just have to bring our big-boy pads," defensive lineman Bryan Robinson said.

It's going to take more than that to slow the Cowboys' rushing attack, which is led by starter Marion Barber and supplemented by rookie Felix Jones. In general, Barber is the power back, the guy who runs between the tackles and keeps the first downs coming.

Jones' strength is using his speed to get to the perimeter. But the Cardinals are quick to point out that the two backs sometimes exchange roles.

"We've got, not Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard, but we've got Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, really," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said, referring to the great Army backs of the 1940s. "He (Jones) can run inside but he can really accelerate and get outside on you. Marion Barber can run outside but he can really power you inside, so it's a good combination for us."

The Cowboys are ranked third in the league in rushing, averaging almost 139 yards a game and five yards a carry. The Cardinals have been average at stopping the run. They rank 12th in the league, yielding an average of 97.8 yards a game and 4.1 yards a carry.

When the Cardinals have been hurt by long runs, it's been because they haven't "fit" correctly into gaps, rather than a case of being beaten physically, defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast said.

"We take a lot of pride in stopping the run," Pendergast said. "Guys will have to be more disciplined in staying in their gaps, and some of the runs that have hit us have been guys not staying in their gaps until the ball commits to the point of no return. So guys peek in and then the back bounces it out."

That could cost them dearly on Sunday. This year, Dallas has gained 10 or more yards on 22 running plays, which is third in the league behind the Giants and Falcons. Barber has 14 of those plays.

"You watch him on film," Robinson said, "and he runs through people, he runs over people, he runs around people. You look at his lower body and he's a stout guy. They have one of the biggest O-lines in the league, so if there's a hole there, they're going to hit it, Barber especially.

"He doesn't waste a lot of time trying to find a hole. He sees it and he's off and running."

The Cardinals are trying to develop a similar situation with starter Edgerrin James and rookie Tim Hightower. James has 92 carries, one fewer than Barber, and has gained 334 yards, 61 yards fewer.

With 36 carries, Hightower has seven more than Jones, but Jones has 244 yards for a 9-yard average. Hightower, who unlike Jones serves as his team's short-yardage back, is averaging 3.1 yards a carry.

A team can survive with one back these days, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said, but it's better to have someone who can share the load. Whisenhunt had that in Pittsburgh with Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker. Those two were a contrast in styles, but having a change of pace isn't a priority, Whisenhunt said.

"I think you just need two good ones," he said. "It's important because later in the season if one back is getting the bulk of your carries, they have a tendency to wear down."

Notes

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin and tight end Ben Patrick were the only players not to participate in at least part of Thursday's practice, according to the injury report. The Cardinals haven't ruled out Boldin playing Sunday but it's doubtful he'll play. He attended practice but was not available to talk to reporters. Patrick suffered a knee injury last week and has worked with trainers this week.

Strong safety Adrian Wilson has been limited in practice with a sore hamstring.