The Jets barely have time to celebrate their stunning upset over a seemingly playoff-bound team before having to gear up and do it again, this time in Dallas on Thanksgiving (or “Big D on T-Day” if you want to text it).

The Cowboys, under first-year head coach Wade Phillips, have been enjoying a 9-1 season, relying on a big offense and averaging 32.9 points a game, only 2nd to those jerkwads in New England, and playing solid defense (ranked 7th overall). Quarterback Tony Romo has been having an All-Pro season, having already thrown for over 2,500 yards and 23 TDs, while the two-headed running attack of Marion Barber and Julius Jones (Thomas’ little brother) have combined for nearly 1,000 yards and 8 TDs.

Oh, and then there’s Terrell Owens. You may have heard of him.

How ’bout them Cowboys?

Cheerleader check: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Period.

Record: 9-1, currently first in the NFC East.

Barometer: Rising, as last week’s win over the Redskins cemented the Cowboys as one of the two best teams in the NFC.

Questions: Is Wade Phillips proving that nice guys can finish first? Can anyone cover T.O.? Can the Cowboy secondary stay healthy? Has Roy Williams learned to tackle anyone straight on? Who will win this week’s battle of the Australian punters? Will Romo continue to pick through Derek Jeter’s sloppy seconds*? (*Of course, his sloppy seconds being the likes of Miss Universe, Playboy playmates and Victoria Secret models.)

Key injuries: Wide receiver Patrick Crayton (sprained ankle) will be a game-day decision. Guard Leonard Davis and cornerback Anthony Henry (both ankles — is there something in the water there?) are both probable.

Old friends: Defensive tackle Jason Ferguson tore his biceps in the first game against the Giants, which ended his season.

What to expect from the Cowboy offense: As mentioned above, under coordinator Jason Garrett, the Cowboys have one of the top offenses in the league, and can move the ball both on the ground and through the air. Romo, like Roethlisberger, is a quarterback who is dangerous outside of the pocket and can make plays given time. Obviously, T.O. is his top target with 58 receptions; his 4 TD performance last week gives him a total of 8 for the season, to go along with 855 yards, which includes four straight 100-yard games. With Terry Glenn out, Crayton has fared well on the other side (466 yards, 5 TDs), as has the tight end Jason Witten (629 yards, 5 TDs). If Crayton is hurt, then Sam Hurd gets the start. The line, anchored by center Andre Gurode and featuring left tackle Flozell Adams protecting Romo’s blindside, has done a great job paving the way for the thunder-and-lightning attack of Barber (569 yards) and Jones (401), both of whom also catch passes out of the backfield (37 combined receptions). The Jets secondary will be tested early and often.

Jersey watch (offense): #81 belongs to T.O., but #82 (Witten) has done some nice work, also.

What to expect from the Cowboy defense: With injuries nagging the secondary all year long, teams have been able to pass on the Cowboys — last week, Washington’s Jason Campbell hung 348 yards on them. When healthy, however, cornerbacks Terence Newman (2 interceptions) and Henry (5 picks) have played very well. Hard-hitting safety Roy Williams is exceptional in run support, although he has struggled at times in coverage. Up front, the Cowboys employ 3-4 and employ it well: they rank 4th against the run and get great production from their linebackers, especially Demarcus Ware (8 sacks), Bradie James (62 tackles, 2 sacks) and Greg Ellis (6.5 sacks). Jay Ratliff has stepped in at the nose for Ferguson and done well, while ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears have played well. The Cowboys also an opportunistic defense, having created a lot of turnovers — 15 interceptions and 6 fumbles.

Jersey watch (defense): The #94 of Ware is becoming a well-known jersey around the league, and with good reason. It would help if players had eyes in the back of their heads to the see the #31 of Williams coming up from behind for the horse collar tackle.

What to expect from the Cowboy special teams, especially since they don’t have Mike Westhoff: The Cowboys struggled in kick coverage last week against the Redskins, giving up a few huge returns — in this spot last week, I (sort of) noted/prophesized that Neon Leon could have an impact, which goes again this week. With Crayton injured, Newman will return punts, something he hasn’t done much of this season. Tyson Thompson returns kickoffs, averaging a pedestrian 23.6 yards. Rookie Nick Folk has been solid on kicks, going 15 of 17 with a long of 53, while Australian Mat McBriar has been handling the punting well (47.5 average; 38.5 net).

What to expect from the broadcast booth: It’s Thanksgiving in Dallas — expect Simms and Lampley to yammer on about yams, turkey, Romo and T.O.

What’s being said in the Cowboy blogosphere:

• The ‘Boys Blog looks at the development of Tony Romo.
• Blogging The Boys offers a transcript of Wade Phillips’ Tuesday’ presser regarding the Jets.
• Know Your Dallas Cowboys has a little Cowboy trivia quiz.
• Cowboys Gab notes it’s a short week to prepare for the Jets.
• The Dallas Morning News blog has a nice story about the reunion and matchup between University of Virginia alums D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Chris Canty.
• Since he lives in Dallas and that’s his beat, Hashmarks by TJB friend Matt Mosley will no doubt have constant coverage throughout the game on Thursday.

The pressure is on: The Cowboy dinged up secondary to stop Kellen Clemens and the special teams to not let Leon beat them.

Bottom line: Have a drumstick and enjoy the game.

Dallas Cowboy Quick Ranks:
Overall offense – 2nd (393.0 yards/game)
Passing – 3rd (275.5 yards/game)
Rushing – 13th (117.5 yards/game)
Scoring – 2nd (32.4 points/game)

Overall defense – 9th (311.0 yards/game)
Passing – 24th (226.7 yards/game)
Rushing – 5th (84.3 yards/game)
Scoring – 18th (21.8 points/game)

Turnovers: +5
16 giveaways (12 interceptions, 4 fumbles)
21 takaways (15 interceptions, 6 fumbles)