Alan Ball scored a touchdown on a blocked field goal return, and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings, 23-17, in a preseason game Saturday.
Tony Romo completed 15-of-20 passes for 141 yards for Dallas, while Donovan McNabb was 12-of-18 for 164 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the Vikings.
It was the first game held at the Metrodome since the roof collapsed during a massive snow storm last December, forcing the Vikings to play their final two home games of the season in alternate venues.
McNabb and Bernard Berrian connected on a 49-yard touchdown in the first quarter, but the Vikings didn't post another TD until Joe Webb scrambled for a 10-yard score late in the third quarter.
Adrian Peterson rushed 14 times for 81 yards for the Vikings and Ryan Longwell kicked a 44-yard field goal.
Dallas scored 17 straight points after Berrian's first quarter touchdown. Besides Dan Bailey's 37-yard field goal and Ball's special teams score, Felix Jones rushed for a five-yard TD.
First-round pick Christian Ponder was 3-of-8 for 60 yards for Minnesota, while Webb finished 4-of-7 for 81 yards.
Game Notes





JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.