With the day off today, here's a look at what other members of the Cowboys had to say about Friday night's 23-22 victory over the Houston Texans.

LB Zach Thomas

On how the defense played against Houston: We started out really fast; we had an inconsistent drive, I think an 80-yard that they scored on and we don't ever need that. But it's just preseason ball and we need to get better. They got too many rushing yards against us today and we've got to fix that.

On if he feels like the team has made progress after the third preseason game: I think so, but we were still inconsistent today. But that's what's good -- it's the preseason. During this time, you want to fine-tune and you want to get your rhythm, but sometimes it's dragging on. I want it when it counts; when it really matters.

On being rejuvenated in Dallas: I've always enjoyed watching the Cowboys when I was young, and it's great to play for such a good team now. But just to be able to come home and be close with my family is great. It's a dream come true.On if he's been surprised with how well he's played thus far: No, that's the reason I'm still playing to be honest with you. If I felt like I lost a step, I would have retired already. Because of the 13 years that I've been in the league, some people may think I've slowed down and maybe can't covera anymore, and that's fine with me. I can be labeled that. I'll just earn that respect when I'm out there on the field. I've done a lot of studying and a lot of preparation to help me and I still love the game. They say you'll know when it's your time to shut it down, but I still enjoy it. It's still fun to run around and just tackle people. That's my job and it's pretty simple.

DL Marcus SpearsOn how he feels about his transition from defensive end to nose tackle is going so far: It's going. I'm happy with some of the plays I'm making, but as far as technique, I think I still have a long way to go.

On how his pass rush at nose tackle is coming: You have to understand where I rush (at nose tackle), the quarterback can see me because most quarterbacks are right-handed. So if I'm rushing, they're either going to try to throw it fast or I'm going to get there. I've never based my play on sacks, but instead on just trying to apply pressure and if I get there, I get there.

On how he feels the "front seven" have played during the preseason: I feel like we're giving up too much on the run, but that comes and is something that we'll focus on and get corrected. But guys are flying around and a lot of guys are getting to the ball, and that's what you want to see asa defense with teams not getting second and third chances to get up and make plays.

S Pat WatkinsOn if he was worried about the shoulder stinger he suffered: No. As long as I could use it, I was OK. It just sent a shock through me when it happened.On the play of the special teams return units, particularly on the opening kickoff: It was a little bit of everything. We overplayed some of our spots in certain positions, which caused some people to mess up. I'm not blaming the kicker for not kicking the ball in space; we just have to learn how to adjust better to the kick. If the kick is a depp right kick, we expect the ball to go to the right, but the kick went to the middle. We have to lear to adjust to the kick and get to the middle. A lot of people are still young, and in their mind, when the kick is to the right, they go right instead of going to the ball and getting to the better leverage.