BALTIMORE -- Maybe it was that 13-yard run against Chicago that sparked things for Felix Jones. Whatever it was, his play Sunday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens was wonderful.
Jones rushed for 92 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown in the Cowboys' 31-29 loss.
It was Jones' first score since the 2011 season opener at the New York Jets. Once more, Jones, who hadn't run with a burst or show any quickness, ran with some on Sunday.
His touchdown run came on a play down the sideline where he read his blocks well and dove into the end zone. It gave the Cowboys their first lead of the day at 7-3.
This was turning into a lost season for Jones, a 2010 first-round pick. He was backing up DeMarco Murray and had carried the ball just three times in 2012. His opportunities on kick returns were limited -- 11 returns total and three the last two weeks -- coming into the Ravens game.
But everything changed when Murray suffered a sprained foot and Jones was asked to take over.
"You just got to be patient with things," Jones said. "It might not always work your way, but you definitely got to take advantage of the opportunities."
Jones had to leave the game briefly with cramps, but he returned to help the run game produce a season-high 227 yards, the most given up by the Ravens in their franchise history.
"I have to give it up to the offensive line, they did a great job of providing lanes for all the runners and we have to hit it full speed," Jones said. "It's disappointing (to lose), but we did a lot of great things. We fought back and we continued to fight until the last second."
It's uncertain if Murray will play next Sunday at Carolina, which could mean a return to the starting lineup for Jones. He was the starter last season until an ankle injury allowed Murray to run away with the job.
But Sunday, Jones played one of the better games of his career in a game the Cowboys almost won.
"I’ve been talking to Felix really the last couple of week to stay the course, stay the course," tight end Jason Witten said. "I thought he did a good job. Sometimes the games are dictated otherwise and you have to pass. I thought he just stayed the course and thought obviously this was his best day in a long time. I’m proud of him. He gave us a chance. He needs to build on that."