IRVING, Texas - Matt Hasselbeck's injured ribs probably tugged at him after Sunday's game at Cowboys Stadium.

The Seattle Seahawks quarterback was sacked three times and hit repeatedly. The Cowboys' defense also forced two fumbles that increased its season takeaway total to nine.

But the unit's leaders weren't satisfied with its overall performance in a 38-17 victory.

"I just hate that we gave up 17 points," inside linebacker Bradie James said. "That kills me, but we'll get better."

"We can't start off slow like this every Sunday," nose tackle Jay Ratliff said. "We've got to come out on fire and remain that way through the end of the game."

A lack of contentment suggests this defense believes it can get better, and its production in the last five games has been very effective. The Cowboys (5-2) are 4-1 during that stretch, with the defense allowing a 16.4-point average.

Seattle (17 points) broke that threshold when Tony Romo's fumble at his own eight-yard line set up a fourth-quarter touchdown. But the defense hadn't allowed the Seahawks to reach the red zone until then.

One area for improvement, as Ratliff said, is a faster start. In the last two games, Atlanta and Seattle each scored on its opening drive.

"We're going to get their 10 best plays in the beginning," James said. "We have to be ready, and one thing that we will address is when they're giving us their 10 best plays, on third down we have to get off the field."

Atlanta converted three third downs on its opening touchdown drive. Seattle converted one and settled for a field. Overall, the Cowboys rank eighth in the NFL in third-down defense (34.8 percent).

Free, Backups Step In

The Cowboys' comfortable lead gave them a chance to evaluate backup left tackle Doug Free in the fourth quarter. Head coach Wade Phillips was pleased with what he saw from the third-year veteran, who has played sparingly behind Flozell Adams since arriving as a fourth-round pick in 2007.

"I think it's important for us," Phillips said. "That's why we played him some. I just think if a guy practices good enough and is good enough to play, then he deserves to be in the game some time, whether it's a role or whether it's some plays.

I think it helps your team. I think it helps their attitude. I think it helps the player himself obviously, his attitude, and the confidence of the team in that guy when they see him do some good things."

Another example is rookie wide receiver Kevin Ogletree, who caught his first career pass in the fourth quarter - a 19-yard conversion from Romo on third down.

First-Place Crayton

Patrick Crayton has made the most of a second chance on punt returns. Since reassuming the role for an injured Allen Rossum (hamstring), he has become the first Cowboys player since Bob Hayes in 1968 to score a punt return touchdown in consecutive weeks.

Crayton's 73- and 82-yard scores have rocketed his punt return average (16.6) to the top of the NFL rankings. He credits new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis' scheme and approach for his recent success.

"He's brought a different attitude about it and the guys up front are really giving him even more effort," Crayton said, "because I think they realize now that we've got the potential to break one at any moment."

Injury Updates

Phillips said Rossum's hamstring injury will keep him out at least another week. The veteran return specialist was the only player inactive due to injury Sunday.

Phillips said nose tackle Jay Ratliff started and finished the game OK after bruising his knee last week in practice. Wide receiver Miles Austin watched most of the fourth quarter and later told reporters his groin was a little sore, but Phillips said he wouldn't be limited in practice this week.

Westbrook Could Return

A concussion has sidelined Eagles running back Brian Westbrook for one game and most of another, but head coach Andy Reid said Westbrook could practice Wednesday and return against the Cowboys.

Rookie LeSean McCoy started Sunday against the Giants and had 92 all-purpose yards with one touchdown.