Defensive snaps from Cowboys' win

Anthony Spencer played a season-high 38 snaps and delivered one of the game's biggest plays Thursday when he stripped Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte at the end of a 21-yard catch-and-run early in the third quarter.

Sterling Moore recovered the fumble and returned it 17 yards to the Chicago 31, setting up a touchdown that gave the Dallas Cowboys a 21-7 lead in the third quarter.

Bruce Carter had one of his lowest play totals of the season (25), but his blocked punt in the second quarter gave the Cowboys' offense a much-needed impetus and set up their first touchdown.

Carter's playing time has fluctuated this season because the coaching staff gets frustrated with his inconsistency at times and benches him. Other times, the coaching staff prefers to use linebacker Anthony Hitchens in the nickel defense along with Rolando McClain. When that happens, Carter's playing time dwindles.

Defensive tackle Josh Brent returned to the field for the first time since a car accident two years ago that claimed the life of practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown. Brent, who played 22 snaps, had a tackle and seemed active when he was on the field.

It's interesting that in his first game, Brent played seven more snaps than Terrell Mcclain.

Jeremy Mincey led all defensive lineman with 58 snaps.