Like most coaches, he's prone to hyperbole when it comes to an upcoming opponent, and he all but admitted as much at his weekly news conference.

"I probably feel this way the Tuesday before (any) game," Tomlin said Tuesday, while talking up the Dallas Cowboys, "but it's easy to feel that way this week when you turn on the tape and watch these guys."

Tomlin can be excused for laying it on a little thick this week.

Dallas, a chic preseason pick to win the Super Bowl and the Steelers' next opponent, has apparently found its way after some recent hiccups.

And for all of the praise Tomlin lavished on the Cowboys, who visit Heinz Field on Sunday, it isn't a stretch to say their offense could provide a measuring stick like no other for a defense that is No. 1 in the NFL.

Quarterback Tony Romo has thrown for at least 300 yards six times this season, and he's won seven of the nine games he's started. The 8-4 Cowboys scuffled offensively in the three games he missed with a broken pinkie, but Romo has been lighting it up since returning to the field.

The Cowboys are sixth in the NFL in passing offense. They are third in that category in the games Romo has played, with 284.3 passing yards per game.

"They're a great Football team." Tomlin said. "And I do use the word great, because when Romo plays for them, that's what they are."

Tomlin said the Cowboys' offense is the most "dangerous" one the Steelers have faced this season. A big reason for that is Romo's supporting cast.

Tomlin said the Cowboys' offensive line is as big and physical as any that the Steelers will face this season, and Dallas has an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions -- at least on paper.

Terrell Owens is a premier wide receiver, and Jason Witten is one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. The running game is anchored by the bruising Marion Barber of whom Tomlin said, "This guy is a violent runner. He's downhill. If he gets to your secondary, you've got big-time problems."

Barber is nursing a toe injury, but Tomlin says he expects the 2007 Pro Bowler to play in Sunday's 4:15 p.m. game.

If Barber plays, he adds balance to a big-play offense that may be the Steelers' defense stiffest test to date.

"They can score from anywhere on the field," Tomlin said. "They're capable of pounding you with the run with Barber. They're capable of throwing the ball over the top of your head. They're capable of doing it a lot of ways, and I think that's what ultimately makes them the most dangerous."