The Dallas defense couldn't contain Robert Smith, who ran for 140 yards on 28 carries.

The Vikings' speedy running back rushed for 140 yards, a team playoff record, and also caught three passes for 58 yards, including a 26-yarder for a touchdown in the second quarter.

"It's a great feeling to be able to go out there and run the ball as effectively as we did," said Smith, who missed part of the season due to double hernia surgery. "It is what we love to do, myself and the linemen included. Those guys love running the football, and I obviously love having the ball in my hands."

Smith was out for three games following surgery and then wasn't 100 percent for several more games. But he's fully recovered now and the Vikings' running game shows it.

Against Detroit in the final game of the regular season, Smith gained 97 yards to help the Vikings secure a home playoff game. Two weeks earlier, he gained 146 yards against the New York Giants, including a 70-yarder that was the sixth-longest touchdown run in team history.

"This is the only time this year where he's been healthy," Vikings coach Dennis Green said. "He's a stronger player right now. His upper body is stronger, his legs are stronger."

Smith prefers to give his veteran offensive line most of the credit.

"With an offensive line that is so much bigger and stronger than the front sevens you face, you can wear them down," Smith said. "I think they (the Cowboys) got tired of seeing us coming downhill at them."

Minnesota's huge front line -- tackles Korey Stringer and Todd Steussie, guards Randall McDaniel and David Dixon and center Jeff Christy -- helped the Vikings rush for 175 yards on 38 carries.

"Anyone would rather block for the run than the pass," said McDaniel, a 10-time Pro Bowl player. "When Robert runs hard and hits holes like that, good things happen."

The Vikings trailed 10-3 with 9:21 left in the second quarter and faced third-and-25 at the Dallas 26 when George tried to look downfield for an open wide receiver. He didn't find one, but knew Smith would be open in the flat.

"I don't know if he knew I was coming to him, but he was all I had," said George. "I just kept the ball in his hands and let him do his magic."

Smith juked Dallas safety George Teague to the ground and raced down the sideline for the 26-yard touchdown. It was all Vikings after that.

"I can't say enough about Jeff and his ability to take advantage of what defenses give him," said Smith. "He saw that there was nobody out there and as soon as I turned around the ball was there."

"We kind of had a breakdown in coverage," Teague said. "All I wanted to do was to keep him from cutting back to the inside, but apparently I left him too much room. He gave me a little fake, froze me and off he went."

It was the longest touchdown reception by a Vikings running back in team playoff history, the kind of play the Vikings hope Smith continues to make.

"He feels great. He feels frisky," Green said. "He knows he can break tackles, and he knows he can also use his speed. He wants the ball."