GLENDALE, Ariz. — Slowly but surely, a fire of anger is starting to smolder in the Dallas Cowboys' locker room, but it's not coming from the usual suspects.

The most smoke came from special teams captain Keith Davis, who gave a fiery tongue lashing to his teammates following Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals before a sold-out crowd at University of Phoenix Stadium.

He was primarily upset because of the two decisive plays on special teams at the start and end of the game that keyed the loss.

J.J. Arrington had a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the opening play.

And then a blocked punt by Sean Morey led to a 3-yard touchdown return by Monty Beisel on the first possession of overtime to end it, spoiling what had the makings of miracle comeback but sending the Cowboys to their second loss in three games.

Trailing 24-14, the Cowboys scored on a 70-yard catch and run by Marion Barber with 2 minutes left and a 52-yard field goal by Nick Folk as time expired in regulation to force overtime.

The results completed a day of sporadic and mistake-prone play.

For Davis it was not just about the special teams, but the overall attitude of an uber-talented Cowboys team that doesn't always play with a sense of urgency and chooses to increasingly rely on its 13 Pro Bowl nods from last year rather than its effort.

Consider this, the Cowboys (4-2) came into the season as Super Bowl favorites by some, might be sitting home if the playoffs started today.

"I am fed up with it," Davis said. "Yeah, I'm fed up. Because there's no reason. Everybody wants to talk 'Oh, the Cowboys are the most talented team.' Man, talent ain't ever won nobody nothing. Nothing. It's going to be a complete team. It's not about talent. Talent's not going to get it done. Want-to is what's going to get it done. Focus is what's going to get it done. Busting your tail starting on Monday is what's going to get it done."

Davis' words were contrasted by those of Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo, who spoke glowingly of a Cardinals defense that harassed him for four quarters. Romo's numbers — 24-of-39 for 321 yards and two touchdowns — didn't tell the story of an increasingly out-of-sync Cowboys passing game that can no longer get the ball in the hands of playmaking receiver Terrell Owens on a consistent basis. Owens was a non-factor for the third game in the past four weeks with four catches for 36 yards.

The offensive line allowed three sacks and a number of hits on Romo. The pressure took its toll as Romo fumbled three times, including a lost fumble. It marked the 10th consecutive game dating back to last season, including the playoffs, which featured a Romo turnover.

A sack and fumble on the first play of overtime resulted in sprained right pinkie finger for Romo.

"This season isn't going to go down this straight and narrow path and be a nice cozy Sunday drive," Romo said.

Romo's comments were echoed by owner Jerry Jones, who said the Cowboys are playing to his expectations and credited the Cardinals with being an improved team.

"I would never have thought we could have been 6-0," Jones said. "I like 4-2. I do like 4-2."

Like Davis, however, there are others in the locker room who are less than satisfied with the Cowboys' performance.

"Somebody needs to get mad," receiver Patrick Crayton said. "It's disgusting. We have to step up and get some fire."

Linebacker Bradie James was part of a defense that wore down in the second half, when Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner repeatedly gashed the Cowboys for big plays to receivers Steve Breaston and Larry Fitzgerald.

The Cowboys' loss came after a week of controversy stemming from cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones' involvement with a fight with his bodyguard at a downtown Dallas hotel Tuesday night. Adam Jones, who was suspended for the 2007 season for repeated violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy, will learn in the next few days from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell whether he will be suspended again.

Adam Jones has yet to discuss the incident and declined to talk after the game.