After a week of practice, the Cowboys broke up the routine Sunday with an intense Blue-White scrimmage in front of nearly 6,000 raucous fans itching for some signs of an improved team in 2012.

The two-hour practice wasn’t a complete live scrimmage with tackling, but there were several team periods, including one with the starters from each side going live.

“I thought it was a great atmosphere ... this is bigger than my college crowds,” said CB Brandon Carr, who played at Division II Grand Valley State. “We got some good work in today. I thought both sides of the battle got after each other pretty well. We’ve got work to do but it’s a good start.”

The defense seemed to get the best of the offense, especially in goal-line situations. Three times the Cowboys had to settle for field goals.

“That’s something we’ve always got to focus on,” QB Tony Romo said. “We’re still working on things. It’s still practice. We can’t get too up or down about anything. But overall, it was good work for us.”

Less than full team: The Cowboys had 17 players not practicing because of injuries. Coach Jason Garrett said before the scrimmage that all but one of those players will be held out of the Oakland preseason opener on Aug. 13.

Of the injured players, five are projected starters, including defensive standouts Jay Ratliff (foot), Jason Hatcher (hamstring) and Anthony Spencer (hamstring). Guards Mackenzy Bernadeau (hip) and Nate Livings (hamstring/knee) didn't participate and will likely be out through next week.

Backup plan: Going twice against the first-team defense, backup QB Kyle Orton was sharp, completing several mid-to-deep passes, including two for TDs -- to Dwayne Harris and Tim Benford.

With so many injuries on the OL and newly signed veterans Derrick Dockery and Daniel Loper yet to practice, the second-team line is a patchwork. But Orton was able to stand in the pocket and make solid throws, drawing several big roars from the crowd. 

Benford shines: WR Tim Benford, an undrafted rookie from Tennessee Tech, caught two TD passes and had another diving catch during team drills. Benford is getting more reps with injuries to receivers Miles Austin (hamstring) and Saalim Hakim (finger).

The Cowboys gave Benford the largest signing bonus ($20,000) of any undrafted free agent. While Cole Beasley has received more attention during the summer practices and training camp, Benford has elevated himself into the heavy mix of receivers vying for a spot.

Follow the Cowboys and reporter Nick Eatman @CBSSportsNFLDAL.