A look back: Sunday Storylines.

Secondary

If any fans were worried about the secondary after the opener, and after Terence Newman’s injury lingered on for another week, despite his return to practice, they were justified.

But, four interceptions later, at least all of Cowboys Nation is able to breathe easier. CB Anthony Henry matched his interception total from all of last season in yesterday’s game, picking off Trent Green twice, setting up a Dallas touchdown with the second one, which was the last in a series of three game-changing turnovers that the Cowboys converted into points.

The other two picks came from the safety tandem of Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin, who also combined for nine tackles. Hamlin’s pick was the first of the game-changing turnovers, and his 35-yard return helped set the Cowboys up for Nick Folk’s second three-pointer, which made it 20-13.

Newman may well return against Chicago, and while his return, whenever it is, will be huge, seeing how much of an improvement the guys made in a week, while the best cover guy was still out, is something to be proud of.

Neutralizing #99

For any offensive coordinator, containing the constant threat that is Miami DE Jason Taylor has to be at the top of the list of any game plan. And, after Taylor made his presence felt (as usual) last week, recording five tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble agains tthe Redskins, you can bet that there was some extra planning to make sure Taylor didn’t get too many opportunities to be close to Tony Romo or the ballcarriers.

Looks like Jason Garrett and the offensive staff must have planned right, and the O-line ate their boxes of Wheaties, as Taylor was limited to only three tackles (two solo, one assist).

There must have been some game tape from the teams’ last meeting still somewhere within the offices. Taylor only had two tackles in the Dolphins’ Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys four seasons ago, but he picked up a sack and a fumble recovery and return for a touchdown in the 40-21 win.

The Cowboys face another of the NFL’s most feared defenders this coming Sunday, in Bears LB Brian Urlacher, and must go up against one of, if not the best, defenses in the league. They’re a whole different animal than the Giants and Dolphins’ defenses, so it might be asking too much to put up 30+ again. But, given the Bears’ offensive troubles, getting into the 20s might be enough to see of da Bears.

Marion Barber III 1, Joey Porter 0

It looks like Joey Porter would be well-advised to leave his talking until after the game. Porter singled out Barber prior to yesterday’s game, talking about his toughness, and saying that he was going to be ‘looking for him.’

Barber came out the victor on the scoreboard, and statistically, as he racked up 89 yards on 14 carries, and scored twice, including the 40-yard run late in the fourth that put the finishing touches on the win, and Porter was held to only two tackles. Also on Sunday, the two got in a couple confrontations, as Porter was flagged for a personal foul for ripping off Barber’s helmet following his first carry, and before that, the two had some words before the game.

So far, Porter has only five tackles in two games, so he might need to wait a few more weeks until he pulls out the pre-game trash talk. That is what he’s known for, but hey, don’t just talk tough, my friend, be tough. It might all be in good fun, and to rile the other guy up, but don’t let it backfire on you, and moreover, if you’re going to try to intiimdate someone, do it with your play and not with your words or with silly personal fouls.

Besides, no matter how tough you might be during the game, the only thing that matters in the end is the score. Barber got the victory, and as an added bonus, shut Porter up with his performance. Speaking of his performance, Barber’s justifying getting more carries. In two games, he has run for 154 yards on only 25 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and has scored three touchdowns. On the other hand, Julius Jones has run for only 98 yards on 31 carries, for a 3.2 yard average per carry (and hasn’t scored yet). If things continue to go this way for the next few games, Wade Phillips will have a decision on his hands about who the primary back will be. Either way, both will get a fair amount of opportunities each game, but if Barber keeps running har and running well, then it might be time to get him more carries than Jones.