Cowboys 26, Titans 10: Whitt Watch Top 10

10. Way premature to say the defense is “fixed” under new coordinator Rod Marinelli, but the Titans got only 13 first downs on 12 drives. Once upon a time (better known as Nov. 10, 2003) the Cowboys surrendered an NFL-record 40 first downs to the Saints.

9. Dan Bailey is more automatic than any kicker in Cowboys’ history. Today he nailed field goals from 48, 44, 51 and 48 yards. And they were all straight-down-the-middle swishes. Nothing but net. Bailey’s made 62 of his last 66 field goals. In other words, he’s more reliable than even Dirk Nowitzki at the free-throw line. Amazing. He’s made 26 straight, needing two more to break Chris Boniol’s franchise record.

8. With his second fumble in as many weeks, he started out as Duh-Marco Murray. But wow did he run hard today, amassing 167 yards on a career-high 29 carries. Through two games that’s 51 carries and 285 yards. So yeah Jason Garrett, so far he is the “bell cow” you projected. Murray’s start — 285 yards — is the best after two games in Cowboys’ history. Yep, even better than any jump from the gate by Tony Dorsett or Emmitt Smith.

7. So this week it's Titans fans turn to complain about too many visiting fans in the stands, huh? "Let's go Cowboys!" rang loud and clear.

6. In related good news, Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin III dislocated his ankle and the Giants fell to 0-2 after committing four turnovers, allowing a punt return for a touchdown and losing to the Cardinals’ backup quarterback. At home. Ouch.

5. Blue jerseys? No worries. Including last year’s Thanksgiving victory over Raiders, Cowboys now have a two-game winning streak in their traditional blues.

4. Tony Romo authored a win and threw no interceptions, but clearly he’s struggling in 2014. With his mobility. With his zip. With his accuracy. With his everything. And he’s lost a step, or two. Looks more like Tony Slomo. But, hey, be happy. You could be rooting for Jake Locker. Right?

3. Dez Bryant had 10 catches, but even with his athleticism and propensity for highlight grabs it’s going to be difficult to top linebacker Rolando McClain’s bobbling, juggling, falling, grabbing, re-grabbing interception in the fourth quarter. Sure it should’ve been a touchdown. But it was the Cowboys’ catch of the year. So far. After a tip at the line by Henry Melton, McClain basically caught an end-over-end kickoff — one-handed and after caroms off his chest, arm and helmet.

2. Last week the Titans looked great and the Cowboys pathetic. Today the script was totally flipped. Welcome to the NFL, where last week has little or no impact on this week. It’s why football is so frustrating. So entertaining. And so must-watch.

1. Murray was great and Bailey was automatic and the secondary was decent, but the game’s biggest moment was a defensive play by … Jason Witten. With their lead down to 16-10, the Cowboys faced a 2nd-and-4 at the Titans’ 33. For some reason the play call was a screen to the relatively immobile tight end. Romo’s pass was high, glancing off Witten’s hand and into the arms of Titans’ safety Bernard Pollard. But just as Pollard began to tuck the ball away in stride en route to a 62-yard touchdown that would’ve given Tennessee the lead and all the momentum, Witten stretched out and poked the ball free with his right arm for an incompletion. Eight plays later Romo hit Bryant with a touchdown for a 23-10 lead. Ballgame.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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