Henry a major hit for Cowboys
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
IRVING -- Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry is usually a quiet player who rarely shows much emotion.
Facing one of the league's premier receivers Sunday, Henry's playmaking transformed him into a fiery spark. Henry helped fuel the Cowboys' 34-6 victory against Houston by locking up Texans star Andre Johnson.
Henry continually made plays, followed by fist-pumping outbursts against Johnson.
"That's what happens when you are in a zone like he was," Cowboys cornerback Aaron Glenn said. "He played out of his mind today. That's what we expect from him week in and week out."
Johnson (6-foot-3, 222 pounds) was continually harassed in tight coverage by the 6-1, 208-pound Henry, who had a team-high five passes defended and one interception. Johnson led the Texans with nine receptions for 75 yards but was taken away as a weapon when the game was in doubt. In the first three quarters, Johnson was held to five catches for 31 yards. He entered the game leading the league in receiving yards per game at 102.5 and had three 100-yard receiving days this season.
"He definitely rose to the challenge," Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said of Henry. "The secondary had to step up, and they did. If they hadn't stepped up, maybe we wouldn't be here with a win."
Henry made his biggest play when Houston quarterback David Carr, the league's top-rated passer before Sunday, forced a pass to Johnson at the Texans' 44. Henry intercepted the pass near the Houston sideline.
The big plays the secondary gave up against Philadelphia in last week's 38-24 loss disappeared against the Texans.
The Cowboys defense produced two second-half interceptions to help jump-start the offense. Dallas scored touchdowns off both turnovers to build a safe 24-6 lead with 14:57 left in the game.
Special teams also produced a turnover when safety Roy Williams recovered a fumble on a kickoff return early in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Kevin Burnett forced the mistake, and the Cowboys followed with Mike Vanderjagt's 21-yard field goal for a 27-6 lead. It was the second time this season the Cowboys produced three turnovers in a game.
"Roy made a lot of big plays and big hits," James said. "He basically set the tone for us."
James tipped a pass intended for Johnson that was intercepted by a diving Greg Ellis at the Houston 34.
Ellis, who has made an impressive switch from defensive end to linebacker this season, produced his first interception since 2002 and the third of his career. Cornerback Terence Newman stripped the ball from Ellis and ran 12 yards to the Houston 23.
IN THE KNOW
Playing 'D'
The Cowboys secondary led the defensive charge against Houston on Sunday in Dallas' 34-6 victory.
Linebacker Greg Ellis recorded the third interception of his career.
Cornerback Anthony Henry recorded his first interception of the season and 21st of his career.
The 12 first downs allowed are the fewest since holding Detroit to 11 on Nov. 20, 2005.
The one rushing first down allowed has been accomplished many times, with the most recent against Chicago on Nov. 25, 2004. The Cowboys have allowed no first downs seven times, with the most recent against Philadelphia on Oct. 9, 2005.
The 34 rushing yards allowed was the fewest since allowing 19 rushing yards against Philadelphia on Oct. 9, 2005.
IRVING -- Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry is usually a quiet player who rarely shows much emotion.
Facing one of the league's premier receivers Sunday, Henry's playmaking transformed him into a fiery spark. Henry helped fuel the Cowboys' 34-6 victory against Houston by locking up Texans star Andre Johnson.
Henry continually made plays, followed by fist-pumping outbursts against Johnson.
"That's what happens when you are in a zone like he was," Cowboys cornerback Aaron Glenn said. "He played out of his mind today. That's what we expect from him week in and week out."
Johnson (6-foot-3, 222 pounds) was continually harassed in tight coverage by the 6-1, 208-pound Henry, who had a team-high five passes defended and one interception. Johnson led the Texans with nine receptions for 75 yards but was taken away as a weapon when the game was in doubt. In the first three quarters, Johnson was held to five catches for 31 yards. He entered the game leading the league in receiving yards per game at 102.5 and had three 100-yard receiving days this season.
"He definitely rose to the challenge," Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said of Henry. "The secondary had to step up, and they did. If they hadn't stepped up, maybe we wouldn't be here with a win."
Henry made his biggest play when Houston quarterback David Carr, the league's top-rated passer before Sunday, forced a pass to Johnson at the Texans' 44. Henry intercepted the pass near the Houston sideline.
The big plays the secondary gave up against Philadelphia in last week's 38-24 loss disappeared against the Texans.
The Cowboys defense produced two second-half interceptions to help jump-start the offense. Dallas scored touchdowns off both turnovers to build a safe 24-6 lead with 14:57 left in the game.
Special teams also produced a turnover when safety Roy Williams recovered a fumble on a kickoff return early in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Kevin Burnett forced the mistake, and the Cowboys followed with Mike Vanderjagt's 21-yard field goal for a 27-6 lead. It was the second time this season the Cowboys produced three turnovers in a game.
"Roy made a lot of big plays and big hits," James said. "He basically set the tone for us."
James tipped a pass intended for Johnson that was intercepted by a diving Greg Ellis at the Houston 34.
Ellis, who has made an impressive switch from defensive end to linebacker this season, produced his first interception since 2002 and the third of his career. Cornerback Terence Newman stripped the ball from Ellis and ran 12 yards to the Houston 23.
IN THE KNOW
Playing 'D'
The Cowboys secondary led the defensive charge against Houston on Sunday in Dallas' 34-6 victory.
Linebacker Greg Ellis recorded the third interception of his career.
Cornerback Anthony Henry recorded his first interception of the season and 21st of his career.
The 12 first downs allowed are the fewest since holding Detroit to 11 on Nov. 20, 2005.
The one rushing first down allowed has been accomplished many times, with the most recent against Chicago on Nov. 25, 2004. The Cowboys have allowed no first downs seven times, with the most recent against Philadelphia on Oct. 9, 2005.
The 34 rushing yards allowed was the fewest since allowing 19 rushing yards against Philadelphia on Oct. 9, 2005.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:44 PM
<< Home