Then there were the Bengals

Purrrr

It's not even been a week since the sky started falling over the city of Dallas and everyone is still very restless.

Like a first date, the Cowboys were sloppy for the first time this season. However, that doesn't define you as either a mate or professional football team. What defines you is the follow up. The next game. Or date.

That's why everyone's scratching itches that aren't there. Sunday, the Bengals can't get here fast enough to really see what this team has. If they're everything we think they are, they kill the Bengals. If maybe they're a notch or two below, and the secondary is as bad as it was last week, then look out.

Even still. Come on. It's the Bengals.

A side note on the issues with the offense and people not getting open and all the pass plays: Does anything change with a legit No. 2 receiver? Let's say Roy Williams is there opposite TO and Patrick Crayton's in the slot and Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback and Sam Hurd are safe and sound on the bench.

The No. 2 receiver question lost momentum once they started the season so well, but if there are any more offensive issues, I suspect it'll return.

To the five things to watch:

Marion Barber
The Bengals allow a billion yards rushing per game. If the Cowboys don't rush -- if anything to take away the spotlight from Tony Romo and Terrell Owens -- then they are the dumbest group of coaches of all time.

Those Darn Receivers
Last week, the Cowboys were eaten up by Santana Moss and Co. The talent probably improves this week with Ocho Cinco and T.J. Housmadzdaklfjaodifjknafldihj (the wrong receiver changed his name). Expect a pristine game from Terence Newman to make up for last week's abortion. Also note the Bengals, I don't think, are even dressing a running back. Maybe James Brooks and Ickey Woods are available. Either way, the Bengals ain't running the ball.

Jason Garrett
Is he finished playing around?

Urgency
Norm Hitzges -- when not getting extremely angry -- makes good sports points. Today, he talked about the relative lack of urgency with this Cowboys team. Couldn't agree more. Did anyone notice how the New England Patriots always ratchet things up year after year. Last year it was over 16 games. The Giants did it late last year. When was the last time a Cowboys team looked urgent, overly focused? They may win, but they aren't focused.

Bob Sturm
This is non-Cowboys related (other than the fact he hosts the pre-game show on the radio) but is The Ticket's Sturm reaching a new stratosphere of sports celebrity in this town. He coached a Stars pre-season game yesterday. He does stuff for their website now. He's perpetually guesting on other programs. He blogs. He saves the world. He watches soccer. Prediction: Gordon Keith will not be the only Ticket employee with a TV show in the next year.

Prediction
Cowboys 30, Bengals 7
The Bengals receivers could very well kill the Cowboys secondary. But I don't think they'll get a chance. The Cowboys should (should!) hold on to the ball the entire game. If the Cowboys lose this game, there will be bigger issues than Owens' ego.