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Rams Vs. Cowboys Power Play: Al Harris

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Al Harris #31 of the St. Louis Rams knocks away a pass at the goal line thrown to Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys at the Cowboy Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Al Harris #31 of the St. Louis Rams knocks away a pass at the goal line thrown to Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys at the Cowboy Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The St. Louis Rams defensive play was especially poor last week against the Dallas Cowboys. After such a promising year in 2010, the Rams defense is on pace to reach historic lows in the history of the franchise. Nobody expected much overall after both starting cornerbacks, Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher, were lost for the season. That's what made the play of Al Harris such a pleasant surprise this week. In fact, it was the only pleasant note in an otherwise dismal outing. 

Harris kept the Dallas receivers in tight coverage throughout the entire game. Targeted seven times, according to Pro Football Focus, Tony Romo completed just two of those passes for a mere 23 yards. 

A veteran and a competitor, whatever it is Harris has doesn't seem to be rubbing off on the rest of the team. Why? Well, if you can figure that out, you probably have a coaching job waiting for you in Earth City. Harris plays like a man on a mission, because he is. At 36, his NFL career is nearing the end, and he said that he wants to go out on a high note rather than on IR as many thought he would prior to this season.