20 things we learned: Dallas Cowboys 24, Miami Dolphins 14

Jamar Taylor (22), who started his second straight game, struggled all game against Tony Romo. Taylor, the Dolphins’ 2013 second-round pick, allowed Cowboys receiver Terrence Williams to score a 31-yard touchdown. He was constantly under attack by Romo, who shied away from throwing Brent Grimes’ way. Now that the Dolphins have relegated Brice McCain to nickel duty it would be ideal if they had Taylor and rookie Bobby McCain split the boundary reps. -- OK

Olivier Vernon has had a quiet season so far, but the Dolphins starting right defensive end heated up as a pass rusher against the Cowboys. Vernon, who tallied five tackles and one sack, consistently gave Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith, trouble on the edge. The Dolphins also moved Vernon to the left side from time to time, and it created a few pressures for Miami. Every sack is important to this former University of Miami standout because he’s a free agent this offseason. -- OK

That’s the situation Miami found itself in on Dallas’ third touchdown, a 16-yard score by Dez Bryant, where he was covered by linebacker Neville Hewitt with help from safety Walt Aikens. Neither of them were able to cover Bryant, a Pro Bowl talent. -- OK

Fox (74), who was serving as Ja’Wuan James’ replacement for the third week because of James’ broken toe, committed two critical holding penalties. Fox has struggled in every start this season. James’ toe injury was supposed to need four weeks to heal. This begins week four and Miami desperately needs its 2014 first-round pick back. -- OK

Considering NFL teams averaged 24 points a game heading into Week 10, it’s troubling that Bill Lazor’s offense continues to fall short of expectations. It’s hard to win football games when a defense needs to be flawless. -- OK

In the game’s first two minutes, Miller ran three times for 23 yards. His next carry came in the second quarter, a 16-yarder. He finished the half with five totes and then had two more in the second half as the Dolphins finished with 70 yards on the ground on 14 runs. -- SS

In the workup to the 2010 NFL draft, reports leaked that then-GM Jeff Ireland had asked untoward questions about Bryant’s mother as part of the interview process. The Dolphins, selecting 12th, traded down to 28, letting Dallas gobble up the future stud wideout at No. 24. Who did the Dolphins get? In essence, Jason Odrick, Koa Misi and A.J. Edds. -- SS

The former LSU standout -- signed as an undrafted free agent by Dallas after his likely first-round draft status was destroyed by his name being linked to a double homicide (though police said he wasn’t a suspect) -- showed flashes of athleticism and strength as part of what is considered the NFL’s best offensive line. -- SS

Hardy was a handful and led a swarming Dallas front four. He now has 4.5 sacks in his six games for the Cowboys. -- SS