OAKLAND, Calif. — When free safety Eugene Wilson suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to Dallas on Sept. 26, Dominique Barber replaced him as the starter against Oakland on Sunday.Barber, a three-year veteran with a lot of playing time, is more suited for strong safety but knows both positions. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he wanted to get some playing time for Troy Nolan at free safety, but wasn't sure how much considering Nolan's lack of experience.After Nolan intercepted two passes in Sunday's 31-24 victory over the Raiders, Kubiak plans to find him more playing time."It feels good to know he (Kubiak) feels that way," Nolan said. "It means all that hard work I'm putting in is paying off."Sack raceNolan (6-2, 206) ignited a defensive performance that included four sacks - two by defensive end Antonio Smith - and three turnovers."He took full advantage of his opportunity, and that's what this league's all about," strong safety Bernard Pollard said.Nolan's interceptions couldn't have come at a better time."When the ball's in the air, it always seems to come to Troy," linebacker DeMeco Ryans said. "Even in practice, he's got a knack for getting the ball."The Texans led 24-14 with 2:29 left in the third quarter. Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski threw to receiver Darrius Heyward-Bay. Nolan intercepted and returned it 20 yards to the Raiders' 35."On the first one, X (Xavier Adibi) tipped it," Nolan said. "I saw the ball in the air and went for it. Fortunately, I was able to get it."Nolan's interception set up Matt Schaub's 10-yard touchdown pass to Arian Foster.In the fourth quarter, the Texans led by seven. The Raiders had the ball at their 31. It was fourth down. Gradkowski threw down the middle for Louis Murphy, and Nolan intercepted. He returned it 14 yards to the Raiders' 41, allowing the Texans to run out the clock."On the second one, I saw the ball in the air, and I just broke on it and got it," Nolan said. "I try to get around the ball as much as I can. I try to get turnovers because I know how much they mean to our defense."Going into Sunday's game, the Texans had forced one turnover, none in the past two games. They had five sacks, four by Mario Williams.Sunday, Antonio Smith had two sacks and Williams one. Ryans had the other."We worked all week on getting the ball out," Pollard said. "What happened today started with pressure up front. Antonio, Mario and the guys really got after them."
