The Houston Texans made history by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 at AT&T Stadium for the first time in franchise history on Monday night. The Texans were led by running back Joe Mixon, who scored three rushing touchdowns and recorded 109 rushing yards. Mixon’s stellar performance helped the Texans secure the win and snap a two-game losing streak.
The game started with the Texans jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The defense played a crucial role in the victory by sacking Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush five times, intercepting him once, and scoring a touchdown on a strip sack. The win puts the Texans two games ahead of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, with upcoming games against the two-win Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
One pivotal play came early in the fourth quarter when defensive end Derek Barnett had a strip sack, leading to a touchdown that extended the Texans’ lead. Coach DeMeco Ryans made the decision to have cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. cover All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, a move that paid off as Stingley contained Lamb effectively throughout the game.
However, the Texans struggled with penalties, committing nine penalties for 69 yards, allowing the Cowboys to stay in the game. Despite this, the Texans managed to come out on top and will need to address their discipline as they approach the postseason.
On the other hand, the Cowboys faced their fifth consecutive loss, marking their longest losing streak since 2015. With key players like Dak Prescott out for the season and injuries to offensive linemen Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, the Cowboys are facing challenges moving forward. The team’s struggles were evident in their defense, which allowed big plays and points in 22 straight quarters, a team record.
Looking ahead, the Texans will face the Tennessee Titans next, while the Cowboys are set to play against the Washington Commanders. Both teams will need to make adjustments and improvements to turn their seasons around and finish strong.
