Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats faced off in a thrilling intrastate rivalry on November 18, 2024, at AT&T Stadium, with the Texans dominating the Cowboys in a 34-10 victory. This game, part of NFL Week 11, showcased standout performances, critical plays, and a few surprises that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the stats behind this Texas-sized clash, this article breaks down the key player performances, team stats, and game-changing moments in a way that’s easy to understand for all ages. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind the Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys matchup, with a focus on player stats and what they mean for both teams.

Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves

The Houston Texans came into this Monday Night Football game with a 6-4 record, looking to snap a two-game losing streak and solidify their lead in the AFC South. The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, were struggling at 3-6, dealing with the absence of star quarterback Dak Prescott due to a season-ending ankle injury. The game was a tale of two halves: the first half saw both teams trading blows, with the score at 17-10 in favor of Houston at halftime. However, the Texans’ defense and running game took over in the second half, shutting out Dallas and pulling away for a convincing win.

This article will explore the standout players, their stats, and how they shaped the outcome. We’ll also look at team statistics, key moments, and what this game means for both franchises moving forward. Whether you’re rooting for the Texans, the Cowboys, or just love football, there’s something here for everyone.

Houston Texans: Key Player Stats

Joe Mixon – The Star of the Show

Joe Mixon was the undeniable MVP of this game, delivering a performance that left the Cowboys’ defense scrambling. The Texans’ running back ran for 109 yards on 20 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns. His first touchdown came early, a 45-yard sprint on the opening drive that set the tone for Houston’s dominance. Mixon followed it up with a 1-yard plunge before halftime and sealed his hat-trick with a 6-yard score in the fourth quarter.

Mixon’s impact wasn’t limited to rushing. He also contributed 44 yards on two receptions, totaling 153 all-purpose yards. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Mixon, saying, “He’s a force for us. Over 100 yards, three touchdowns, I just really liked the way we kept churning it in the run game.” Mixon’s performance extended his touchdown streak to six consecutive games, a franchise record for the Texans.

C.J. Stroud – Steady but Unspectacular

Quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t need to light up the stat sheet to lead his team to victory. He completed 23 of 34 passes (67.6%) for 257 yards, with no touchdown passes but one interception on a risky fourth-down attempt. Stroud also added 26 yards on three scrambles, showing his mobility when needed. While his passing numbers reflect a conservative approach, Stroud avoided critical mistakes after the early interception, managing the game effectively as Mixon and the defense carried the load.

Stroud’s performance was described as “sinking deeper into a sophomore slump” by some analysts, as he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in three of his last five games. However, his ability to avoid sacks (only one in this game) and keep drives alive was crucial.

Nico Collins – A Big Return

Wide receiver Nico Collins returned from a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury and made an immediate impact, even if the stat line doesn’t fully show it. On the first play of the game, Collins took a screen pass 77 yards for a touchdown, only for it to be called back due to a penalty. He finished with four receptions on seven targets for 54 yards, providing a reliable target for Stroud. His return added a spark to the Texans’ offense, even if it was Mixon who stole the show.

Defensive Standouts: Derek Barnett and Danielle Hunter

The Texans’ defense was the unsung hero of this game, particularly in the second half, where they shut out the Cowboys. Defensive end Derek Barnett was a game-changer, forcing a fumble and returning another for a 28-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. This scoop-and-score, after a strip-sack on Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush, effectively sealed the game at 27-10. Barnett’s play was described as “the definitive defensive play of the game” by analysts.

Danielle Hunter also shone, generating 10 pressures and two sacks, primarily against Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele. Hunter leads the NFL with 72 pressures this season, and his performance helped compensate for the absence of Will Anderson Jr., who missed the game with an ankle injury. Together, Barnett and Hunter accounted for three of Houston’s five sacks on Rush, disrupting Dallas’ offense repeatedly.

Other Notable Texans Performers

• Jalen Pitre (Safety): Pitre contributed six tackles for loss and one interception, helping to stifle Dallas’ passing game.

• Azeez Al-Shaair (Linebacker): Al-Shaair added 48 tackles, including six for loss, and one sack, providing physicality in the middle.

• Ka’imi Fairbairn (Kicker): Fairbairn was perfect, hitting both field goal attempts, including a 33-yarder that extended Houston’s lead in the first half.

Dallas Cowboys: Key Player Stats

Cooper Rush – A Mixed Bag

With Dak Prescott sidelined, backup quarterback Cooper Rush shouldered the load for Dallas. He threw for an impressive 354 yards, completing 32 of 55 passes (58.2%), with one touchdown and one interception. His highlight was a 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin in the second quarter, which briefly brought the Cowboys within striking distance at 17-10. However, Rush was sacked five times, including three on a single drive in the fourth quarter, and his fumble led to Barnett’s touchdown return. Despite the yardage, Rush couldn’t convert drives into points, as Dallas struggled in the red zone.

Rush’s performance was better than his previous outing against Philadelphia, where he managed only 45 yards, but the lack of a running game and mounting injuries on the offensive line limited his effectiveness.

KaVontae Turpin – A Bright Spot

Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin provided one of the few highlights for Dallas, catching three passes for 86 yards, including the 64-yard touchdown that saw him hit a top speed of 22.36 mph, the fastest by a Cowboys ball carrier since 2016, per Next Gen Stats. Turpin’s speed and playmaking ability gave Dallas a brief spark, but he couldn’t carry the offense alone.

CeeDee Lamb – Solid but Not Enough

Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb led the Cowboys with 93 yards on eight receptions, though he didn’t find the end zone. Lamb was targeted 13 times, showing his importance to the offense, but the Texans’ secondary, led by Derek Stingley Jr., kept him in check. Lamb’s 681 receiving yards and four touchdowns on the season rank him ninth in the NFL, but he couldn’t break free for a game-changing play in this matchup.

Defensive Contributors: Eric Kendricks and Malik Hooker

Linebacker Eric Kendricks led the Cowboys with nine tackles, including five solo, while safety Malik Hooker added eight tackles (three solo) and an interception off Stroud in the first half. Despite these efforts, the Cowboys’ defense couldn’t stop Mixon’s rushing attack, allowing 5.6 yards per carry to Houston’s ground game. Micah Parsons’ return didn’t provide the expected boost, as the defense struggled to contain Houston’s run-heavy approach.

Brandon Aubrey – A Rare Miss

Kicker Brandon Aubrey, typically one of the NFL’s most reliable, had a rough night. He missed a 40-yard field goal attempt after hitting the upright, a rare miss for the All-Pro kicker. Aubrey also had a 64-yard field goal negated by a penalty on the Texans, which led to a failed fourth-down attempt by Dallas. Despite the setbacks, Aubrey made history earlier in the game with a 53-yard field goal, becoming the first player to make at least 10 field goals from 50-plus yards in consecutive seasons.

Injury Woes

The Cowboys’ already depleted roster took more hits. Tight end Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, while guards Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, offensive tackle Tyler Guyton, and defensive back Markquese Bell all exited with injuries. These losses crippled Dallas’ offensive line, contributing to the five sacks on Rush and a dismal 3.6 yards per carry for their running game.

Team Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key team stats from the game, making it easy to see how the Texans and Cowboys stacked up:

The Texans’ edge in rushing and defensive pressure (five sacks vs. one) was the difference-maker, despite nearly identical total yardage. Dallas’ inability to run the ball (Rico Dowdle averaged just 2.8 yards per carry) and their turnovers in critical moments handed Houston the victory.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Mixon’s Opening Statement: The Texans set the tone early with Mixon’s 45-yard touchdown run, exploiting a gap in Dallas’ defense and showing their intent to lean on the ground game.

2. Turpin’s 64-Yard TD: Dallas responded with a spark when Turpin broke free for a 64-yard touchdown catch, making it 14-7 and keeping the game competitive in the first half.

3. Barnett’s Scoop-and-Score: The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Barnett stripped Rush, recovered the fumble, and ran it back 28 yards for a touchdown, pushing Houston’s lead to 27-10.

4. Cowboys’ Failed Fake Punt: Early in the game, Dallas attempted a fake punt on fourth-and-9 from their own 33-yard line, but it backfired, giving Houston prime field position. Though the Texans didn’t score on that drive, it set a risky tone for Dallas’ decision-making.

5. Aubrey’s Miss and Negated Kick: Aubrey’s missed 40-yard field goal and the negated 64-yarder due to a Texans penalty cost Dallas crucial points and momentum.

What This Means for Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Both Teams

Houston Texans (7-4)

The Texans’ victory moved them to 7-4, strengthening their grip on the AFC South. Mixon’s dominance and the defense’s second-half shutout showed that Houston can win without relying heavily on Stroud’s passing. However, their 3-for-11 third-down conversion rate and Stroud’s lack of touchdown passes highlight areas for improvement, especially in the red zone, where they’ve struggled recently. With upcoming games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans have a chance to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Projections suggest they’ll finish 10-7 and advance to the Divisional Round.

Dallas Cowboys (3-7)

For the Cowboys, this loss was their fifth straight, dropping them to 3-7 and marking their sixth consecutive home game with a 20-plus-point deficit, an NFL record. The absence of Prescott, combined with injuries to key players, has left Dallas’ season in tatters. Owner Jerry Jones expressed frustration, stating, “This isn’t what we expect from our football team. We have to find answers, and quickly.” With a tough schedule ahead, including a matchup against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys are projected to finish 6-11 and miss the playoffs.

Why This Game Matters to Fans

The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a battle for Texas bragging rights. For Texans fans, this win was a statement, proving their team could dominate a struggling but still dangerous Cowboys squad. For Cowboys fans, the loss was another painful chapter in a disappointing season, raising questions about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy and the team’s direction. The stats tell a story of Houston’s physicality and Dallas’ struggles, but the emotions of this rivalry run deep for both fanbases.

Final Thoughts

The Houston Texans’ 34-10 rout of the Dallas Cowboys on November 18, 2024, was a showcase of Joe Mixon’s brilliance, a stout Texans defense, and a Cowboys team grappling with injuries and inconsistency. Mixon’s three touchdowns, Barnett’s game-changing fumble return, and Stroud’s steady hand led Houston to a crucial victory, while Dallas’ Cooper Rush and KaVontae Turpin provided flashes of hope in an otherwise forgettable performance. This game highlighted the gap between a Texans team on the rise and a Cowboys team in need of answers.