The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats off in an electrifying intrastate showdown on November 18, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This Week 11 NFL matchup, dubbed the “Battle of Texas,” saw the Texans dominate with a final score of 34-10, handing the Cowboys their fifth consecutive loss. For football fans, this game was a rollercoaster of standout performances, critical plays, and surprising struggles. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and provide an easy-to-read analysis that any fan, young or old, can enjoy. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind this thrilling Texas rivalry game!
Game Overview: Texans Dominate in Prime Time
The Houston Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back Joe Mixon, snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 7-4, solidifying their lead in the AFC South. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, hampered by injuries and the absence of star quarterback Dak Prescott, fell to 3-7, continuing their downward spiral in the 2024 season. The game, broadcast on ESPN/ABC with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters, showcased the Texans’ defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, while the Cowboys struggled to find rhythm. Let’s explore the player stats that shaped this one-sided contest.
Houston Texans: Key Player Stats
Joe Mixon – The Star of the Night
Running back Joe Mixon was the undeniable MVP for the Texans, delivering a performance that left Cowboys fans shaking their heads. Mixon ran for 109 yards on 21 carries, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry, and scored three rushing touchdowns. His first touchdown came early in the game, a 45-yard scamper up the middle that set the tone for Houston’s dominance. Mixon added a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and sealed his stellar night with a 6-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. His ability to exploit Dallas’ struggling run defense was a game-changer, earning praise from Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, who called him “a force” for the team.
C.J. Stroud – Steady but Unspectacular
Quarterback C.J. Stroud, in his second NFL season, didn’t need to dazzle to secure the win. 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’s 77.7 passer rating reflected a conservative approach, as the Texans leaned heavily on their run game and defense. He also contributed 26 yards on three scrambles, averaging 8.7 yards per carry, showcasing his mobility. Despite a recent mini-slump (no touchdown passes in three of his last five games), Stroud avoided critical mistakes after the early interception, allowing Houston to control the game.
Nico Collins – A Big Return
Wide receiver Nico Collins returned after missing five games with a hamstring injury and made an immediate impact. Although a 77-yard touchdown reception on the game’s first play was called back due to a penalty, Collins still finished with 5 catches for 74 yards. His presence stretched the Cowboys’ secondary, creating opportunities for Mixon and the run game. Collins’ return signaled that Houston’s offense could regain its consistency moving forward.
Derek Barnett – Defensive Game-Changer
Defensive end Derek Barnett stole the show on defense with a performance that flipped the game’s momentum. Barnett forced a fumble early in the game and later recovered a fumble caused by safety Jalen Pitre, returning it 28 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. This scoop-and-score extended Houston’s lead to 27-10, effectively sealing the victory. Barnett’s hustle and playmaking earned high praise from Coach Ryans, who noted that the play “got everybody juiced up on the sideline.”
Danielle Hunter – Pressure Machine
Defensive end Danielle Hunter filled the void left by the injured Will Anderson Jr., generating 10 pressures and two sacks on 46 pass rushes, according to Next Gen Stats. Nine of his pressures came against Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele, highlighting Hunter’s dominance. His performance helped Houston record five sacks on Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush, disrupting Dallas’ offensive rhythm. Hunter currently leads the NFL with 72 pressures this season, making him a cornerstone of the Texans’ defense.
Other Notable Texans Performers
- Ka’imi Fairbairn (Kicker): Perfect on the night, making two field goals (33 and 29 yards) and four extra points.
- Derek Stingley Jr. (Cornerback): Recorded an interception off Cooper Rush, helping to stall a Cowboys drive.
- Texans Offensive Line: Praised by Coach Ryans for playing “fast and aggressive,” they paved the way for Mixon’s big night and allowed only one sack on Stroud.
Dallas Cowboys: Key Player Stats
Cooper Rush – A Mixed Bag
With Dak Prescott sidelined by a season-ending ankle injury, backup quarterback Cooper Rush stepped up but couldn’t overcome the Texans’ defense. Rush completed 32 of 55 passes (58.2%) for 354 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception, finishing with a passer rating of 77.3. His highlight was a 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin in the second quarter, which briefly brought Dallas back into the game. However, Rush was sacked five times, including three on a single drive in the fourth quarter, and struggled to sustain drives in the second half. Despite the loss, Rush showed improvement from his previous start, but the lack of a running game forced him to carry too much of the offensive load.
KaVontae Turpin – A Bright Spot
Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin provided the Cowboys’ lone offensive highlight, catching three passes for 86 yards, including the 64-yard touchdown that saw him reach a top speed of 22.36 mph, the fastest by a ball carrier in the 2024 season, per Next Gen Stats. Turpin’s speed and playmaking ability kept Dallas competitive in the first half, but he couldn’t do it alone.
CeeDee Lamb – Solid but Not Enough
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb led the Cowboys with 93 yards on 7 receptions, but his performance wasn’t enough to spark the offense. Combined with Turpin, the duo accounted for 179 receiving yards, but Dallas’ lack of balance (only 3.6 yards per carry in the run game) limited their impact. Lamb’s drops in other games this season have been noted, but in this matchup, he was reliable, though the offense stalled overall.
Rico Dowdle – Struggling on the Ground
Running back Rico Dowdle managed just 28 yards on 10 carries, averaging a paltry 2.8 yards per carry. The Cowboys’ ground game was ineffective, totaling only 3.6 yards per carry as a team, compared to Houston’s 5.6 yards per carry. This lack of balance forced Rush to throw 55 times, exposing the offensive line to relentless pressure.
Brandon Aubrey – A Rare Miss
Kicker Brandon Aubrey, typically automatic, made a 53-yard field goal but missed a 64-yard attempt after a penalty negated an earlier make. The miss was his first ever in a home game, adding to Dallas’ woes. Aubrey’s extra point after Turpin’s touchdown was good, but the Cowboys’ offense couldn’t give him more opportunities.
Injury Woes for Dallas
The Cowboys were decimated by injuries, losing tight end Jake Ferguson to a concussion, right guard Zack Martin and left guard Tyler Smith to ankle injuries, and cornerback Markquese Bell to a shoulder injury. These losses crippled Dallas’ ability to protect Rush and stop Houston’s run game, contributing to the blowout.
Team Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the team stats, which tell the story of Houston’s dominance:
| Stat | Houston Texans | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 391 | 388 |
| First Downs | 21 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Third-Down Conv. | 3/11 (33%) | 5/15 (33%) |
| Time of Possession | 30:37 | 29:23 |
| Penalties | 9 | 9 |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 | 5 |
| Rushing Yards | 152 | 76 |
| Passing Yards | 239 | 312 |
The Texans’ edge in rushing yards and sacks, combined with their defensive touchdown, proved decisive. Both teams struggled on third downs, but Houston’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and sustain drives in the second half made the difference.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- Mixon’s Early Strike: The Texans opened with a 6-play, 77-yard drive, capped by Mixon’s 45-yard touchdown run, setting an aggressive tone.
- Failed Fake Punt: Dallas’ risky fake punt attempt on fourth-and-9 from their own 33-yard line backfired, giving Houston prime field position. The Texans’ defense held firm, with Malik Hooker intercepting Stroud to prevent a score.
- Turpin’s Touchdown: Down 14-0, Dallas responded with Rush’s 64-yard touchdown pass to Turpin, cutting the lead to 14-7 and briefly shifting momentum.
- Barnett’s Scoop-and-Score: In the fourth quarter, Barnett’s 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown after Pitre’s strip-sack of Rush pushed Houston’s lead to 27-10, effectively ending Dallas’ hopes.
- Mixon’s Third TD: Mixon’s 6-yard touchdown run with 3:16 left sealed the 34-10 rout, as Houston capitalized on Dallas’ depleted offensive line.
What Went Wrong for the Cowboys?
The Cowboys’ struggles were multifaceted:
- Injuries Piled Up: Losing Ferguson, Martin, Smith, and Bell left Dallas shorthanded, particularly on the offensive line, which allowed five sacks.
- No Run Game: With only 76 rushing yards, Dallas couldn’t balance their offense, forcing Rush to throw 55 times under constant pressure.
- Turnovers and Penalties: Two turnovers, including Rush’s interception and a fumble by offensive tackle Tyler Guyton, handed Houston key opportunities. A failed fake punt and a penalty on Barnett that negated a 64-yard field goal further hurt Dallas.
- Defensive Struggles: Even with Micah Parsons back, the Cowboys couldn’t stop Mixon or generate consistent pressure on Stroud, who was sacked only once.
Coach Mike McCarthy expressed frustration postgame, lamenting not giving backup quarterback Trey Lance a chance late in the game. Owner Jerry Jones also spoke candidly about the team’s struggles, as Dallas fell to 3-7 and faced a bleak outlook for the season.
What Went Right for the Texans?
Houston’s victory was built on a balanced attack and opportunistic defense:
- Mixon’s Dominance: His three touchdowns and 109 yards exposed Dallas’ weak run defense, controlling the clock and keeping the Cowboys’ offense off the field.
- Defensive Playmaking: Barnett’s fumble return and Hunter’s pressures disrupted Dallas’ rhythm, while Stingley’s interception halted a promising Cowboys drive.
- Resilience After a Slow Middle: Despite a lull in the second and third quarters, Houston regrouped, with Mixon’s third touchdown and Fairbairn’s field goals extending the lead.
- Collins’ Return: Nico Collins’ presence added a vertical threat, even if his stats were modest, setting up Houston for future success.
Coach DeMeco Ryans praised the team’s focus, saying, “When we stay focused, we can play with anyone in the league.” The win gave Houston momentum heading into their next game against the Tennessee Titans.
Looking Ahead
For the Texans (7-4), the victory reinforced their position atop the AFC South. With upcoming games against the Titans and Jaguars, they have a chance to tighten their grip on the division. However, concerns remain about C.J. Stroud’s recent lack of touchdown passes and the team’s third-down struggles (3/11 in this game).
For the Cowboys (3-7), the loss dropped them into the NFC’s No. 15 seed and a projected 6-11 finish, per The Athletic’s Austin Mock. With a tough schedule ahead and mounting injuries, Dallas faces questions about coaching changes and their long-term direction.
Why This Game Matters
The “Battle of Texas” is more than just a game—it’s a rivalry steeped in state pride. The Texans’ 34-10 rout marked their third win in seven all-time meetings with the Cowboys, who still lead the series 4-3. For Houston fans, Mixon’s heroics and Barnett’s defensive touchdown were moments to savor. For Dallas fans, the loss was another painful chapter in a season to forget, with the team setting an NFL record for trailing by 20+ points in six straight home games.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats on November 18, 2024, was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. Joe Mixon’s three touchdowns, Derek Barnett’s game-changing fumble return, and Danielle Hunter’s relentless pressure powered Houston to a convincing victory. Meanwhile, Cooper Rush and KaVontae Turpin provided flashes of brilliance for Dallas, but injuries, turnovers, and a nonexistent run game doomed their chances. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual viewer, this game showcased the heart of football: big plays, big moments, and the passion of a rivalry. Stay tuned for more NFL action as both teams look to shape their 2024 seasons!