Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

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 Monday Night Football clash, dubbed the “Battle of Texas,” saw the Texans dominate with a final score of 34-10. For fans of both teams, the game was a rollercoaster of big plays, defensive stands, and standout performances. 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 anyone can enjoy, whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just tuning in for the Texas bragging rights.

Game Overview: Texans Triumph in a One-Sided Affair

The Texans (7-4) came into the game looking to snap a two-game losing streak, while the Cowboys (3-7) were reeling from a string of losses and the absence of their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, who was sidelined with a season-ending ankle injury. Despite Dallas showing flashes of offensive potential, Houston’s balanced attack and relentless defense proved too much for the home team. The game was a showcase of physicality, with the Texans capitalizing on turnovers and key plays to secure a convincing victory. Let’s dive into the player stats and performances that shaped this matchup.

Team Stats at a Glance

Before we get into individual performances, here’s a quick look at the team stats to set the stage:

• Total Yards: Texans 391, Cowboys 388

• Turnovers: Texans 1, Cowboys 2

• First Downs: Texans 21, Cowboys 24

• Time of Possession: Texans 30:37, Cowboys 29:23

• Sacks: Texans 5, Cowboys 0

• Third-Down Conversions: Texans 3/11 (27%), Cowboys 5/14 (36%)

Despite similar yardage totals, the Texans’ ability to force turnovers and generate pressure on Dallas’ backup quarterback, Cooper Rush, made all the difference.

Houston Texans: Key Player Performances

The Texans leaned heavily on their running game, led by Joe Mixon, and a stout defense that disrupted Dallas’ rhythm. Here’s a closer look at the standout performers for Houston.

Joe Mixon: The Ground Game General

Running back Joe Mixon was the heartbeat of Houston’s offense, delivering a performance that left Cowboys fans shaking their heads. Mixon ran with purpose, racking up:

• Rushing: 18 carries, 103 yards, 3 touchdowns

• Receiving: 2 receptions, 15 yards

Mixon opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown in the first quarter and added two more in the second half, including a six-yard scamper that sealed the game. His ability to find gaps and power through defenders was crucial, especially on a night when Houston’s passing game struggled to find consistency. Mixon’s performance earned him high praise, with analysts noting his role in keeping the Cowboys’ defense off balance.

C.J. Stroud: Steady but Unspectacular

Quarterback C.J. Stroud, in his second year, showed poise but didn’t light up the stat sheet. His numbers included:

• Passing: 18/29, 235 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception

• Rushing: 3 carries, 12 yards

Stroud’s performance was efficient but not flashy. He connected with key receivers like Robert Woods and Dalton Schultz but struggled on third downs, where the Texans converted only 3 of 11 attempts. Despite the interception, Stroud avoided costly mistakes and managed the game well, leaning on Mixon and the defense to carry the load. His leadership has been a bright spot for Houston, who continue to look like AFC South contenders under his guidance.

Derek Barnett: Defensive Game-Changer

On the defensive side, Derek Barnett was a force to be reckoned with. His stat line tells the story:

• Tackles: 4

• Sacks: 1

• Forced Fumbles: 2

• Fumble Recovery: 1 (28-yard touchdown return)

Barnett’s strip-sack of Cooper Rush in the third quarter, followed by his recovery and touchdown return, was the defining play of the game. It swung momentum firmly in Houston’s favor and highlighted the Texans’ ability to capitalize on Dallas’ mistakes. Without star defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Barnett stepped up big time, proving his value as a pass-rushing threat.

Danielle Hunter: Pressure Machine

Defensive end Danielle Hunter complemented Barnett’s efforts with:

• Tackles: 5

• Sacks: 2

• Tackles for Loss: 2

Hunter’s relentless pressure on Rush disrupted Dallas’ passing game, especially in the second half. His two sacks were part of Houston’s five-sack night, which kept the Cowboys’ offense on its heels. Hunter’s performance underscored why he’s one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.

Other Notable Texans Performers

• Robert Woods (WR): 5 receptions, 62 yards

• Dalton Schultz (TE): 4 receptions, 48 yards

• Ka’imi Fairbairn (K): 2/2 field goals, 4/4 extra points

The Texans’ offense wasn’t explosive, but contributions from Woods and Schultz kept drives alive. Fairbairn’s perfect kicking night added crucial points in a game where every score mattered.

Dallas Cowboys: Key Player Performances

The Cowboys, hampered by injuries and inconsistency, relied on a few bright spots but couldn’t match Houston’s intensity. Here’s how their key players fared.

Cooper Rush: A Valiant Effort

With Dak Prescott out, backup quarterback Cooper Rush stepped into the spotlight. His stats were:

• Passing: 32/55, 354 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions

• Sacks Taken: 5

Rush showed resilience, throwing for an impressive 354 yards despite constant pressure from Houston’s defensive front. His 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin was a highlight, but the lack of a running game forced him to throw 55 times—a tall order for any backup. While Rush kept the game competitive for stretches, two fumbles (one returned for a touchdown) proved costly.

KaVontae Turpin: Speed and Spark

Wide receiver KaVontae Turpin provided Dallas’ lone offensive highlight:

• Receiving: 4 receptions, 81 yards, 1 touchdown

• Top Speed: 22.36 mph on his 64-yard TD catch (fastest by a Cowboys ball carrier since 2016)

Turpin’s blazing speed on his touchdown reception gave Cowboys fans a brief moment of hope in the second quarter. His ability to stretch the field was a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster offensive performance.

CeeDee Lamb: Reliable Target

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remained Dallas’ go-to option:

• Receiving: 8 receptions, 98 yards

Lamb was targeted heavily, hauling in eight catches despite tight coverage from Houston’s secondary, led by Derek Stingley Jr. While he didn’t find the end zone, Lamb’s ability to move the chains kept Dallas in the game early. His performance underscored why he’s one of the NFL’s elite receivers, even in a losing effort.

Micah Parsons: Limited Impact

Linebacker Micah Parsons, back from injury, couldn’t turn the tide for Dallas’ defense:

• Tackles: 6

• Sacks: 0

• Tackles for Loss: 1

Parsons’ return was expected to boost the Cowboys’ defense, but Houston’s offensive line and Mixon’s physical running limited his impact. The Texans’ quick passing game also neutralized Parsons’ pass-rushing prowess, leaving Dallas’ defense struggling to stop the run.

Brandon Aubrey: A Rare Miss

Kicker Brandon Aubrey, typically automatic, had a mixed night:

• Field Goals: 1/2 (missed a 64-yarder, negated by penalty)

• Extra Points: 1/1

Aubrey’s missed field goal in the second quarter was his first ever in a home game, and while a penalty gave Dallas a new set of downs, the Cowboys failed to capitalize.

Defining Moments of the Game

The game had several turning points that shifted momentum toward Houston:

1. Mixon’s Early Score: The Texans struck first with a Joe Mixon rushing touchdown, setting the tone for their ground-and-pound approach.

2. Failed Fake Punt: Dallas’ bold attempt at a fake punt backfired, giving Houston prime field position and leading to another Mixon touchdown.

3. Barnett’s Fumble Return: Derek Barnett’s strip-sack and 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the third quarter was the dagger, pushing Houston’s lead to 24-10.

4. Cowboys’ Turnovers: Dallas’ two fumbles, including one on a critical drive in the second half, handed Houston opportunities they didn’t waste.

5. Mixon’s Third TD: Mixon’s six-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, capping a dominant performance.

Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Head-to-Head History

The THouston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats have met seven times since 2002, with Dallas holding a slight 4-3 edge all-time. Houston’s 34-10 win in 2024 was their most decisive victory in the series, surpassing their 19-16 overtime thriller in 2018. The Cowboys won the first meeting in 2002, but Houston has now won three of the last four matchups, asserting themselves as a force in this rivalry.

Historical Stats Snapshot

• Dallas Cowboys: 4 wins, 21.1 PPG, 20.4 PPG (last 5 games)

• Houston Texans: 3 wins, 16.7 PPG, 18.0 PPG (last 5 games)

• Biggest Victory: Texans 34-10 (2024), Cowboys 27-7 (2014)

Why the Texans Won

Houston’s victory boiled down to three key factors:

1. Dominant Run Game: Joe Mixon’s 103 yards and three touchdowns overwhelmed Dallas’ defense, which struggled to stop the run all night.

2. Defensive Pressure: The Texans’ five sacks and two forced fumbles disrupted Dallas’ offense, with Barnett and Hunter leading the charge.

3. Turnover Battle: Houston capitalized on Dallas’ two turnovers while only committing one, turning mistakes into points.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, were hamstrung by their lack of a running game (forcing Rush to throw 55 times) and an inability to protect the ball. The absence of Dak Prescott and a struggling defense further compounded their woes.

What’s Next for Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Both Teams?

For the Texans, this win solidified their position as AFC South contenders. With C.J. Stroud continuing to develop and Joe Mixon providing a reliable ground game, Houston looks poised for a strong second half of the season. Their defense, even without Will Anderson Jr., showed it can dominate when it matters most. The Texans’ next challenge will be maintaining consistency as they push for a playoff spot.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, face a grim outlook. With a 3-7 record and five straight home losses, Dallas is spiraling toward a top-10 draft pick in 2025. The loss of Dak Prescott has exposed their offensive limitations, and questions about head coach Mike McCarthy’s future are growing louder. The Cowboys will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage any pride in the final weeks of the season.

Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Table

For easy reference, here’s a table summarizing the key player stats from the game:

Player	Team	Position	Stats
Joe Mixon	Texans	RB	18 carries, 103 yards, 3 TD; 2 receptions, 15 yards
C.J. Stroud	Texans	QB	18/29, 235 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT; 3 carries, 12 yards
Derek Barnett	Texans	DE	4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery (28-yard TD)
Danielle Hunter	Texans	DE	5 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL
Robert Woods	Texans	WR	5 receptions, 62 yards
Dalton Schultz	Texans	TE	4 receptions, 48 yards
Ka’imi Fairbairn	Texans	K	2/2 FG, 4/4 XP
Cooper Rush	Cowboys	QB	32/55, 354 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; 2 fumbles lost, 5 sacks taken
KaVontae Turpin	Cowboys	WR	4 receptions, 81 yards, 1 TD (64-yard TD, 22.36 mph top speed)
CeeDee Lamb	Cowboys	WR	8 receptions, 98 yards
Micah Parsons	Cowboys	LB	6 tackles, 1 TFL
Brandon Aubrey	Cowboys	K	1/2 FG, 1/1 XP

Final Thoughts

The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats was a statement win in the Battle of Texas. Joe Mixon’s three-touchdown performance, Derek Barnett’s game-changing fumble return, and a relentless pass rush led by Danielle Hunter powered Houston to victory. For Dallas, Cooper Rush and KaVontae Turpin provided sparks, but turnovers and a lack of offensive balance doomed their efforts. This game showcased the Texans’ playoff potential and exposed the Cowboys’ struggles in a challenging 2024 season.