In a Monday night showdown, the Houston Texans showcased their dominance over the Dallas Cowboys with a convincing 34-10 victory. Joe Mixon led the charge for the Texans, running for three touchdowns, while Derek Barnett's fumble return for a score added to the team's commanding performance.
The Texans, now standing at 7-4 for the season, managed to halt a two-game losing streak, maintaining a solid two-game lead in the AFC South division. On the other hand, the Cowboys continue to struggle, facing their fifth consecutive defeat and falling to a 3-7 record for the season.
Despite a mishap with debris falling from the stadium's retractable roof before the game, causing no delays or injuries, the Cowboys faced challenges on the field. Cooper Rush, standing in for the injured Dak Prescott, threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin but couldn't steer the team to victory.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Barnett's defensive play led to a crucial fumble return for a touchdown, extending the Texans' lead. Mixon's impressive performance, including a 45-yard sprint for a touchdown, further solidified Houston's dominance on the field.
The Cowboys' struggles were compounded by injuries, with key players like Jake Ferguson, Zack Martin, and Tyler Smith forced out of the game. Rush faced relentless pressure from the Texans' defense, getting sacked five times during the game.
Looking ahead, the Texans are set to host Tennessee in their next game, aiming to build on their recent victory. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will face Washington in a bid to break their losing streak and turn their season around.
Despite the challenges faced by both teams, the Texans' strong performance and the Cowboys' continued struggles have set the stage for an intriguing matchup in the weeks to come.
For more NFL updates, visit AP NFL.
