Mixon hat-trick leads Texans to victory over Cowboys
Things were doomed from the start for the Dallas Cowboys, who opened up the roof to the stadium only to have two metal slabs fall from it ahead of their Monday Night Football game against the Houston Texans.
Texans deliver Cowboys’ fifth straight loss
The Texans beat the Cowboys in their Texas shootout in Arlington. The Cowboys fall to 3-7 on the season, suffering their fifth straight home loss this regular season, plus their fifth straight loss. The Texans improve to 7-4 with the victory.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud finished 23 of 34 for 257 yards, no touchdown passes, and one interception and added three carries for 26 yards. Running back Joe Mixon was the star of the game, finishing with 20 carries for 109 yards and three touchdowns. In wide receiver Nico Collins’ return from his hamstring injury, he had four receptions on seven targets for 54 yards, although a 77-yard touchdown run on the first drive was called back due to a penalty. The Texans also had one defensive touchdown by defensive end Derek Barnett.
Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush finished 32 of 55 for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Dallas’ one touchdown was a 64-yard score by wide receiver KaVontae Turpinwho finished with three receptions for 86 yards. CeeDee Lamb led the receivers with eight receptions on 12 targets and 93 yards.
In stark contrast to the Texans’ run game, Dallas’ leading rusher was Rico Dowdle with 10 carries for 28 yards. The defense played better than usual with linebacker Eric Kendricks leading with nine tackles and five solos, while safety Malik Hooker had eight total tackles and three solos plus one interception. Kicker Brandon Aubrey missed a field goal, a rare occurrence from him, especially from an “easy” distance of 44 yards, but he slipped and it hit the post. He made one from 64 yards, but it was called back on a penalty on the Texans and didn’t count.
The Cowboys suffered several injuries to key playersan unfortunate trend that’s been happening all season. Tight end Jake Ferguson went out with a concussion and did not return. Guards Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, plus offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and defensive back Markquese Bell also left with injuries during the game.
Next up
The Dallas Cowboys have a short week as they head to Washington to play NFC East rival Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
The Houston Texans will also have a short week, hosting their AFC South rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
Jennifer Bubel
