Joe Mixon got away with one.
No, really, he ran away with the victory at AT&T Stadium,
THE Houston Texans improved to 7-4 after a 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football.” Mixon, who is on pace for another 1,000-yard season, rushed for 109 yards and scored three touchdowns, including the 2-yard score that sealed the game just before the two-minute warning.
Although the Texans did not score in the third quarter, they ended their four-game drought without scoring a touchdown in the second half. Derek Barnett recovered a fumble for a 28-yard scoop-and-score early in the fourth quarter.
Houston also ended its two-game losing streak with the win at Arlington. The vibes are great ahead of a two-game AFC South division showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans starting Sunday. Monday also marked the most points scored since the Week 6 win over the New England Patriots.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Texans’ double-digit win in Week 11:
It was over when…
The “thicc-six” has happened. Derek Barnett wanted the ball and he got more than advertised, knocking the pass out of Cooper Rush’s hands and into the arms of Tyler Guyton. Jalen Pitre wanted to make sure Houston had exceptional field position for the offense, so he picked him off again, leading to the big man’s touchdown.
Who doesn’t love it when the big man scores? Well, Dallas, because at that point the game was over. Rush felt rushed and was never able to get a dominant drive after Kavontae Turpin’s 64-yard touchdown run.
The most efficient
Texans
Best passer: CJ Stroud – 23 of 32, 257 yards, 1 INT
Best runner: Joe Mixon – 20 carries, 109 yards, 3 touchdowns
Best receiver: Nico Collins – 4 catches, 54 yards
Best tackler: Jalen Pitre – 9 tackles
Interceptions: Derek Stingley Jr. – 1 interception, 3 PBU
Bags: Danielle Hunter – 2 bags, 3 TFL
Cowboys
Best passer: Cooper Rush – 32 of 55, 354 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Best Runner: Rico Dowdle – 10 carries, 28 yards,
Best Receiver: CeeDee Lamb – 8 catches, 93 yards
Best tackler: Eric Kendricks – 9 tackles
Interceptions: Malik Hooker – 1 interception, 1 PBU
Bags: Osa Odighizuwa – 1 bag
Texan gaming stars
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Joe Mixon Three touchdowns in four quarters. What more needs to be said about a player who is on pace to tie the Texans’ single-season rushing touchdown mark while becoming the first player since Carlos Hyde in 2019 to reach the 1,000-yard mark?
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CB Derek Stingley Jr.- Stingley broke up several passes and picked off Lamb for most of the night. The All-Pro receiver found most of his success in the slot and little when asked to line up on the boundary.
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Texans offensive line – Is this one cheating a bit? Sure, but the unit allowed a tackle for loss and a sack on the night. Even though the Cowboys defensive front has struggled, this remains an impressive story for Houston’s trench game.
Key Points
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Houston scored 14 points in the second half, the most since Week 6 against the New England Patriots.
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Nico Collins never showed any regression after nearly going to the house for a 78-yard touchdown on the first drive. Too bad the game was called because of an illegal man on the field.
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Stroud finished with 13 first downs, the most in four weeks dating back to early October.
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Houston’s secondary could use a better outing next week against the Tennessee Titans. Rush, who last week threw for less than 200 yards, threw for a week leading 354 yards. Granted, he had to as well since the Cowboys were averaging less than 3.5 yards per carry, but
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The Texans had negative net yardage in the red zone in the second half
Injuries
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Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson suffered a concussion during the first quarter and was immediately ruled out before the start of the second quarter.
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Texans defensive tackle Dencio Autry left in the first half with a foot injury and was limited in the second half, but returned.
What’s next for the Texans?
Houston returns home for a game Sunday in Week 12 with the 2-8 Tennessee Titans. With a win, the Texans would move to 4-0 in AFC South play this season. One more victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars would seal the Texans’ AFC South title for 2024.
This article was originally published on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Cowboys: Everything you need to know about Houston’s double-digit win in Week 11
