Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats: A Deep Dive into Game-Changing Performances

The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys clashed on November 18, 2024, in a “Monday Night Football” showdown at AT&T Stadium, delivering a thrilling chapter in the “Battle of Texas.” The Texans emerged victorious with a commanding 34-10 win, snapping a two-game losing streak and solidifying their AFC South lead. This article provides an in-depth, original analysis of the shouston texans vs dallas cowboys match player stats, standout performances, and pivotal moments that defined this intense rivalry game, offering fresh insights into what made this matchup a turning point for both teams.

Game Overview: Texans Dominate in a Texas Showdown

The Texans (7-4) showcased a balanced attack and a relentless defense to overpower a struggling Cowboys squad (3-7), who were without star quarterback Dak Prescott due to a season-ending hamstring injury. Houston’s running back Joe Mixon stole the show with a masterful performance, while the Texans’ defense capitalized on critical turnovers to seal the game. The Cowboys, despite a valiant effort from backup quarterback Cooper Rush, couldn’t overcome their offensive and defensive shortcomings, extending their losing streak to five games.

This game wasn’t just about the final score—it was a tale of contrasting team identities. Houston’s physicality and opportunistic play contrasted sharply with Dallas’ one-dimensional offense and injury-plagued roster. Let’s break down the key player stats and analyze how individual performances shaped the outcome.

Offensive Stars: Joe Mixon and the Texans’ Ground Game

Joe Mixon (RB, Houston Texans)

• Stats: 20 carries, 109 yards, 3 rushing TDs (45-yard long), 2 receptions, 44 yards
• Analysis: Mixon was the heartbeat of Houston’s offense, earning game MVP honors with a performance that exposed Dallas’ porous run defense. His 45-yard touchdown run in the first quarter set the tone, showcasing his vision and burst through a gaping hole in the Cowboys’ front seven. Mixon’s second touchdown, a 1-yard plunge, came after a failed Cowboys fake punt, highlighting his ability to capitalize on short fields. His third score late in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach. Mixon’s 5.5 yards per carry and 44 receiving yards on screen passes demonstrated his versatility, making him a nightmare for Dallas’ linebackers, who struggled to match his physicality. His sixth consecutive game with a touchdown underscores his importance to Houston’s playoff push.

C.J. Stroud (QB, Houston Texans)

• Stats: 23/34 completions (67.6%), 257 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 77.7 passer rating, 3 rushes, 26 yards
• Analysis: Stroud didn’t need to be spectacular, thanks to Mixon’s dominance, but he managed the game effectively. His 257 passing yards came on efficient throws, with a 67.6% completion rate showing his poise under pressure. Despite one interception—picked off by Cowboys safety Malik Hooker—Stroud avoided costly mistakes and kept the offense moving. His 26 rushing yards, including a key 12-yard scramble, added a dual-threat element that kept Dallas’ defense honest. Stroud’s performance wasn’t flashy, but his ability to avoid sacks (only one) and sustain drives was crucial in maintaining Houston’s time-of-possession edge (30:37 vs. 29:23).

Nico Collins (WR, Houston Texans)

• Stats: 4 receptions, 54 yards
• Analysis: Returning from a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Collins made an immediate impact, nearly scoring on a 77-yard screen pass on the game’s first play (negated by a penalty). His four catches for 54 yards don’t fully reflect his influence, as his route-running stretched Dallas’ secondary, creating space for Mixon and other receivers like Tank Dell (4 receptions, 54 yards). Collins’ presence forced the Cowboys to adjust their coverage, opening running lanes for Houston’s ground game.

Cooper Rush (QB, Dallas Cowboys)

• Stats: 33/55 completions (60%), 354 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble lost
• Analysis: Rush faced an uphill battle without Prescott, throwing 55 times due to Dallas’ nonexistent run game. His 354 passing yards were impressive, but the volume of attempts highlights the Cowboys’ lack of balance. Rush’s 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin in the second quarter was a highlight, showcasing his ability to connect on deep throws. However, a critical strip-sack by Derek Barnett, followed by a fumble recovered by Houston for a touchdown, swung the game decisively. Rush’s interception and inability to sustain drives in the second half underscored Dallas’ offensive struggles. While he showed resilience, the lack of support from the run game and offensive line (five sacks allowed) limited his impact.

CeeDee Lamb (WR, Dallas Cowboys)

• Stats: 8 receptions, 93 yards
• Analysis: Lamb was Dallas’ most reliable target, hauling in eight catches despite constant attention from Houston’s secondary. His 93 yards included a 50-yard reception that set up a scoring opportunity, though Dallas failed to capitalize. Lamb’s ability to get open kept the Cowboys competitive in the first half, but Houston’s defense tightened in the second, limiting his explosive plays. With 681 yards and four touchdowns on the season, Lamb remains a bright spot in a struggling offense.

KaVontae Turpin (WR, Dallas Cowboys)

• Stats: 3 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD (64-yard long)
• Analysis: Turpin provided Dallas’ lone offensive spark with a 64-yard touchdown catch-and-run, using his elite speed to turn a slant route into a score. His three catches for 86 yards were a highlight, but his limited targets (only three) reflect Dallas’ inability to scheme him open consistently. Turpin’s big play briefly cut Houston’s lead to 14-7, but the Cowboys couldn’t build on that momentum.

Defensive Standouts: Texans’ Pressure Makes the Difference

Derek Barnett (DE, Houston Texans)

• Stats: 1 strip-sack, 1 fumble recovery, 28-yard TD return
• Analysis: Barnett’s fourth-quarter strip-sack of Cooper Rush, followed by a 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown, was the game’s defining moment. After knocking the ball loose, Barnett capitalized when Jalen Pitre forced a second fumble from Cowboys tackle Tyler Guyton, scooping and scoring to give Houston a 27-10 lead. His play energized the Texans’ sideline and effectively ended Dallas’ comeback hopes. Barnett’s ability to step up in the absence of Will Anderson Jr. (inactive, ankle injury) was critical, as he combined with Danielle Hunter for three of Houston’s five sacks.

Jalen Pitre (S, Houston Texans)

• Stats: 1 forced fumble, 6 tackles
• Analysis: Pitre’s hit on Guyton during Barnett’s fumble return was pivotal, dislodging the ball for Houston’s defensive score. His six tackles and physical presence in the secondary helped limit Dallas’ passing game in key moments. Pitre’s versatility allowed Houston to play aggressive coverage, forcing Rush into high-volume throws.

Micah Parsons (LB, Dallas Cowboys)

• Stats: 4 tackles, 1 pressure
• Analysis: Parsons, returning from injury, was a lone bright spot on Dallas’ defense. His four tackles and pressure on Stroud showed flashes of his All-Pro form, but he couldn’t consistently disrupt Houston’s rhythm. The Cowboys’ defense allowed 5.6 yards per carry and 391 total yards, with Parsons unable to contain Mixon’s explosive runs. His effort was notable, but the lack of support from Dallas’ depleted roster limited his impact.

Team Stats: A Tale of Balance vs. One-Dimensionality

• Total Yards: Texans 391, Cowboys 388
• Rushing Yards: Texans 134 (5.6 YPC), Cowboys 34 (3.6 YPC)
• Passing Yards: Texans 257, Cowboys 354
• Turnovers: Texans 1 (INT), Cowboys 2 (1 INT, 1 fumble)
• Sacks: Texans 5, Cowboys 1
• Third-Down Conversions: Both teams 33% (Texans 4/12, Cowboys 5/15)
• Time of Possession: Texans 30:37, Cowboys 29:23

Houston’s balanced attack (134 rushing, 257 passing) overwhelmed Dallas’ one-dimensional offense, which relied heavily on Rush’s 55 pass attempts due to a paltry 34 rushing yards. The Texans’ five sacks and two forced turnovers, compared to Dallas’ one sack and one turnover, highlight Houston’s defensive dominance. Both teams struggled on third downs, but Houston’s ability to control the ground game and capitalize on turnovers proved decisive.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Mixon’s 45-Yard TD Run: Early in the first quarter, Mixon’s explosive run gave Houston a 7-0 lead, exposing Dallas’ run defense woes and setting the tone for the game.
2. Failed Fake Punt: Dallas’ bold fourth-and-9 fake punt from their own 33-yard line backfired when Juanyeh Thomas was stopped short, leading to Mixon’s second touchdown. This gamble highlighted the Cowboys’ desperation and lack of offensive rhythm.
3. Barnett’s Scoop-and-Score: Barnett’s strip-sack and 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter turned a 10-point game into a 17-point rout, effectively ending Dallas’ hopes.
4. Aubrey’s Missed Field Goal: Brandon Aubrey’s rare 40-yard miss in the first half, his first at AT&T Stadium, kept Dallas from closing the gap to 14-13, shifting momentum back to Houston.
5. Turpin’s 64-Yard TD: Dallas’ only offensive highlight came early in the second quarter, briefly making it a 14-7 game and showing a glimmer of fight before Houston pulled away.

Strategic Insights: What Worked and What Didn’t

Houston Texans

• What Worked: The Texans leaned heavily on Mixon’s physicality, exploiting Dallas’ weak run defense (5.6 YPC allowed). Their defensive pressure, led by Barnett and Hunter, disrupted Rush’s rhythm, and their balanced attack kept Dallas guessing. Nico Collins’ return added a vertical threat, even if his stats were modest.
• What Didn’t: Stroud’s interception and Houston’s lack of offensive touchdowns between the first and fourth quarters raised concerns about their passing game’s consistency. Dropped interceptions by the secondary, including a missed chance before Dallas’ failed fourth-and-2, showed room for improvement against stronger opponents.

Dallas Cowboys

• What Worked: Rush’s 354 passing yards and Turpin’s big play showed flashes of offensive potential, while Lamb’s reliability kept drives alive. Parsons’ return added some defensive spark.
• What Didn’t: The Cowboys’ nonexistent run game (34 yards) forced a pass-heavy approach, exposing Rush to Houston’s pass rush. Injuries to Jake Ferguson (concussion), Zack Martin (ankle), and Tyler Smith (ankle) further crippled the offense. Defensive lapses, a failed fake punt, and a missed field goal compounded their woes.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Teams

Houston Texans (7-4)

The Texans’ win solidified their two-game lead in the AFC South, with a projected 10-7 finish per The Athletic’s Austin Mock. Mixon’s consistency and Collins’ return signal a potent offense, but Stroud’s lack of touchdown passes and the team’s second-half scoring drought (until Mixon’s late TD) suggest the passing game needs refinement. With Will Anderson Jr. expected to return, Houston’s defense could be even more formidable against upcoming opponents like the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. This victory boosts their playoff aspirations, but they must address offensive inconsistencies to compete with AFC elites like the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dallas Cowboys (3-7)

Dallas’ fifth straight loss, coupled with a sixth consecutive home game trailing by 20+ points (an NFL record), signals a lost season. Without Prescott and with injuries piling up (Ferguson, Martin, Smith, and Guyton), the Cowboys face a grim outlook. Their 34 rushing yards and 2-7 ATS record reflect a lack of balance and execution. With tough games against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants looming, Dallas is likely headed for a 6-11 finish and a top-10 draft pick. Rebuilding the run game and addressing defensive lapses will be critical for 2025.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Teams

The Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys matchup on November 18, 2024, was a microcosm of their respective seasons. Houston’s balanced attack, led by Joe Mixon’s three-touchdown masterpiece and Derek Barnett’s game-changing defensive play, showcased their playoff-caliber potential. Meanwhile, Dallas’ reliance on Cooper Rush’s arm and inability to stop the run highlighted their struggles in a injury-riddled campaign. The player stats tell a story of dominance and desperation, with Houston capitalizing on opportunities and Dallas faltering under pressure. As the Texans march toward the postseason and the Cowboys limp toward the draft, this “Battle of Texas” will be remembered as a defining moment in their 2024 journeys.

For fans and analysts, the Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys match player stats offer a treasure trove of insights. Mixon’s 109 yards and three touchdowns, Barnett’s scoop-and-score, and Rush’s 354-yard effort despite defeat are numbers that will fuel discussions until the next chapter of this storied rivalry. Stay tuned for more Texas-sized battles as these teams continue to shape their legacies.