Texans Crush Cowboys, Extending Dallas’s Losing Streak

Texans Crush Cowboys, Extending Dallas’s Losing Streak

Joe Mixon scored three touchdowns, marking his sixth straight game with a TD since returning from injury. Derek Barnett added a 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown, helping the Houston Texans beat the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 on Monday night.

The Texans (7-4) ended a two-game losing streak for quarterback CJ Stroud and kept their two-game lead in the AFC South. This victory came a week after a heartbreaking 26-23 last-play loss to Detroit, where they let a 23-7 halftime lead slip away.

“Things are never as bad or as good as they seem,” Stroud said. “We just have to focus on finishing games better.”

For the Cowboys (3-7), the night began with a bad omen: debris fell from the stadium's retractable roof before the game. No injuries occurred, but it foreshadowed Dallas’s fifth consecutive loss, their worst stretch since a seven-game skid in 2015.

Texans Dominate the Field

Cooper Rush, filling in for injured quarterback Dak Prescott, threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to KaVontae Turpin. However, he struggled overall, losing his second start. Dallas is now 0-5 at home, becoming the first NFL team to trail by 20 or more points in six straight home games.

The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter when Derek Barnett forced and recovered a fumble, returning it for a touchdown. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praised Barnett: “That play flipped the momentum and fired up the whole team.”

Earlier, the Cowboys had a chance to score with a 64-yard field goal, but a penalty led them to try again. Their fourth-down pass fell incomplete, marking their only real chance to score in the second half.

Strong Performances from Texans

Joe Mixon shined with 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yard sprint. He also made a 37-yard catch to set up a field goal. Receiver Nico Collins returned from injury and impressed early, though his 77-yard touchdown on the first play was called back due to a penalty.

“We showed what we’re capable of,” Ryans said. “Even after the penalty, I told the team we could score again—and we did.”

Cowboys Struggle

The Cowboys faced more setbacks with injuries to key players, including tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) and guards Zack Martin and Tyler Smith (ankles). Rush was under heavy pressure, getting sacked five times, including three in one drive after the linemen’s injuries.

Rush completed 32 of 55 passes for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Turpin stood out with 86 receiving yards, but it wasn’t enough to change the game.

Stroud, while not at his best, avoided mistakes after an early interception, finishing with 257 passing yards. Though he didn’t throw a touchdown, he managed the game effectively.

Frustration in Dallas

Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the team’s struggles. “We’re all frustrated,” he said. “The only way forward is to focus on what’s next.”

The Cowboys’ playoff hopes are fading after three consecutive postseason appearances, while the Texans continue their strong push in the AFC South.