The Houston Texans delivered a dominant performance against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, securing a decisive 34-10 victory on Monday night. This “Monday Night Football” Texas showdown saw Houston improve their season record to 7-4 in Week 11 of the NFL regular season, leaving Cowboys fans stunned at home.
A key highlight for the Texans was the return of wide receiver Nico Collins, back in action after a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury. Conversely, the Cowboys were playing with Cooper Rush as their starting quarterback, following Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury sustained in Week 9.
With this win, the Texans now turn their attention to Week 12, where they will face the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday.
Looking Back at the Primetime Texas Matchup
The anticipation was high as the Houston Texans (6-4) prepared to clash with the Dallas Cowboys (3-6) in a Monday night primetime game. This matchup marked only the seventh time these two Texas teams have faced each other since the Texans franchise was established.
Reflecting on their inaugural game against the Cowboys on September 8, 2002, offered a sense of history repeating itself. That year was notable for numerous pop culture moments – Halle Berry’s Oscar win, the breakup of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, and the release of Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch.” In sports, the Los Angeles Lakers achieved their third consecutive NBA title, Lisa Leslie made WNBA history, Serena Williams triumphed over her sister Venus, and Mike Tyson faced defeat against Lennox Lewis.
The Texans’ first game took place at the then-named Reliant Stadium, filled with a roaring crowd of nearly 70,000 fans. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Texans owner Bob McNair were present to witness the Texans’ No. 1 draft pick, quarterback David Carr, lead his team against the Cowboys, featuring legendary running back Emmitt Smith. Even boxing icon George Foreman was spotted in the stadium suites, taking in the atmosphere.
That initial encounter between these Lone Star state rivals concluded with a 19-10 Texans victory on “Sunday Night Football” on ESPN. This win was particularly significant as it marked the first time an expansion team had won its opening game since 1961.
Fast forward two decades, and the narrative of change and continuity persists. Both teams entered Monday night’s game eager to break losing streaks. For the Texans, a victory would represent their first over the Cowboys since 2018 and their first ever at AT&T Stadium. Adding to the intrigue, the Cowboys have struggled at home this season, with a 0-4 record in their own stadium leading into this game.
The Cowboys were without their star quarterback Dak Prescott, sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury.
Game Dynamics: Rush’s Struggles and Texans’ Second-Half Surge
Cooper Rush’s performance as quarterback for the Cowboys was shaky from the outset. His struggles began in the game against the Eagles, where a dropped snap led to an early Philadelphia score. Rush’s passing yardage was minimal, marking the lowest for a Cowboys starter in years, reminiscent of another challenging season for Dallas. This game extended the Cowboys’ losing streak, their longest since 2020.
“You’re going to get your (rear end) smacked sometimes,” Rush acknowledged, focusing on the quick turnaround in the NFL schedule.
Conversely, the Texans, despite leading at halftime in their previous four games, had faced second-half slumps, losing three of those games. Their offensive struggles in the latter halves were evident, scoring few points and no touchdowns in that period.
Texans coach Ryans emphasized the need for focus and attention to detail across all team aspects to overcome these inconsistencies.
Defensive Front: Cowboys’ Pass Rush and Texans’ Protection
The Cowboys’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks had been inconsistent, particularly during Micah Parsons’ absence due to injury. However, Parsons’ return saw an immediate impact, with multiple sacks against the Eagles. This highlighted Parsons’ crucial role in creating opportunities for the Cowboys’ defense.
Coach McCarthy noted Parsons’ presence on the field significantly enhances pass-rushing opportunities for the entire defensive line.
Offensive Boost: Collins’ Return to the Texans’ Lineup
The Texans’ offense received a significant lift with the return of Nico Collins. Despite missing several games, Collins remained the team’s leading receiver. His comeback was expected to invigorate a passing game that had struggled in his and Stefon Diggs’ absence.
“Any time you get him back, it’s going to help everybody,” Ryans commented on Collins’ return, underscoring his importance to the team’s offensive strategy.
The Houston Texans’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys marks a significant moment in this Texas rivalry. For fans wondering where to watch future Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans games, keep an eye on NFL schedules and local broadcast listings for upcoming matchups. National broadcasts on networks like ESPN, NFL Network, and local channels are your best bet to catch these thrilling Texas showdowns live.
