The Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys rivalry, often dubbed the “Battle of Texas,” is a clash that ignites passion among NFL fans. This interstate showdown, played on November 18, 2024, ended with a decisive 34-10 victory for the Texans at AT&T Stadium. In this SEO-optimized, data-driven article, we’ll break down the player stats, highlight key performances, and provide insights into what made this game a turning point for both teams. Whether you’re a stats enthusiast or a casual fan, this detailed analysis will keep you engaged and informed.
Why the Texans vs. Cowboys Rivalry Matters
The Texans-Cowboys matchup is more than just a game—it’s a cultural event steeped in Texas pride. Since the Texans’ inaugural win against the Cowboys in 2002, the rivalry has grown, with Dallas holding a 4-3 edge in regular-season meetings. The 2024 game was pivotal: Houston aimed to snap a two-game skid, while Dallas, reeling from four straight losses and missing star quarterback Dak Prescott, fought to salvage their season. Let’s dive into the stats and performances that defined this game.
Key Game Highlights
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Final Score: Houston Texans 34, Dallas Cowboys 10
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Date: November 18, 2024
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Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
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Standout Performers: Joe Mixon (Texans) and Derek Barnett (Texans) for Houston; KaVontae Turpin (Cowboys) for Dallas
Player Stats Breakdown: Texans vs. Cowboys
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the key player stats from the November 18, 2024, matchup, compiled from reliable sources like ESPN and NFL.com.
|
Player |
Team |
Position |
Passing (Comp/Att, Yds, TD, INT) |
Rushing (Car, Yds, TD) |
Receiving (Rec, Yds, TD) |
Defense (Tackles, Sacks, INT, FF/FR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
C.J. Stroud |
Texans |
QB |
23/34, 257 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT |
3 car, 26 yds, 0 TD |
– | – |
|
Joe Mixon |
Texans |
RB |
– |
20 car, 109 yds, 3 TD |
2 rec, 44 yds, 0 TD |
– |
|
Nico Collins |
Texans |
WR |
– | – |
4 rec, 54 yds, 0 TD |
– |
|
Derek Barnett |
Texans |
DE |
– | – | – |
3 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INT, 1 FF/1 FR (TD) |
|
Jalen Pitre |
Texans |
S |
– | – | – |
5 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF/0 FR |
|
Cooper Rush |
Cowboys |
QB |
32/55, 354 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT |
– | – | – |
|
Rico Dowdle |
Cowboys |
RB |
– |
10 car, 28 yds, 0 TD |
1 rec, 6 yds, 0 TD |
– |
|
KaVontae Turpin |
Cowboys |
WR |
– | – |
4 rec, 86 yds, 1 TD |
– |
|
CeeDee Lamb |
Cowboys |
WR |
– | – |
8 rec, 93 yds, 0 TD |
– |
|
Micah Parsons |
Cowboys |
LB |
– | – | – |
4 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF/0 FR |
Source: ESPN, NFL.com
What Do These Stats Tell Us?
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Texans’ Dominance on the Ground: Joe Mixon’s 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 45-yard scamper, exposed Dallas’ weak run defense, which allowed 5.6 yards per carry.
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Cowboys’ Passing Game: Cooper Rush threw for 354 yards, but his 55 attempts highlight Dallas’ inability to establish a run game, with Rico Dowdle managing only 28 yards on 10 carries.
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Defensive Impact: Derek Barnett’s strip-sack and 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the game for Houston, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Offensive Performances: Who Stole the Show?
Houston Texans: Joe Mixon’s Masterclass
Joe Mixon was the undisputed star, earning praise as the game’s MVP. His 109 rushing yards on 20 carries, paired with three touchdowns, marked his sixth straight game with a score. His 45-yard touchdown run in the first quarter set the tone, exploiting gaps in Dallas’ defense. Mixon also contributed 44 receiving yards, proving his versatility. His performance underscores why he’s a cornerstone of Houston’s offense, especially in a game where C.J. Stroud’s passing was efficient but lacked touchdowns (23/34, 257 yards, 1 INT).
Dallas Cowboys: KaVontae Turpin’s Spark
With Dak Prescott sidelined, Cooper Rush leaned heavily on his receivers. KaVontae Turpin provided a highlight with a 64-yard touchdown catch, reaching a top speed of 22.36 mph—the fastest by any Cowboys ball carrier since 2016, per Next Gen Stats. CeeDee Lamb added 93 yards on eight catches, but Dallas’ offense faltered in the red zone, converting only one touchdown despite 381 total yards.
Question: Who Was the Top Performer in the Texans vs. Cowboys Game?
Answer: Joe Mixon was the top performer, rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the game’s MVP honors.
Defensive Standouts: Turning the Tide
Houston Texans: Derek Barnett’s Game-Changing Play
Houston’s defense, despite missing Will Anderson Jr., recorded five sacks and forced two fumbles. Derek 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. Jalen Pitre’s forced fumble and five tackles further solidified Houston’s defensive edge, limiting Dallas to 10 points despite their 354 passing yards.
Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons’ Return
Micah Parsons, back from injury, recorded four tackles but couldn’t disrupt Houston’s rhythm. The Cowboys’ defense struggled, allowing 391 total yards and failing to contain Mixon. A missed 40-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey and a failed fake punt early in the game compounded their woes.
Question: How Did the Texans’ Defense Impact the Game?
Answer: The Texans’ defense recorded five sacks and two forced fumbles, with Derek Barnett’s fumble return for a touchdown sealing the 34-10 victory.
Team Stats Comparison: A Tale of Balance vs. One-Dimensionality
|
Category |
Houston Texans |
Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
391 | 388 |
|
Passing Yards |
257 | 354 |
|
Rushing Yards |
134 | 34 |
|
Turnovers |
1 (1 INT) |
2 (1 INT, 1 FUM) |
|
Time of Possession |
30:37 | 29:23 |
|
Third-Down Conv. |
4/12 (33%) | 5/15 (33%) |
|
Penalties |
9 for 70 yds |
9 for 75 yds |
Source: HoustonTexans.com, NFL.com
Key Insights
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Balanced Attack: Houston’s 134 rushing yards complemented Stroud’s 257 passing yards, showcasing a balanced offense that kept Dallas guessing.
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Cowboys’ Struggles: Dallas’ 34 rushing yards forced a pass-heavy approach, leading to 55 attempts by Rush and increased exposure to Houston’s pass rush.
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Turnover Differential: Houston’s ability to force two turnovers while committing only one was a critical factor in their dominance.
Game-Changing Moments
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Mixon’s Early Strike: A 45-yard touchdown run on Houston’s opening drive set the tone, exposing Dallas’ run defense vulnerabilities.
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Failed Fake Punt: Dallas’ fourth-and-9 fake punt attempt in the first quarter was stuffed by Houston’s John Metchie III, leading to a Texans field goal.
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Barnett’s Scoop-and-Score: Barnett’s fumble return in the fourth quarter turned a competitive game into a rout, pushing Houston’s lead to 27-10.
Question: What Was the Turning Point of the Game?
Answer: Derek Barnett’s strip-sack and 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter was the turning point, giving Houston an insurmountable 17-point lead.
Practical Tips for Fans Analyzing Player Stats
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Focus on Efficiency Metrics: Look beyond raw yards—completion percentage (Stroud’s 67.6%) and yards per carry (Mixon’s 5.5) reveal efficiency.
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Contextualize Turnovers: Houston’s plus-one turnover differential was crucial. Check forced fumbles and interceptions to gauge defensive impact.
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Track Game Flow: Time of possession (Houston’s 30:37) indicates control. Use play-by-play data to understand momentum shifts.
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Leverage Advanced Stats: Next Gen Stats, like Turpin’s 22.36 mph sprint, provide deeper insights into player impact.
Where to Find Reliable NFL Stats
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ESPN.com: Detailed box scores and play-by-play data.
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NFL.com: Official stats, highlights, and Next Gen insights.
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Stathead.com: Historical comparisons and advanced metrics.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Houston Texans (7-4)
Houston’s win solidified their AFC South lead, two games ahead of the Indianapolis Colts. With upcoming games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans are poised to strengthen their playoff position. Mixon’s consistency and a healthier roster, including Nico Collins’ return, bode well for their postseason aspirations.
Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
Dallas’ fifth straight loss dropped them to 3-7, effectively ending their playoff hopes. Injuries to Jake Ferguson, Tyler Guyton, and others further depleted their roster. Facing a tough schedule, including the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, the Cowboys must address their run game and defensive lapses to avoid a top-10 draft pick.
Question: How Does This Game Impact the Texans’ Playoff Chances?
Answer: The Texans’ 34-10 win improved their record to 7-4, strengthening their AFC South lead and boosting their projected 10-7 finish, per The Athletic’s Austin Mock.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The Houston Texans’ 34-10 rout of the Dallas Cowboys was a masterclass in balanced offense and opportunistic defense. Joe Mixon’s three-touchdown performance and Derek Barnett’s game-sealing scoop-and-score highlighted Houston’s superiority, while Dallas’ one-dimensional offense and defensive struggles underscored their 2024 woes. This game not only showcased individual brilliance but also reinforced the intensity of the Texans-Cowboys rivalry.
For fans, diving into player stats offers a deeper appreciation of the game’s nuances. Whether you’re cheering for Houston’s playoff push or hoping for a Cowboys turnaround, this matchup was a reminder of why the Battle of Texas captivates NFL audiences.
