Texans-Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football’: What We Learned from Houston’s 34-10 Win
Rocketship Rookie: Dameon Pierce Continues to Impress
Dameon Pierce, the Texans’ fourth-round pick out of Florida, has been a revelation in the early stages of his NFL career. Against the Cowboys, Pierce ran for a career-high 131 yards on 27 carries, including a 30-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter. Pierce’s explosive running style and ability to break tackles have made him a key cog in Houston’s offense.
Mills Gets the Job Done
With Davis Mills under center, the Texans’ offense has found a consistent rhythm. Against Dallas, Mills completed 21 of 31 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. Mills showed poise in the pocket and made several key throws, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins in the third quarter.
Cowboys’ Offense Stumbles
The Cowboys’ offense, which had been averaging over 30 points per game coming into the contest, struggled mightily against the Texans’ defense. Quarterback Cooper Rush, filling in for the injured Dak Prescott, completed just 19 of 31 passes for 177 yards and one interception. The Cowboys’ running game was also held in check, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combining for just 71 yards on 20 carries.
Texans’ Defense Rises to the Occasion
The Texans’ defense played a major role in the victory, holding the Cowboys to just 10 points and 277 total yards. Houston’s pass rush was particularly effective, sacking Rush five times and forcing him into several errant throws. Linebacker Christian Kirksey led the way with two sacks, while defensive end Jonathan Greenard added 1.5 sacks.
Cowboys’ Injuries Pile Up
The Cowboys’ injury woes continued against the Texans, with several key players going down. Wide receiver Michael Gallup suffered a torn ACL in the third quarter, while cornerback Anthony Brown and safety Donovan Wilson both left the game with concussions. These injuries could have a significant impact on the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.
Texans’ Playoff Hopes Alive
With the win, the Texans improved to 2-4 on the season and kept their playoff hopes alive. Houston is now just one game behind the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South standings. The Texans will look to continue their momentum next week when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road.
Cowboys’ Season in Jeopardy
The loss to the Texans was a major setback for the Cowboys, who fell to 4-2 on the season. Dallas is now tied with the Philadelphia Eagles atop the NFC East, but the Eagles hold the tiebreaker. The Cowboys will need to bounce back quickly when they face the Lions at home next week.