Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The rivalry between North and South Texas carries significant weight in terms of pride and bragging rights. Engaging with fans from both sides reveals the depth of their intensity regarding the Cowboys and the Texans.
Following the recent clash, the Texans improved its season record to 7-4 by defeating the injury-plagued Cowboys, 34-10, on Monday Night Football in Arlington.
This victory solidifies the Texans’ position at the top of the AFC South standings.
The game was decided in the first quarter, where two touchdowns quickly established a commanding lead. Although a penalty nullified a remarkable 77-yard touchdown run by Nico Collins on the game’s opening play, Joe Mixon capitalized on the opportunity by scoring back-to-back touchdowns. His 45-yard run came shortly after Collins’ impressive effort, and with 54 seconds left in the quarter, Mixon added a one-yard touchdown, extending Houston’s advantage to 14-0.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud had a productive outing, completing 23 of 34 passes for 257 yards, while Mixon’s impressive performance on the ground, totaling 109 yards on 20 carries, set the tone early in the match.
Despite facing a deficit, Cooper Rush threw for 354 yards on 32 of 55 attempts, contributing one touchdown and one interception. He connected with receiver KaVontae Turpin, who capitalized on a coverage error by the Texans’ cornerback Jeff Okudah to score a 64-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-10 and providing a glimmer of hope for Dallas (3-7).
CeeDee Lamb performed admirably, recording eight receptions for 93 yards, while Turpin added three catches for 86 yards.
However, Houston quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback by scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns. In this brief yet notable rivalry, the Cowboys and Texans have met only seven times, with the Texans emerging victorious in three encounters.
The Cowboys, already dealing with several injuries, suffered another setback when Markquese Bell injured his arm in the first half while attempting to tackle Dameon Pierce during a kickoff return. Bell’s left arm was forced into an awkward position, resulting in considerable pain. The Cowboys later confirmed that Bell sustained a shoulder injury, further complicating its already challenging situation.
Dallas’s frustration mounted as it lost for the fifth consecutive time.
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