The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry that lights up the Lone Star State every time they face off. On November 18, 2024, these two Texas titans clashed at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with the Texans dominating the Cowboys in a 34-10 victory. This game was a showcase of individual brilliance, team strategy, and some jaw-dropping moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from this electrifying matchup, highlighting key performances, game-changing plays, and what it all means for both teams. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or just curious about the game, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through the numbers in a way anyone can understand.
Game Overview: A Texas Beatdown
The Houston Texans came into the game with a 6-4 record, looking to solidify their lead in the AFC South. Led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, they were a team on the rise, coming off a division title in 2023. The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, were struggling at 3-6, dealing with the absence of star quarterback Dak Prescott, who was sidelined with a season-ending ankle injury. With backup quarterback Cooper Rush at the helm, the Cowboys faced an uphill battle against a hungry Texans squad.
The final score of 34-10 tells the story of a one-sided affair, but the stats reveal the full picture of how the Texans overwhelmed the Cowboys. From Joe Mixon’s three-touchdown performance to a game-changing defensive score, Houston’s players showed up in a big way. Let’s dive into the stats, starting with the offensive leaders for both teams.
Houston Texans Player Stats
Passing: CJ Stroud’s Steady Hand
C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ young quarterback, delivered a solid performance, completing 23 of 34 passes for 257 yards. While he didn’t throw any touchdown passes, he kept the offense moving with smart decisions and avoided costly mistakes for the most part. His lone interception came in the first quarter, but it didn’t derail Houston’s momentum. Stroud’s quarterback rating was 77.7, reflecting a controlled, efficient outing. His ability to spread the ball around to multiple receivers kept the Cowboys’ defense guessing, setting up the run game to dominate.
Rushing: Joe Mixon Steals the Show
If there was a star of the game, it was Texans running back Joe Mixon. Mixon was a force, carrying the ball 20 times for 109 yards and scoring three rushing touchdowns. His ability to power through tackles and find gaps in the Cowboys’ defense was a game-changer. Mixon’s touchdowns came at critical moments, including one in the first quarter to open the scoring and another in the fourth to seal the deal. His 5.5 yards per carry average showed how effectively he exploited Dallas’ front seven.
Other contributors in the run game included Stroud himself, who scrambled for 26 yards on three carries, and Tank Dell, who added four yards on a single carry. Dameon Pierce chipped in with two yards on one carry, but Mixon was clearly the workhorse, carrying the load for Houston’s 141 total rushing yards.
Receiving: A Balanced Attack
The Texans’ passing game relied on a balanced approach, with Stroud distributing the ball to seven different receivers. Here’s how they stacked up:
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Nico Collins: 4 receptions, 54 yards
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Tank Dell: 4 receptions, 54 yards
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Dalton Schultz: 5 receptions, 33 yards
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John Metchie III: 3 receptions, 33 yards
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Cade Stover: 2 receptions, 15 yards
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Robert Woods: 2 receptions, 13 yards
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Dare Ogunbowale: 1 reception, 11 yards
No single receiver dominated, but the spread of targets kept the Cowboys’ secondary on their toes. Collins and Dell led the way with 54 yards each, showing their growing chemistry with Stroud. Tight end Dalton Schultz also contributed with five catches, proving to be a reliable safety valve. This balanced attack helped Houston sustain drives and control the clock, finishing with 30:37 of possession time.
Defense: A Game-Changing Effort
The Texans’ defense was relentless, forcing two turnovers and scoring a touchdown of their own. Here are the standout defensive performers:
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Jalen Pitre: 9 tackles (4 solo), instrumental in knocking the ball loose for a key fumble
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Ka’dar Hollman: 7 tackles (6 solo)
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Henry To’oTo’o: 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss
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Azeez Al-Shaair: 7 tackles (4 solo)
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Danielle Hunter: 3 tackles (3 solo), 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss
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Denico Autry: 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
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Derek Stingley Jr.: 2 tackles (2 solo), 1 interception
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Derek Barnett: 1 tackle (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown
The defensive highlight came in the fourth quarter when Derek Barnett stripped the ball from Cooper Rush, and after Jalen Pitre knocked it loose, Barnett scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown. This play effectively put the game out of reach, showcasing Houston’s ability to capitalize on Dallas’ mistakes. The Texans’ three sacks and five tackles for loss disrupted the Cowboys’ rhythm all night, limiting their offense to just 64 rushing yards and forcing two turnovers.
Kicking and Punting
Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn was perfect, going 2-for-2 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points. His field goals came in the second and third quarters, helping maintain Houston’s lead. Punter Tommy Townsend had a strong game, averaging 52.5 yards on four punts, with three landing inside the 20-yard line, including a long of 59 yards.
Dallas Cowboys Player Stats
Passing: Cooper Rush’s Tough Day
With Dak Prescott out, Cooper Rush took the reins for Dallas, completing 32 of 55 passes for 354 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His quarterback rating of 75.9 was respectable, but the stat line doesn’t tell the whole story. Rush faced constant pressure, getting sacked five times for a loss of 34 yards. His lone touchdown pass was a 64-yard strike to KaVontae Turpin in the second quarter, but costly turnovers, including a strip-sack returned for a touchdown, hurt the Cowboys’ chances.
Interestingly, punter Bryan Anger also completed a 4-yard pass, a rare stat for a special teams player, though it didn’t lead to points.
Rushing: A Struggling Ground Game
The Cowboys’ run game was nearly nonexistent, totaling just 64 yards on 18 carries. Here’s how it broke down:
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Rico Dowdle: 10 carries, 28 yards
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Deuce Vaughn: 4 carries, 13 yards
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CeeDee Lamb: 1 carry, 13 yards
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Ezekiel Elliott: 1 carry, 8 yards
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Cooper Rush: 2 carries, 2 yards
With an average of 3.6 yards per carry, Dallas couldn’t establish the run, forcing Rush to throw 55 times. This one-dimensional approach played into the Texans’ hands, as their defense focused on pressuring Rush and covering the Cowboys’ receivers.
Receiving: CeeDee Lamb Shines Despite the Loss
Despite the lopsided score, CeeDee Lamb was a bright spot for Dallas, catching 8 passes for 93 yards. Other key contributors included:
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KaVontae Turpin: 3 receptions, 86 yards, 1 touchdown
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Luke Schoonmaker: 6 receptions, 56 yards
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Brevyn Spann-Ford: 4 receptions, 42 yards
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Jalen Tolbert: 2 receptions, 21 yards
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Ryan Flournoy: 2 receptions, 19 yards
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Ezekiel Elliott: 3 receptions, 16 yards
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Jake Ferguson: 1 reception, 11 yards
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Juanyeh Thomas: 1 reception, 4 yards
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Deuce Vaughn: 1 reception, 4 yards
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Rico Dowdle: 2 receptions, 6 yards
Turpin’s 64-yard touchdown catch was the highlight, but Lamb’s consistent production kept Dallas in the game early. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker also stepped up with six catches, showing promise as a target in the passing game.
Defense: A Rough Night
The Cowboys’ defense struggled to contain Houston’s offense, particularly Joe Mixon. Key performers included:
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Eric Kendricks: 9 tackles (5 solo)
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Malik Hooker: 8 tackles (3 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception
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Trevon Diggs: 6 tackles (6 solo)
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Josh Butler: 5 tackles (5 solo)
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DeMarvion Overshown: 5 tackles (4 solo)
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Donovan Wilson: 5 tackles (2 solo)
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Osa Odighizuwa: 2 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
While Malik Hooker’s interception in the first quarter gave Dallas a chance to stay competitive, the defense couldn’t stop Houston’s run game or prevent big plays. The Cowboys allowed 391 total yards, including 141 on the ground, and failed to generate consistent pressure on Stroud, recording just one sack.
Kicking and Punting
Kicker Brandon Aubrey made 1 of 2 field goals and was perfect on his extra-point attempt. His missed field goal in the second quarter, his first ever in a home game, was a rare misstep for the usually reliable kicker. Punter Bryan Anger averaged 41 yards on two punts, with one landing inside the 20.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game started with a bang as Joe Mixon scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter, giving Houston an early 7-0 lead. The Cowboys responded with a failed fake punt, followed by traded interceptions, but Mixon struck again with another touchdown to make it 14-0. In the second quarter, Cooper Rush connected with KaVontae Turpin for a 64-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-7. Both teams traded field goals, but Dallas missed a chance to close the gap when Aubrey’s field goal attempt was nullified by a penalty, and they failed to convert on the ensuing drive.
The second half saw Houston pull away. A field goal in the third quarter extended their lead to 17-10, and in the fourth, Derek Barnett’s strip-sack and touchdown return made it 24-10. Mixon’s third touchdown of the night capped the scoring, leaving Dallas with no answer. The Cowboys’ final drive reached Houston’s 19-yard line but fizzled out, ending the game on a sour note.
Team Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the team stats, which highlight Houston’s dominance:
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First Downs: Texans 21, Cowboys 24
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Total Yards: Texans 391, Cowboys 388
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Passing Yards: Texans 250, Cowboys 324
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Rushing Yards: Texans 141, Cowboys 64
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Yards per Play: Texans 6.5, Cowboys 4.9
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Turnovers: Texans 1, Cowboys 2
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Time of Possession: Texans 30:37, Cowboys 29:23
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Third-Down Efficiency: Texans 4/12, Cowboys 5/15
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Fourth-Down Efficiency: Texans 1/2, Cowboys 0/4
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Red Zone Efficiency: Texans 2/4, Cowboys 0/1
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Penalties: Both teams 9 penalties, Texans 69 yards, Cowboys 66 yards
Despite Dallas’ edge in passing yards and first downs, their inability to convert on third and fourth downs, coupled with two turnovers, sealed their fate. Houston’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense made the difference.
What It Means for Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Both Teams
For the Houston Texans, this win improved their record to 7-4 and solidified their grip on the AFC South. Joe Mixon’s dominant performance showed he’s one of the league’s top running backs, while C.J. Stroud’s steady play kept the offense humming. The defense, led by players like Derek Barnett and Danielle Hunter, proved they can make game-changing plays. This victory sets Houston up well for a playoff push, with momentum on their side.
For the Dallas Cowboys, the loss dropped them to 3-7, marking their fifth straight defeat. Without Dak Prescott, the offense struggled to find consistency, and the run game was nonexistent. CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin showed flashes, but the defense couldn’t stop Houston’s ground attack. This game highlighted Dallas’ need to regroup and address their defensive and offensive line issues in the offseason.
Why This Game Matters to Fans
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a battle for Texas bragging rights. For Texans fans, this win was a statement, proving their team is a legitimate contender. For Cowboys fans, it was a tough pill to swallow, but players like CeeDee Lamb offer hope for brighter days. The stats tell the story of a game where one team executed flawlessly, while the other struggled to keep up.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats on November 18, 2024, was a showcase of individual brilliance and team execution. Joe Mixon’s three touchdowns, C.J. Stroud’s steady hand, and a game-changing defensive score powered Houston to a 34-10 rout. For Dallas, CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin provided highlights, but turnovers and a weak run game doomed their chances. This game was a reminder of why NFL rivalries captivate fans, and the stats give us plenty to talk about until the next Texas showdown.