The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats delivered a thrilling contest that saw both sides trade big plays and momentum swings throughout all four quarters. Played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this anticipated clash captured the attention of fans across the state. The game was part of the 2024 NFL regular season, specifically Week 11, and ended in a Texans 35–31 victory.
From the opening drive, it was clear this would be no ordinary game. The Texans started hot, marching downfield with an efficient passing attack led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who continued to make his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Cowboys responded with explosive plays of their own, including a 64-yard touchdown by KaVontae Turpin that brought the stadium to its feet.
However, what truly defined this game were the key defensive plays that shifted momentum. The Texans defense forced multiple turnovers, including a fumble returned for a touchdown by Derek Barnett. These crucial moments helped Houston gain a lead in the second half that they would never relinquish, despite a late push from Dallas.
Some of the game’s pivotal moments included:
- A deep 49-yard strike from Stroud to Nico Collins
- A goal-line fumble recovery by Texans linebacker Christian Harris
- A fourth-quarter interception that sealed the win for Houston
In total, the game featured over 750 yards of combined offense, defensive touchdowns, special teams magic, and outstanding individual performances.
Table of Contents
Texans vs Cowboys Player Stats – Offensive Leaders
Houston Texans Offensive Performances
The Houston Texans offense showcased balance and explosiveness, starting with quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had one of the most complete performances of his rookie season. Stroud finished with 22 completions on 31 attempts for 287 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 112.6. His pocket presence, quick release, and deep accuracy kept the Dallas secondary on its heels.
In the run game, Joe Mixon delivered a strong performance with 14 carries for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to gain yardage after contact and find holes in the defensive line helped control the clock and sustain drives in the second half.
The Texans’ receiving corps was equally impactful. Nico Collins led all receivers with 6 catches for 112 yards, including a critical 49-yard gain on a third down. Jon Metchie III added 5 catches for 64 yards, consistently finding soft spots in Dallas’ zone coverage. Tight end Dalton Schultz, facing his former team, caught 4 passes for 38 yards, providing reliable options in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Dallas Cowboys Offensive Performances
Despite the loss, the Cowboys’ offense moved the ball effectively. Quarterback Cooper Rush, starting in place of an injured Dak Prescott, completed 27 of 42 passes for 305 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. While not as dynamic as Prescott, Rush managed the game well, especially in the second half.
The Cowboys struggled on the ground, with Rico Dowdle and Tony Pollard combining for just 62 rushing yards on 19 carries—a disappointing performance against a Texans defense that had previously allowed high rushing totals.
Dallas’ top receiving threat was CeeDee Lamb, who had 8 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Lamb’s route running and yards after catch ability stood out, though he was often double-covered. KaVontae Turpin, known more for his special teams work, surprised many by catching a 64-yard touchdown pass, adding explosiveness to the offense.
Defensive & Special Teams Standouts
Houston Texans Defensive Impact
The Texans’ defense turned in one of their best performances of the season. Derek Barnett made the play of the game when he forced a fumble and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown, completely flipping the momentum. Danielle Hunter recorded 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss, constantly applying pressure from the edge and disrupting Cooper Rush’s rhythm.
Linebacker Christian Harris finished with a team-high 9 tackles, including a key fourth-down stop in the third quarter. Safety Jimmie Ward added an interception and 4 passes defended, showing excellent anticipation and range in coverage.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive and Special Teams Performances
While the Cowboys defense struggled at times, they had standout individual efforts. Micah Parsons registered 1.5 sacks, 6 pressures, and forced a holding penalty that negated a Texans touchdown. However, he was double-teamed frequently, limiting his overall disruption.
In the secondary, DaRon Bland made a crucial interception late in the second quarter and recorded 7 solo tackles. But breakdowns in zone assignments allowed the Texans to capitalize on key third downs.
On special teams, KaVontae Turpin was a bright spot, with a 45-yard punt return and a 64-yard touchdown reception on a trick play, showcasing his dual-threat value.
Read More: denver broncos vs cleveland browns match player statsComparative Team Statistics
| Category | Texans | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 391 | 388 |
| Passing Yards | 287 | 305 |
| Rushing Yards | 104 | 83 |
| First Downs | 21 | 20 |
| Third Down % | 53% (8/15) | 41% (6/14) |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 31:42 | 28:18 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 6 (45) | 9 (67) |
While total yardage was nearly even, the Texans were more efficient on third downs and capitalized on turnovers, scoring directly off a fumble recovery. Dallas lost the turnover battle, and that ultimately proved to be the difference in this tight contest.
Historical Context – Texans vs Cowboys Rivalry
The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys only meet once every four years in regular-season play, making this Governor’s Cup matchup especially significant. Heading into this game, the Cowboys led the all-time series 4–2, but this win narrowed the gap to 4–3.
Historically, the Texans have struggled when visiting AT&T Stadium, but this victory marked their first win in Dallas since 2002, when David Carr led Houston in their inaugural season. The 2024 matchup reignited talks about Texas football supremacy and added fuel to what is often a quiet but emotionally charged rivalry.
This win also symbolized a turning point for the Texans, who have been building steadily under head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud. It also raised concerns in Dallas about consistency, depth, and playoff readiness.
What These Stats Mean for Each Team
For the Houston Texans
This game affirmed that the Texans are no longer a rebuilding team—they’re contenders. The efficient performance by C.J. Stroud, the breakout contributions of Mixon and Collins, and a defensive unit that creates pressure and turnovers show Houston’s readiness for a playoff push. With this win, they improve to 7–4 and gain confidence heading into a crucial AFC South matchup next week.
For the Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys now fall to 6–5, and questions mount about their quarterback depth, lack of a dominant run game, and defensive reliability in big games. Cooper Rush performed admirably, but the offense missed the threat that Dak Prescott brings. Defensively, inconsistency and penalties hurt them again.
The Cowboys must regroup quickly, especially with upcoming games against NFC contenders. The loss exposed gaps that opponents will target in the coming weeks.
Fantasy Football & Fan Takeaways
Fantasy managers who started C.J. Stroud or Joe Mixon were rewarded with strong point totals. Stroud’s 287 yards and 2 TDs netted over 20 points in most standard leagues. Mixon’s 2 rushing touchdowns made him a top-5 fantasy RB for the week.
Nico Collins was a sleeper WR1 with over 100 yards, and KaVontae Turpin was a surprise star with his long TD. On defense, Texans DST scored high with a fumble recovery TD, multiple sacks, and an interception.
Fan takeaways:
- The Texans are real playoff contenders
- Dallas’ defense can’t carry the team every week
- Turnovers and red zone efficiency remain game-changers
FAQs – Texans vs Cowboys Match Player Stats
1. Who had the best performance in the Texans vs Cowboys game?
C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon stood out for the Texans, while CeeDee Lamb was Dallas’ top contributor. Derek Barnett’s defensive TD was game-changing.
2. What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Houston Texans 35 – Dallas Cowboys 31, with Houston securing the win thanks to key turnovers and solid offense.
3. How many turnovers occurred in the game?
There were 3 total turnovers. Dallas had 2 (1 interception, 1 fumble), and Houston had 1 interception.
4. Did the Texans win at AT&T Stadium before?
No, this was their first-ever win at AT&T Stadium since entering the league in 2002.
5. What are the Texans’ and Cowboys’ records after this game?
Houston improved to 7–4, while Dallas dropped to 6–5, increasing the pressure on their remaining schedule.
Final Thoughts & Next Games
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats reveal a game filled with drama, individual excellence, and strategic execution. The Texans proved their growth under DeMeco Ryans, while the Cowboys were left searching for answers on both sides of the ball.
Looking ahead:
- Texans face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a vital AFC South game.
- Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles in what could define their playoff path.
In summary, this matchup not only entertained fans but also reshaped narratives around both franchises. The stats reflect the performance, but the story lies in how these teams respond going forward.
