Houston Texans pull away to hand Dallas Cowboys fifth straight loss

In Arlington, Texas, Joe Mixon delivered an impressive performance, rushing for 109 yards and scoring three touchdowns, as the Houston Texans defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-10, breaking their two-game losing streak. With this victory, the Texans' record stands at 7-4, maintaining their lead in the AFC South. The Texans showed resolve after a previous loss to the Detroit Lions, where they surrendered a 16-point lead despite intercepting five passes.

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud emphasized that the team didn't alter their approach but rather focused on playing a consistent four quarters. Demonstrating resilience, the Texans also proved their defensive mettle, with Jalen Pitre leading with nine tackles, and Derek Stingley Jr. contributing an interception.

A pivotal moment occurred when Dallas, trailing 20-10, could not capitalize on a penalty against Houston’s Derek Barnett. Later, Barnett redeemed himself by forcing a fumble and scoring a defensive touchdown, putting the Texans ahead 27-10. Houston's defense was formidable, recording five sacks and keeping the Cowboys scoreless in the second half. 

Dallas' struggles continue, with injuries to key players like Dak Prescott, Zack Martin, and Tyler Smith exacerbating their challenges, leading to their fifth consecutive loss, a streak not seen since 2015. The Cowboys' lack of home field advantage is notable, as they've trailed by 20 points in six straight home games.

The Cowboys' owner acknowledged their subpar performance, highlighting the broader issues affecting the team's play. Next, Dallas will face the Washington Commanders, while the Texans prepare to meet the Tennessee Titans.

Amid the tensions of the game, an incident occurred at AT&T Stadium when a piece of sheet metal fell from the ceiling, momentarily delaying the event. However, no injuries were reported, and safety precautions were taken to ensure the roof remained closed during the game.