The matchup between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys has always been one of the most exciting showdowns in Texas football. Every time these two teams take the field, fans anticipate a hard-fought, emotional, and highly competitive battle. The latest meeting between the Texans and Cowboys delivered exactly that — a game defined by explosive plays, defensive stands, and standout player performances.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats, analyzing key performers, team impact, turning points, and how individual contributions shaped the final outcome.
1. Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The Texans entered the matchup prepared, energetic, and confident in their strategy. Their balanced offense and aggressive defense helped them dominate critical moments of the game.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, showcased moments of brilliance but were unable to sustain offensive rhythm or neutralize Houston’s ground attack. By the end of four quarters, the Texans’ consistent execution proved too strong for Dallas to overcome.
The player stats reveal the full story — one of physicality, efficient plays, and clutch performances from both sides.
2. Houston Texans Match Player Stats
Houston’s victory was driven by discipline, physicality, and key playmakers stepping up at the right time. Below are the major contributors.
2.1 Joe Mixon: A Career Performance
Running back Joe Mixon delivered one of the most dominant performances of the entire season. His stats for the game were:
- 20 rush attempts
- 109 rushing yards
- 3 rushing touchdowns
His combination of power and vision shredded the Cowboys’ front seven. Mixon scored on both explosive breakaway runs and short-yardage power plays. He became the heartbeat of Houston’s offense, constantly moving the chains and finishing drives with authority.
His three touchdowns didn’t just put points on the board—they demoralized the Dallas defense and created a tempo the Cowboys struggled to match.
2.2 C.J. Stroud: Efficient and Poised Leadership
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud played a controlled, disciplined game. Although he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, he effectively managed the offense and avoided major mistakes.
His stats included:
- 23 completions on 34 attempts
- 257 passing yards
- 1 interception
Stroud distributed the ball well, connected on key third-down throws, and kept the Cowboys’ defense guessing. He displayed calm footwork, solid pocket presence, and smart decision-making, showing once again why he is considered one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks.
2.3 Tank Dell and Nico Collins: Dual Receiving Threats
The Texans’ receiving corps stepped up with speed, agility, and crisp route running.
Tank Dell
- 7 receptions
- 95 yards
- 1 receiving touchdown
Dell’s acceleration and strong hands made him a reliable downfield target. His touchdown reception early in the game gave Houston momentum and highlighted his chemistry with Stroud.
Nico Collins
- 5 receptions
- 64 yards
- 1 receiving touchdown
Collins used his size and strength to win contested catches, particularly in third-down situations. His presence forced the Cowboys to respect Houston’s passing game, preventing them from loading the box against Mixon.
2.4 Defensive Playmakers: Derek Barnett and Will Anderson Jr.
Houston’s defense was fierce, fast, and physical — and two names stood out the most.
Derek Barnett
- Forced fumble
- Fumble recovery
- 28-yard defensive touchdown
Barnett’s defensive touchdown was a game-changing moment. His awareness and hustle not only created a turnover but also put points directly on the board, shifting momentum entirely in Houston’s favor.
Will Anderson Jr.
- 2 sacks
- Multiple tackles for loss
- Constant backfield pressure
Anderson terrorized the Cowboys’ offensive line throughout the game. His ability to shed blocks and close in on the quarterback made Dallas hesitant in their passing attack, forcing rushed throws and disrupting timing.
2.5 Ka’imi Fairbairn: Reliable Special Teams Performance
The Texans kicker was perfect in his duties:
- 2 field goals made
- 100% on extra points
Fairbairn’s consistency ensured that Houston capitalized on every scoring opportunity. Special teams stability played a subtle but important role in the Texans maintaining control throughout the game.
3. Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats
The Cowboys had moments of offensive success, but lack of consistency and key mistakes limited their scoring ability. Below are the major statistical contributors for Dallas.
3.1 Cooper Rush: High Yardage Under Pressure
With Dak Prescott unavailable, Cooper Rush stepped in and delivered a statistically strong passing performance, but it came with challenges.
His stats included:
- 32 completions on 55 attempts
- 354 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
- 5 sacks taken
Despite throwing for over 350 yards, Rush was under constant pressure. Houston’s defensive front made it difficult for him to execute long drives. Although he showed poise, the lack of pocket protection prevented him from developing consistent momentum.
3.2 KaVontae Turpin: Explosive Playmaker
One of Dallas’s brightest moments came from KaVontae Turpin, who showcased his elite speed and playmaking ability.
- 3–4 receptions
- 81–86 yards
- 1 touchdown (a 64-yard deep score)
Turpin’s long touchdown gave Dallas brief hope and energized their offense. However, there weren’t enough complementary plays to maintain that momentum.
3.3 CeeDee Lamb: Reliable, But Contained
Star receiver CeeDee Lamb delivered a strong performance, though he was kept out of the end zone.
- 8 receptions
- 93–98 receiving yards
Lamb created separation and made clutch catches, but Houston’s secondary tightened coverage inside the red zone. Despite leading the Cowboys in receptions and yards, he couldn’t break free for game-changing plays.
3.4 Micah Parsons: Defensive Hustle
While the Cowboys’ defense had difficulties stopping Houston’s run game, Micah Parsons still made an impact.
- 6 tackles
- 1 tackle for loss
- Pressure on multiple plays
Parsons flew around the field, disrupting gaps and rushing the quarterback when given space. However, without support from the rest of the defense, his efforts weren’t enough to slow the Texans’ balanced attack.
3.5 Brandon Aubrey: Costly Missed Field Goal
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey had an opportunity to cut into Houston’s lead but missed a 40-yard field goal. This miss came at a crucial moment when Dallas was trying to shift momentum.
Special teams mistakes are often overlooked, but this one made the deficit harder to overcome.
4. Key Turning Points in the Game
Understanding the stats helps highlight the defining moments of the match:
1. Joe Mixon’s early touchdowns
These early scores established Houston’s offensive rhythm and forced Dallas to play catch-up.
2. Derek Barnett’s defensive touchdown
A rare but decisive play that widened the lead and crushed the Cowboys’ momentum.
3. Cooper Rush under heavy pressure
Five sacks and constant disruption prevented Dallas from delivering sustained drives.
4. Missed field goal by Aubrey
This missed kick gave Houston more control and helped maintain a multi-score advantage.
5. Explosive Texans receiving plays
Tank Dell and Nico Collins made clutch catches that extended drives and set up scoring opportunities.
5. What the Player Stats Reveal About Both Teams
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats offer clear insight into the game’s outcome:
Houston Texans
- Created a balanced offense
- Dominated in the run game
- Made critical defensive plays
- Controlled the pace from start to finish
Dallas Cowboys
- Produced explosive plays but lacked consistency
- Struggled to protect their quarterback
- Failed to stop the run
- Missed key scoring chances
The numbers show that Houston simply executed better in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams.
Conclusion: Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats highlight a game dominated by physicality, precision, and explosive performances from the Texans. Joe Mixon’s three-touchdown masterpiece, C.J. Stroud’s controlled leadership, and Houston’s aggressive defense combined to create a complete team victory.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys showed flashes of brilliance — especially through Cooper Rush’s yardage and Turpin’s long touchdown — but they lacked consistency, protection, and defensive stability to remain competitive.
