The Houston Texans delivered a commanding performance in Week 11 of Monday Night Football, cruising to a 34-10 win over the reeling Dallas Cowboys. Running back Joe Mixon shined with three touchdown runs, including a highlight-reel 45-yard burst, as the Texans snapped a two-game losing streak and solidified their place atop the AFC South at 7-4.
The Cowboys, now mired in their longest losing streak since 2015, fell to 3-7 and remain winless at home this season (0-5). Dallas made NFL history for all the wrong reasons, becoming the first team to trail by 20+ points in six consecutive home games.
Joe Mixon, who has been on a tear since returning from an ankle injury, continued his touchdown streak to six consecutive games. The veteran back logged 109 rushing yards, capping his night with three scores: a 45-yard sprint, a bruising 1-yard plunge, and another 1-yard run late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Mixon’s performance wasn’t the only highlight for the Texans. Defensive lineman Derek Barnett provided the turning point in the fourth quarter. With Houston leading 24-10, Barnett knocked the ball out of Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush’s hand as he attempted a pass. In the ensuing chaos, rookie tackle Tyler Guyton recovered the ball and tried to advance it, only to have safety Jalen Pitre knock it loose again. Barnett scooped it up and raced 28 yards for a touchdown, narrowly staying inbounds.
Houston broke open a close game after halftime, outscoring Dallas 21-0 in the final two quarters. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was efficient, throwing for 257 yards without a turnover. Stroud spread the ball effectively, finding key completions to Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz to keep the chains moving.
Dallas’ fifth consecutive loss extended their misery. Cooper Rush, starting in place of an injured Dak Prescott, finished 32-of-55 for 354 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Rush connected with KaVontae Turpin for a 64-yard touchdown in the first half, but the Cowboys failed to sustain drives, repeatedly stalling in the red zone.
The offensive line struggled mightily, allowing consistent pressure and failing to establish the run game. Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton endured a rough night, highlighted by the pivotal fumble that led to Barnett’s score.
With the win, the Texans maintain their two-game lead in the AFC South as they prepare for a matchup next week against the Tennessee Titans . Meanwhile, the Cowboys face mounting questions about their future as they head on the road to face the Washington Commanders in a NFC East showdown.
For now, the Texans celebrate a decisive victory, while the Cowboys are left searching for answers in a season spiraling out of control.
