In a commanding performance, the Houston Texans triumphed over the Dallas Cowboys with a decisive 34-10 victory on Monday night in Arlington, Texas. Joe Mixon stole the show with three touchdowns and 109 rushing yards, while Derek Barnett made his mark with a fumble return touchdown, leading the Texans to snap their two-game losing streak and improve their record to 7-4 this season.

The Texans, now tied for first place in the AFC South, bounced back impressively after a previous disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions, where they squandered a 16-point lead and handed the opposition five interceptions. "We played a full four quarters; we didn’t change our philosophy," said Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, emphasizing their commitment to improvement and setting sights on maintaining momentum as they head into the playoffs.

The opening quarter saw the Texans storm out to a two-touchdown lead, but things became tense as their offense temporarily stalled. However, Mixon’s third touchdown in the final quarter ensured the Texans' command. Houston's defense, spearheaded by Jalen Pitre with nine tackles, and Derek Stingley Jr., who snagged an interception, consistently kept pressure on the Cowboys, thwarting their rhythm throughout the game.

Baring a glimpse of hope, the Cowboys closed in on a 20-10 deficit with a stunning 64-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey in the third quarter. However, a crucial penalty against Barnett allowed Dallas to extend their drive, but they ultimately squandered the opportunity with turnovers that illustrated their season-long struggles.

Filling in for the injured Dak Prescott, who is sidelined for the season due to a hamstring injury, Cooper Rush ended the night with 354 passing yards, but his efforts were marred by one touchdown and an interception.

The game’s pivotal moment came early in the fourth quarter. After forcing the Texans to punt, the Cowboys were poised to rally but faced a devastating setback: Barnett redeemed himself from a previous penalty, knocking the ball loose from Rush's grip. A confusion within the Cowboys mechanics led to Barnett scooping the loose ball for a defensive touchdown, showcasing the Texans’ tenacious defense and pushing the score to 27-10.

“Our defense was clutch,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “Derek Barnett’s play was a game-changer. It energized our sideline and shifted momentum in our favor.”

The Cowboys’ woes were compounded by the loss of key offensive linemen Zack Martin and Tyler Smith due to ankle injuries, along with tight end Jake Ferguson, for whom a concussion sidelined him. The team fell to 3-7 on the season, marking their fifth consecutive defeat, the longest losing streak since 2015.

“It’s incredibly frustrating for everyone—players, coaches, and fans alike,” lamented Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. “We’re not executing well enough, and that’s leading to disappointing outcomes.”

Moreover, the Cowboys have notably trailed by 20 or more points in six consecutive home games – a dismal NFL record that further emphasizes their struggles.

Looking ahead, the Cowboys will host the Washington Commanders on November 24, desperately vying to end their losing streak. Meanwhile, the Texans will face the Tennessee Titans, keen on building their playoff aspirations as they prop up their winning momentum.

In an additional concern, a piece of metal from the ceiling of AT&T Stadium fell during the game, leading to safety reviews but fortunately no injuries were reported. The Cowboys confirmed that further inspections will ensure all safety protocols are adhered to as they gear up for their next matchup.