In a commanding performance on Monday Night Football, the Houston Texans rode a historic night from running back Joe Mixon to a resounding 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Mixon found the end zone three times while racking up 109 rushing yards, tying a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a single game.
The Texans’ offensive line set the tone early, paving the way for Mixon’s success. Head coach DeMeco Ryans issued a challenge to his front five before the game, imploring them to play fast and aggressive. They answered the call emphatically, consistently opening gaping holes for the former Pro Bowl back to exploit.
Mixon Makes History, Credits O-Line
Mixon’s three scores made him just the fourth player in Texans history to accomplish the feat in a single game. His longest touchdown scamper, a 45-yard untouched burst in the first quarter, marked the longest scoring run of his career. The veteran back was quick to deflect praise to his offensive line after the game.
“I think everybody was dialed in on the game plan, and we came out here and executed for four quarters. It was a great thing to see the O-line pretty much go out there and impose their will.”
– Joe Mixon, Houston Texans Running Back
Behind the stellar play of the offensive line, Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud also enjoyed an efficient outing. Stroud completed 67.6% of his passes for 257 yards, tying his third-highest completion percentage of the season. The clean pocket provided by his blockers allowed Stroud to connect on all eight of his play-action attempts for 99 yards.
Building Block Performance for Houston
The dominant rushing attack and stout pass protection culminated in the Texans’ most complete offensive showing of the year. Right tackle Tytus Howard believes the team has found a formula they can build upon moving forward.
“We put it together in the pass game and run game. So that’s something we can build from. Just take these games and stack off of it for the rest of the season, we know what we got to do.”
– Tytus Howard, Houston Texans Right Tackle
Mixon’s standout performance etched his name in the NFL record books as well. He became just the third player in league history to score 10 or more rushing touchdowns in his first eight games with a new team, a feat not accomplished since Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson did so with the Los Angeles Rams in 1983.
Texans Surge as Cowboys Stumble
The convincing win breathed new life into a Texans squad that entered the game with tempered expectations. Sitting at 3-5 and third place in the AFC South, Houston seemed primed for a daunting task against the 5-3 Cowboys. Instead, they made a resounding statement on national television.
For Dallas, the lopsided defeat raises fresh questions about their viability as a contender. Lauded for their talent-rich roster heading into the season, the Cowboys looked outmatched and ill-prepared under the bright lights. Falling to 5-4, they remain atop the NFC East but hardly resemble a team poised for a deep postseason run.
As the Texans enter their bye week, they suddenly find themselves imbued with newfound confidence. The inspired play of their offensive line and Mixon’s emergence as a force in the backfield could signal a turning point in their season. For a young team in search of an identity, performances like Monday night’s can galvanize a locker room.
Houston will aim to carry their momentum out of the bye and make a charge up the AFC standings. If Mixon and the offensive line can continue to impose their will as they did against the Cowboys, the Texans may yet evolve into a formidable foe few saw coming. The rest of the NFL has officially been placed on notice.
