The Dallas Cowboys’ 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football was a culmination of missed opportunities and costly mistakes. While the score suggests a lopsided defeat, the game remained within reach for Dallas deep into the second half. Here’s a breakdown of five crucial plays that shaped the Cowboys’ struggles in Week 11.
1. Brandon Aubrey Misses a Rare Opportunity
Trailing 17-10 late in the first half, Dallas had a chance to narrow the gap with a 40-yard field goal. Brandon Aubrey, previously perfect at AT&T Stadium, slipped on his plant foot, sending the kick clanging off the upright. It was a shocking miss that stalled the Cowboys’ momentum and squandered the chance for a halftime double-dip.
2. Cooper Rush Misses an Open Luke Schoonmaker
In the closing seconds of the first half, Rush rolled out under pressure but overlooked a wide-open Luke Schoonmaker across the field. A completion would have set up Dallas for a potential 62-yard field goal attempt. Instead, the drive ended in frustration, leaving the Cowboys with no points heading into the locker room.
3. Nico Collins Sparks the Texans’ Offense
Midway through the third quarter, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins on a deep pass that cut through Dallas’ zone coverage. The 33-yard completion flipped field position and led to a field goal, extending Houston’s lead to 20-10. It was a momentum swing the Cowboys couldn’t afford as they tried to claw back.
4. Questionable Fourth-Down Play Call Stalls Momentum
After a roughing penalty gave Dallas a fresh set of downs inside the red zone, the Cowboys faced a critical fourth-and-2. Opting to go for it rather than kick a field goal, Dallas ran a rollout for Rush, but the play failed to develop. The turnover on downs left points on the field and highlighted the offense’s ongoing inefficiency in high-pressure moments.
5. The Double Fumble That Ended It All
Early in the fourth quarter, Dallas still had hope. That evaporated when Rush fumbled under pressure, and Tyler Guyton, trying to recover the ball, fumbled it again. Houston scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, slamming the door on any comeback attempt.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys’ Week 11 loss epitomized a season filled with miscues and missed chances. Each of these plays underscored their struggles on offense, execution, and situational football. With the Commanders up next, Dallas faces an uphill battle to salvage what’s left of their season.
