The Dallas Cowboys (3-6) face a critical showdown on Monday Night Football as they host the Houston Texans (6-4) in the seventh installment of the Governor’s Cup, a rivalry since the Texans joined the NFL in 2002. With a 4-2 lead in the all-time series and an undefeated record against Houston at home, Dallas hopes to secure a much-needed victory and avoid their first five-game losing streak in nearly a decade. Here are three key areas Dallas must focus on to come out on top.
#1. Shield the Quarterback from Houston’s Ferocious Pass Rush
With injuries to Dak Prescott and a rotating cast of understudies, protecting whoever takes the snaps—whether it’s Cooper Rush, Trey Lance, or the newly signed Will Grier—is paramount. Houston’s pass rush has proven relentless, tallying 29 sacks in ten weeks, ranking seventh in the NFL, with star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. back in the lineup. Houston’s defensive front boasts a disruption rate of nearly 24 percent, creating a formidable challenge for Dallas’s offensive line, which has allowed 24 sacks so far this season.
Dallas must rely on its offensive line to set the tone early. Effective pass protection will buy time for quick throws and help Dallas avoid falling victim to costly sacks and negative plays, especially as they battle a top pass-rushing unit.
#2. Win the Turnover Battle with Ball Security
“Winning the turnover battle is crucial in determining a game’s outcome,” as former Cowboys coach Wade Phillips once noted. This advice couldn’t be more relevant for Dallas, which ranks 30th in turnover differential at minus ten. Houston, on the other hand, sits comfortably in the top ten, ranking sixth with a plus-seven differential, largely thanks to their defense’s ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. The Texans have snagged 13 interceptions this season, third-best in the league, and have forced seven fumbles.
Last week’s five turnovers against the Philadelphia Eagles cost Dallas dearly, leading directly to 13 points for their rivals. Protecting the ball will be essential, especially through the air, as Houston’s ball-hawking secondary will look to pressure whoever starts at quarterback into risky throws. If Dallas can hold onto the ball and avoid gifting Houston extra possessions, they stand a much better chance of keeping pace in this crucial game.
#3. Contain Joe Mixon and Stop the Ground Game
This season, Dallas’s run defense has faced formidable backs like Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley, but Houston’s Joe Mixon may be the toughest test yet. Mixon has amassed 655 rushing yards in 2024, despite missing two games, and he’s been a key component of Houston’s ground attack with five 100-yard games and seven touchdowns. Houston ranks in the top ten for rushing touchdowns, while Dallas’s defense sits near the bottom in rushing yards allowed per game and rushing touchdowns surrendered.
Containing Mixon will be critical to preventing long drives and keeping the Texans out of the end zone. Dallas will need a team effort, with linebackers and defensive linemen stepping up to plug gaps and limit Mixon’s opportunities. Stopping the run could force Houston to rely more on their passing game, playing into Dallas’s hands and giving their secondary a chance to make plays.
A Pivotal Matchup for Dallas
Monday night’s game provides Dallas a chance to reverse their recent slide and reignite some momentum in an otherwise rocky season. The Texans present formidable challenges, but with a disciplined, focused approach on pass protection, ball security, and run defense, the Cowboys can give themselves a fighting chance to pull off an upset. For Mike McCarthy and his squad, it’s all about finding solutions on both sides of the ball to stay competitive and defend their home turf in Arlington.
