The Dallas Cowboys suffered yet another blow in Week 11, losing 34-10 to the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. As their season continues to spiral, some players stepped up while others faltered. Here’s a breakdown of who shined and who stumbled in this tough outing for Dallas.
Winners
Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE
With Jake Ferguson sidelined due to a concussion, rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford seized his opportunity. The undrafted tight end posted four catches for 42 yards, surpassing his season totals in a single game. While it wasn’t a breakout performance, it was a promising sign for his future.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE
Schoonmaker, another tight end filling in for Ferguson, finally showed the potential Dallas had hoped for. He caught six passes for 56 yards, including a tough grab that drew a penalty and a crucial 24-yard catch on third down. After a disappointing rookie season, this game could mark a turning point for him.
KaVontae Turpin, WR
Turpin provided Dallas fans with a rare moment of excitement, turning a short pass into a 64-yard touchdown. According to Next Gen Stats, he hit a blazing 22.36 mph, the fastest speed by any NFL player this season. Turpin also became the first Cowboy to score an offensive touchdown at home since Week 3.
TURPIN SPEEDS FOR 64. TD, COWBOYS!
📺: #HOUvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/58pkIaiCvb— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2024
Micah Parsons, EDGE
Parsons proved why he’s indispensable to the Cowboys’ defense. While his stats—one tackle—don’t jump off the page, his constant pressure disrupted Houston’s offense. One standout play came when he forced an early throw from C.J. Stroud to prevent a touchdown, showcasing his impact beyond the stat sheet.
Bill Belichick broke down Cowboys DE Micah Parsons’ game: “Yeah, he’s definitely a problem.” pic.twitter.com/Q2fG6qSuUl
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) November 19, 2024
Losers
John Fassel, Special Teams Coach
Dallas’ decision to attempt a fake punt early in the game epitomized poor decision-making. The play gained just four yards on a fourth-and-nine attempt. Though the defense bailed out the team with an interception, Fassel’s risky call added unnecessary pressure in an already uphill battle.
CeeDee Lamb, WR
Lamb’s performance improved from Week 10, with eight catches for 93 yards, but it wasn’t enough to erase his early mistakes. A misjudged third-down route led to an interception, drawing criticism from Peyton Manning. His inconsistent body language and frustration only amplified concerns.
Trey Lance, QB
Despite Cooper Rush’s struggles, Lance remained on the bench. The Cowboys’ decision to not give their mobile quarterback a shot against Houston’s aggressive pass rush raises questions about his future in Dallas, especially after trading a fourth-round pick to acquire him.
Terence Steele, RT
Steele’s issues on the offensive line continued, highlighted by his failure to block Danielle Hunter, leading to a sack early in the second half. Steele’s struggles have been evident since signing an extension, making him a liability in crucial moments.
Looking Ahead
With their playoff hopes slipping away, the Cowboys (3-7) face the Washington Commanders on the road in Week 12 before a quick turnaround to host the New York Giants on Thanksgiving. While bright spots like Turpin and Parsons offer glimmers of hope, the team needs more consistent performances to salvage their season.
