NFL Week 5: Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans Recap

by
Former Writers
October 8, 2018

grooverman via Flickr

Houston Reigns Supreme In Overtime Thriller

The Houston Texans defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-16 Sunday night in overtime. This marked the fifth time the teams have met in the regular season; Houston is 2-3 in the series. After the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars lost yesterday, they are now just one game out of first place.

The Cowboys could have taken advantage of losses by both the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants had things been different.

Recap

This game was a true defensive struggle. Both teams’ defenses were relentless in shutting down the running game. Texans running back, Alfred Blue, was held to just 46 yards rushing on 20 carries. Dallas running back, Ezekiel Elliot, could only muster 54 yards on 20 carries.

Houston’s game plan was clearly not to allow Elliott to be the one to beat them. They forced quarterback Dak Prescott to beat them with his arm. This strategy worked in their favor. Prescott was only able to accumulate a grand total of 208 yards passing with two interceptions and one touchdown.

Those are some torrid numbers since the game ended with 1:50 left on the clock in overtime. He was also sacked twice as J.J. Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney both got to him in the pocket. QB Deshaun Watson fared much better on his end as he wound up with 375 yards passing on 33/44 attempts. He had one touchdown to go along with one interception. He also ran the ball ten times for 40 yards.

His favorite target and fellow former Clemson Tiger, DeAndre Hopkins, gave the Dallas secondary fits the whole night. The wide receiver had nine catches for 151 yards. His dynamic catch and run in OT would help seal the Cowboys’ fate ultimately. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled the game-winning field goal from 36 yards out.

Looking Ahead

The Cowboys have a ton of questions on offense that they will need answered heading into their matchup with the Jaguars next week. Despite the Jags giving up 30 points to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, that doesn’t mean that Dallas will do the same.

Kansas City is undefeated and has the best offense in the league. Jacksonville’s defense is very strong and will be looking for redemption.

Meanwhile, the Texans will host the Buffalo Bills next Sunday. It seems that the Texans are starting to hit their stride. Deshaun Watson also looks more comfortable and less worried about his knee. Things should get very interesting in the AFC South.