Tag: Houston Texans 2024

Texans-Cowboys Week 11: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count total from the Houston Texans’ 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday Night Football.

That’s more like the Houston Texans fans expected to see in 2024.

Behind a three-touchdown performance from running back Joe Mixon, the Texans secured bragging rights in the Lone Star State with a 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football.”

Mixon, who’s averaged 101.3 yards per game over his last five outings, finished with 109 rushing yards and 53 total yards while helping Houston break its nine-quarter drought without a touchdown in the second half.

“Joe, when he’s on, he’s a force for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The run game starts with our offensive line. I challenged them to play fast, play aggressive. I thought they did a really nice job. I really like the way we just kept churning it in the run game, and proud of the guys for stepping up to the challenge.”

Mixon tied a Texans single-game record for rushing touchdowns, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. He also secured his 10 rushing touchdown of the season, which marks the highest number of rushing scores by a Texans player since Arian Foster in 2012.

The 24-point victory margin was the Texans’ largest win since a 31-point swing over the Cleveland Browns during last year’s postseason run. It was also Houston’s most lop-sided victory over the Cowboys in seven meetings dating back to its inaugural season.

To emphasize how Houston looked, the Texans’ defense scored as many points as Dallas’ offense in one drive compared to 60 minutes. Defensive end Derek Barnett strip-sacked Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter, but the ball was recovered by Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Guyton.

The rookie left tackle was then stripped by safety Jalen Pitre, landing in Barnett’s hands en route to the end zone for a 28-yard scoop-and-score.

“They flipped the momentum and got everybody juiced up on the sideline. It was just a huge play,” Ryans said.
Here’s the snap count from Monday night’s success:

Offensive snaps: 64
Defensive snaps: 83
Special teams snaps: 18

Nico Collins, who returned for the first time since Week 5 and finished with four catches for 54 yards, played only 32 snaps. John Metchie III, who caught three passes for 33 yards, finished second among receivers with 39 snaps while Tank Dell was credited with 41.

Mixon, who now ranks eighth overall in rushing yards despite missing three games, saw action on 81% of reps and finished with 153 total yards. Tight end Dalton Schultz was credited with 48 snaps while Cade Stover saw action on 45% of plays.

Defensively, Calen Bullock totaled his fourth straight game with 100% of reps. Derek Stingley Jr, who intercepted Rush and broke up a pair of passes intended for CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert, played 74 snaps along with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

The Texans return home next week to face off against the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South showdown. They could have back defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who’s missed the previous two games while dealing with an ankle injury.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Watch: Texans RB Joe Mixon gets hat trick in victory over Cowboys

Joe Mixon pile drives it in for his third touchdown of the night as the Houston Texans improve to 7-4 on the regular season.

Take a bow, Joe Mixon.

It’s not every day you get the trifecta.

Mixon, perhaps the league’s most underrated extension of the offseason, cemented a Pro Bowl-esque night after securing a 4-yard touchdown run for his third score of the night as the Houston Texans secured a 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Houston’s offense has struggled to compete in the second half of games since Week 6. Entering Monday’s game, the Texans had gone eight quarters without scoring a touchdown in the second half.

Even though the Texans didn’t score in the third quarter, Derek Barnett ended the drought with a 28-yard scoop-and-score on a strip sack against Cooper Rush. Mixon sealed off the scoring to give Houston 14 points over the final 15 minutes.

The Texans improve to 7-4 on the regular season and secure their first victory since Week 8. Mixon, who finished with 109 rushing yards, averaged 5.5 yards per run and three scores.

Houston also picked up its first win on ‘Monday Night Football’ since 2018. Even though C.J. Stroud is the head of Houston, Mixon has been the face of the offense.

There are no off days for Joe. He’s always mixing it on.

Watch: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. gets easiest interception of the season vs. Cowboys

Houston Texans Derek Stingley Jr. just made the easiest interception of his career on primetime against the Dallas Cowboys

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

That’s become a common theme for Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., but even the common fan likely could have come away with the recent turnover thrown at AT&T Stadium.

The Texans are up 14-0 entering the second quarter after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush threw a pick right in the hands of Stingley. There were clear communication issues between the veteran quarterback and All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, but one person’s loss is another person’s gain.

More importantly, it’s giving Houston another takeaway to an already impressive start through 11 weeks for the defense. Entering Monday, the Texans were No. 4 in the NFL in takeaways with 18.

Make it 19 and a tie for third place.

The Texans are looking for their first win on ‘Monday Night Football’ since 2018. They’re also looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

Texans coach praises Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush entering Week 11’s showdown

DeMeco Ryans sees the potential in Cooper Rush entering Week 11’s showdown between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Cooper Rush might be a backup quarterback, but it’s best not to doubt a player who’s been a part of a team for years.

It’s worse to doubt a passer who’s proven they can win on any given Sunday.

Rush, who’s served as Dak Prescott’s backup since joining the Dallas Cowboys out of Central Michigan in 2017, has filled in for the latter before because of injury.

Prescott suffered a broken right thumb in a dispiriting opening-day loss in 2022, thus leaving the balance of the regular season in the hands of Rush. He kept morale high, going 4-1 as a starter for an eventual postseason-bound roster.

Sitting at 3-6, the Cowboys would need a comeback for the ages to enter the NFC postseason race, but Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t rushing to conclusions on Rush.

“Cooper has been there a while and he understands how to operate the offense very efficiently,” Ryans said Thursday. “When it comes to everything, every operation that goes with the offense, the checks, getting them in the proper plays, Cooper does a great job of managing all of the pre-snap operations and he does a great job of getting the ball out, finding his playmakers, making really good decisions with the football.”

Prescott will miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing hmastring surgery. Despite having former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance on the roster, the Cowboys are sticking with Rush for another week.

Rush, who’s started six games in eight seasons, completed 13 of his 23 pass attempts for 45 yards and fumbled twice in Sunday’s 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that he “didn’t get Cooper into a rhythm” and said that Dallas needs to execute quicker if it plans on setting a tone.

For his career, Rush has completed 178 of 298 passes for 1,831 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Ryans, who’s looking to get Houston back to its winning ways, isn’t paying attention to a Week 10 loss against the NFC East favorites. He’s looking at the body of work, which features Rush sitting at 4-2 all-time in the starting job.

“Cooper has a great record,” Ryans said. “When he’s started, he’s won a lot of games. So, we’re going in with the mindset of it being about the Texans and about us executing the right way.”

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Will Nico Collins play this week? Latest injury updates for Texans WR

Nico Collins is dealing with a hamstring injury entering Monday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

As the Houston Texans prepare for their Monday night showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, they could be getting back a healthy target in the passing game.

Despite being activated off the injured reserve, wide receiver Nico Collins was ruled out for Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gave an update Tuesday on Collins’ status heading into Week 11.

That’s the only question Texans fans alike will want answered ahead of their primetime clash at AT&T Stadium.

Nico Collins injury update

Collins, who missed the past four games with a hamstring injury, was officially designated to return on Friday. That opened a 21-day window during which Collins could practice with the Texans without taking up space on the team’s 53-man roster.

On Saturday, the Texans activated him to the 53-man roster but still listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game.  On Sunday, the Texans listed him as inactive, which factored into a three-point loss at home.

On Tuesday, Ryans said Collins would be a participant in practice.

“I anticipate him practicing,” Ryans said.

When will Nico Collins return?

Barring a setback, Collins should be cleared for Monday’s Lone Star showdown at AT&T Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys. Houston’s being patient with its No. 1 receiver, knowing its next three contests will bode in its favor of winning.

After facing off against the Cowboys, the Texans have back-to-back divisional games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Any time you get a starting receiver back and Nico, a guy who’s been – before he was out, he was the top receiver in the league,” Ryans said. “So, I think any time you get him back, it’s going to help everybody.”

Nico Collins stats

Collins, who last played in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Stroud in the first quarter before leaving for the remainder of the evening. He entered Week 5 as the NFL leader in receiving yards with 567. Collins also ranked third in catches with 32 and led the Texans with three receiving touchdowns.

Texans WR depth chart

Two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs is on the season-ending injured reserve, but here’s a look at the Texans receiving depth chart entering Week 11 now with Collins back. 

  • Nico Collins
  • Tank Dell
  • Robert Woods
  • John Metchie III
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Steven Sims

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised Dell’s performance after taking over as the leading receiver last Thursday.

Since Diggs’ departure, Dell has collected 10 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets.

“He took advantage of some matchups, and some plays worked out where we had given him plenty of opportunities in the last three or four weeks,” Slowik said. “Sometimes, you can’t control the coverage.” 

Metchie, a former second-round pick, could be in line for another breakout game after serving as Stroud’s top target in Sunday’s loss. He caught five passes for 74 yards and scored his first touchdown on a 1-yard pass with 12 seconds remaining in the first half.

“I’m just really proud of just his improvement and him taking the coaching, taking the practice to the field on Sunday,” Ryans said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC. 

Top photos from the Texans improbable loss vs. Lions on Sunday Night Football

Here are some of the top photos from Sunday’s loss at NRG Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

Even with five takeaways and a 16-point first-half lead, the Houston Texans managed to collapse on prime-time in front of the hometown crowd Sunday night.

After a three-interception first half from Jared Goff inside NRG Stadium, the Lions stopped making mistakes and turned it around. Meanwhile, Houston decided to have a turnover-filled second half as C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions, including one in the end zone, to keep the score within reach.

The Lions capped off the improbable road win over the AFC South-leading Texans when first-year kicker Jake Bates snuck a 52-yard field goal just inside the left upright, giving Detriot a 26-23 win.

Here are some of the top photos from the professionals inside the stadium for the Texans’ Week 10 loss.

C.J. Stroud takes ownership for Texans loss vs. Lions on Sunday Night Football

C.J. Stroud takes ownership of the Houston Texans’ second-half collapse against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

C.J. Stroud isn’t the only person at fault for the Houston Texans’ 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions on ‘Sunday Night Football’ at NRG Stadium.

Despite forcing five interceptions, the Texans’ defense allowed Lions quarterback Jared Goff to mount a pair of touchdown drives in the second half.

They gave the Lions ample room to mount a 16-point comeback behind the leg of kicker and former Texans player Jake Bates.

Even with an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, Houston’s inability to emphasize the run game with Joe Mixon, who averaged less than 2.0 yards per attempt.

But Stroud, who threw two interceptions, admitted he could have done more and took ownership of the heartbreaker at home.

“I got to be better in those moments,” Stroud said Sunday evening. “It’s really just got to go down and score in the red zone and defense is getting the turnovers like they were, so got to be able to reward them with points.

“I’m the one to blame when it comes to that. Turn the ball over in the red zone.”

The first half of hope led to a second half of sorrow. Stroud, who connected with John Metchie III for a 15-yard touchdown with 12 seconds remaining in the first half, was in his element.

He had only missed three passes and notched up over 175 passing yards.

But games aren’t won in the first half. As the Texans headed out for the third quarter, momentum shifted from the east over to the west.

Stroud tossed two interceptions, both forced by Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III, to begin the second half. His second interception came on a play to the end zone on a pass intended for wide receiver Tank Dell.

“If you take those plays away, and I throw Tank a good ball on that one play, the game is flipped over,” Stroud said.

Goff, who lost ground in the MVP race, kept the offense afloat enough in the second half to win a gusty road game. Detroit improved to 8-1 and kept its lead in the NFC standings as the conference’s top contender.

The Texans, who now fall to 6-4, find themselves on the wrong side of history, becoming the second team since 1933 to lose a game in which they caught five interceptions and led by at least 15. Previously, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today.

“We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

Stroud finished 19-of-33 for 232 yards, one touchdown and those two interceptions.

“It’s not good enough. Turning the football over there, especially in the red zone, or coming out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We talked about getting started in the second half, and we talked about being better in the second half.”

The Texans will have eight days to regroup before traveling to AT&T Stadium to take on a struggling Dallas Cowboys squad on Monday Night Football.

Texans could be without top pass-rusher for Week 10 showdown vs. Lions

Will Anderson Jr. might not be back in time for Sunday’s showdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

Will Anderson Jr. could be back in time for the Houston Texans’ Week 10 showdown against the Detroit Lions, but his chances feel slim after Thursday’s practice.

The second-year defensive end did not partake in drills during the open media session and was listed as a non-participant on the injury report. Barring a last-second return on Friday, it seems unlikely that Anderson will play on Sunday Night Football as Houston debuts its new “Battle Red” jerseys.

Anderson, a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, suffered an ankle injury during the first quarter after teammate Neville Hewitt landed on him while trying to make a tackle on running back Breece Hall. He was able to work out on the sidelines and tried to make a comeback three separate times, but he only played three snaps before missing the second half.

Anderson dealt with a lingering ankle injury through this preseason and missed two games last season because of it en route to winning the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year honor. He’s

Players who don’t practice the first two days of the week usually are ruled out for Sunday’s matchup. Anderson, who entered last week as the NFL leader in tackles for loss, likely must practice in some capacity during Friday’s walkthroughs if he plans to play.

It’s not impossible for a player for a player to miss two days of practice and then return for gameday. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi didn’t practice until Friday’s walkthrough before the Texans’ Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers after dealing with a shoulder injury.

Tight end Dalton Schultz played after an ankle injury sidelined him for two days prior to Week 2’s primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Both practiced on Friday, however, giving them a chance to show up on the injury report as “questionable.” Friday will be perhaps the most crucial day for evaluation of Anderson’s status.

Without the former No. 3 overall pick, Houston likely turns to a combination of Derek Barnett and Denico Autry as the top two pass-rushers opposite Danielle Hunter.

Much like Nico Collins, Anderson was on the trajectory for a career-defining season. He throttled opponents with five sacks over his past four games, leading to his first AFC Defensive Player of the Month honor.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 9?

Where do the Houston Texans fall in the draft order entering Week 10’s matchup against the Detroit Lions?

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but some fans are looking toward the 2025 NFL draft for their next hopeful franchise guard.

With Kenyon Green suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, it’s clear his time with the Texans has reached its end. Now, Houston must look for a long-term replacement in either free agency or the draft.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends. Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed and after the Week 9 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 25 overall
  • Round 2, No. 57 overall
  • Round 3, No. 89 overall
  • Round 4, No. 126 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 240 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 2 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Houston should look better on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who is expected to be elevated off the injured reserve this week. The Texans will be without Stefon Diggs, however, after his torn ACL suffered in Week 8’s win over the Colts.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Will the Texans be buyers at the NFL trade deadline?

With the NFL trade deadline around the corner, will the Houston Texans be buyers to better the roster?

To keep pace with the rest of the AFC, the Houston Texans might have to make some phone calls over the weekend.

Several other teams in the conference plan to do so before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals all plan to inquire about several names on both sides to better their chances of securing a playoff spot.

According to Russini, Houston isn’t expected to target a receiver despite losing Stefon Diggs to a season-ending torn AC L last week.

Kansas City, which already added linebacker Josh Uche and receiver DeAndre Hopkins, could be in the market for another pass-catcher and defensive back.

“Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would love for Veach to get him a young, fast corner,” Russinni wrote. “Kansas City is trying to land the final pieces on its mission to a three-peat.”

Cincinnati, which remains in the AFC wild-card hunt at 3-5, does not plan on trading Tee Higgins and will look to bolster its defensive line opposite Trey Hendrickson. One potential option is New York Giants defensive end Azeez Ojulari.

“The Giants are already paying Brian Burns and spent a top-five pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux, so with Ojulari set to hit free agency after the season, GM Joe Schoen is trying to get something in return for him now,” Russinni wrote.

As for the Steelers, who once again seem destined to finish above .500 under Mike Tomlin, remain in the hunt for a No. 2 receiver opposite George Pickens. Pittsburgh was rumored to be in the market for Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams before the former inked a new deal with San Francisco and the latter was traded to New York.

The Jets, who secured a 21-13 win over the Texans on Thursday Night Football, now plan to remain idle at the deadline rather than trade away pieces. Receiver Mike Williams was rumored as a potential trade candidate for Houston if the asking price was in the ideal range.

The Texans might not add a receiver, but they would be wise to target an interior offensive lineman. Third-year starter Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Thursday’s loss.

A potential name to monitor is Jaguars five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, though in-division trades usually don’t occur.

Houston will have a week to sort out its roster concerns before it welcomes Detroit for a showdown on Sunday Night Football.