Tag: Texans football

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.

Texans add two players to active roster before Lone Star Showdown with Cowboys

Jeff Okudah and Mario Edwards Jr. are back for the Houston Texans on ‘Monday Night Football’ against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Houston Texans are adding reinforcements for Monday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Houston activated cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. to the active 53-man roster prior to the clash of Lone Star opponents on ABC and ESPN.

Okudah, a former first-round pick in 2020, has been out since suffering a hip injury Sept. 8 in the season-opening win at Indianapolis.

Edwards, who’d missed the past four weeks after being suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, was reinstated last week but officially added to the roster on Monday.

In a corresponding move, cornerback Myles Bryant and running back J.J. Taylor were waived.  Both could be added back to the practice squad if they clear waivers. Taylor could be a favorite to land back since he’s been with Houston’s practice squad on and off for two seasons.

The Texans also elevated defensive tackle Tommy Togiai from the practice squad to the active roster before Monday’s must-see game.

Monday marks the first time a season-opening loss to the Saints on Sept. 9, 2019, that Houston will play on ‘Monday Night Football.’ That also marked the start of a new era at left tackle following the acquisition of four-time Pro Bowler Lamrey Tunsil.

All time, the Texans are 5-9 in Monday night games. They’re 26-37 in nationally televised games, but 1-2 this season. Currently, Houston is entering its fourth standalone game and third in as many weeks.

Is Mario Edwards playing today? Injury news update for Texans defensive lineman

Mario Edwards Jr. is officially reinstated from his suspension entering Monday Night Football against the Cowboys.

The Houston Texans are nearing full strength with the return of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and wide receiver Nico Collins entering Week 11’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football.’

Even without Will Anderson, Houston should be content with its pass rush at AT&T Stadium on primetime. That could be because of the return of defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr.

Will the veteran defensive tackle be cleared to play on Monday night? Here’s the final update entering AT&T Stadium

Mario Edwards Jr. update

Edwards, who was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy, was activated to the final 53-man roster on Monday prior to kickoff. He’s not only expected to play but also start.

The Texans haven’t had an entire starting defensive line on the field at the same time through 10 games. Fellow free-agent signee Denico Autry was suspended for the first six games without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi was ruled out with a foot injury earlier this week.

Anderson, a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, is also out this week after suffering an ankle injury in Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets.

He’s expected to be back at some point this season.

Mario Edwards Jr.’s stats

A former second-round pick out of Florida State, Edwards has started six games at defensive tackle. Before the suspension, he ranked third on the team in sacks (two), plus five quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.
Texans DL depth chart
With Edwards back but Fatukasi out, here’s a look at the Texans defensive line depth chart heading into Monday’s game:  
  • Mario Edwards Jr. 
  • Tim Settle
  • Denico Autry (will shift inside on third down)
  • Kurt Hinish
  • Tommy Togiai

Settle is expected to start, while Autry should see a majority of reps on the outside in place of Anderson.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ABC and ESPN.

What channel is Texans vs. Cowboys on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 11 game

Here’s what you need to know heading into Monday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

The Houston Texans (6-4) will battle the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) for Week 11 in a battle for Texas bragging rights at AT&T Stadium on ‘Monday Night Football.‘

The Texans are coming off a demoralizing 26-23 loss to the Detroit Lions at home, which marked their second straight loss since the season-ending injury of Stefo Diggs. What makes matters worse is how Houston had a chance to secure an easy victory behind a dreaded day from Jared Goff.

After forcing five interceptions on Goff, Houston jumped out to a 16-point first-half lead. That dwindled behind two interceptions from C.J. Stroud and a missed field goal from Kai’imi Fairbairn.

The Texans became the second team since 1933, and the first since 1970, 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.

Dallas, meanwhile, will be without star quarterback Dak Prescott for the remainder of the regular season after a hamstring injury suffered against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cowboys are currently on a four-game losing streak after starting 3-2.

Watch Cowboys vs. Texans live on Fubo (free trial)

Here’s how to watch the Cowboys vs. Texans game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Texans vs. Cowboys on today?

TV Channel: ESPN and ABC

Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

The Texans vs. Cowboys will broadcast on ABC and ESPN in Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season as part of ‘Monday Night Football.’ Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game from the booth at AT&T Stadium, with Lisa Salters reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Texans legend J.J. Watt to be a part of Monday Night Football fun

J.J. Watt might not be on the field, but he’ll be on Monday Night Football when the Houston Texans take on the Dallas Cowboys.

The last time the Houston Texans were on “Monday Night Football,” J.J. Watt appeared on the television screen.

Five years might have passed and Watt might have retired, but the former All-Pro defensive end will still appear on your television when Houston faces off against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Watt will appear on the “ManningCast” alternate telecast on ESPN2 opposite Peyton and Eli Manning during Monday’s game. The national broadcast will air on ABC and ESPN beginning at 7:15 p.m. CT.

Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year during his 10 seasons with the Texans, will appear during the fourth quarter with the Manning brothers. Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will appear during the first half for his weekly segment.

While many Texans fans have been waiting for Watt to come out of retirement, at least they’ll see the top defensive player in franchise history talk about the program in prominence on national television.

The Texans will be playing their first Monday night outing since Sept. 9, 2019, when they opened the season with a 30-28 loss against the New Orleans Saints. That also marked the first appearance of Laremy Tunsil in a Houston uniform after the preseason trade leading into the new campaign.

The Texans (6-4) trail the series against the Cowboys (3-6) all-time at 4-2.

Texans vs. Cowboys injury report: Latest updates, news for Friday

Several Texans players were not at practice on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Week 11’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday

The Houston Texans have an extra day to prepare for their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

That means an extra day to get players healthy enough for action.

Receiver Nico Collins and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. practiced in pads for the first time in nearly a month after being added back to the active roster.

Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards with 567 during the first five games, missed the past five weeks with a hamstring injury. Collins, who was limited on Thursday, was a full participant on Friday and plans to be “good to go” against the in-state opponent.

Edwards, who started the first six games for the Texans, was recently activated after serving a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

The same might not be said about rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who did not practice Tuesday afternoon.

Lassiter, Houston’s No. 2 cornerback, left during the third quarter of Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He’s currently in the protocol stages before being cleared to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle Foley Fatkukasi (foot) didn’t practice and might not make the trip north. Offensive tackle Blake Fisher (concussion) went from being is expected to be back on Friday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Cowboys after Friday’s practice:

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.

Former NFL QB rips Texans offense for ‘entry-level’ play-calling

Chris Simms did not hold back breaking down the offensive play-calling of the Houston Texans through 10 weeks in 2024.

The Houston Texans made history for all the wrong reasons on Sunday night at NRG Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

Even with a five-takeaway game and a 16-point first-half lead, the Texans allowed the Lions to work their way back en route to a 26-23 victory thanks to a 52-yard game-winning field goal from Jake Bates.

The Texans became the second team since 1970 to lose in a game where the opposing quarterback throws five interceptions while holding a 15-point first-half lead.

So, who is to blame for the blunders? C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions, including one in the end zone that would have gone for a touchdown pass to Tank Dell.

The defense allowed three total scoring drives, including two in the second half.

The usually accurate Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 53-yard attempt just before the Lions marched down the field to set up Bates’ game-winner.

Former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms offered a bit of insight into the lackluster second half, noting Houston’s issues are primarily play-calling based.

“It’s a bigger problem than C.J. Stroud. He’s not perfect, but C.J. Stroud is still pretty damn good,” Simms told ESPN’s Kevin Clark. “It’s the second year of [offensive coordinator] Bobby Slowik’s scheme, and I do think people have caught on to that.“

Slowik has received ample criticism for his play-calling over the past five games. Houston hasn’t scored a touchdown in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

That’s eight quarters and counting entering Monday night’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Simms criticized Slowik’s play design, stating that while he comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, it’s more as if the second-year coordinator is trying to mirror his mentor.

“It’s the Shanahan scheme, but it’s like the early, entry-level of the Shanahan scheme,” Simms said. “Now there needs to be more to it and a next level and a next group of plays.”

While the Texans need a switch-up, moving off Slowik’s play-calling might be a reach at the moment. Houston’s been without its top two receivers, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, since Week 8. 

Collins, who was activated off the injured reserve earlier this week, is expected to return for Monday’s outing in Arlington, thus adding more upside to the passing game for Stroud and his fellow receivers. 

Playing against an underwhelming opponent also helps. The Cowboys (3-6) enter Week 11 without starting quarterback Dak Prescott, who is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dallas’ offense also ranks 30th in scoring and 19th in total defense. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ESPN and ABC. 

Texans QB C.J. Stroud ready for first showdown with Cowboys DE Micah Parsons

A rivalry could be brewing between Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud called Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons more than a friend. The second-year passer said Parsons is more like family and considers him “definitely a brother.

On Monday, Parsons, a favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will play the role of bully older brother when trying to bring down Stroud behind the line of scrimmage at AT&T Stadium.

Good. Stroud wants Monday’s matchup to be a challenge.

“All that stuff is fun, but we will both be locked in and ready to win on Monday and ready to do our jobs to get a victory,” Stroud said Thursday of the matchup.

Once opponents in the Big Ten at Ohio State and Penn State, Parsons and Stroud first bonded when the latter appeared on the defensive end’s podcast “The Edge.” That transformed into a weekend of draft coverage with Bleacher Report.

Eventually, the two’s friendship went international as part of the ambassadors of the American football program. Stroud and Parsons visited  Beijing and Shanghai in China and Toyko in Japan while conducting football clinics.

It was there a friendship formed to brotherhood.

“(We’re) always messing with each other, always trying to one up one another,” Stroud said. “I have that relationship with my friends back home, too. I had my buddy (in Asia); he had his friend who came from home. We all just had a brotherhood when we left.”

Parsons and Stroud have something to play for beyond bragging rights. Houston (6-4) is coming off back-to-back losses after blowing first-half leads and has lost three of its last four games.

Dallas (3-6), which will be without Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season, plans on making a late push to the playoffs behind the defense’s backbone. Parsons serves as the captain. In his return last week, he recorded two sacks and a forced fumble.

“You can tell they have been dinged up a little bit,” Stroud said of the Cowboys’ defense. “Micah was a big part of that. His presence was felt against the Eagles last week.”

Stroud hasn’t gone up against Pasons in his career, but he respects his craft in a similar regard to teammate Will Anderson Jr., calling both players “relentless pass rushers” when trying to reach the quarterback.

“He is what I see in Will and what I see from those guys from the sideline, where I’m like, ‘Man, I am glad I am not on the other team,’ ” Stroud said. “He is that guy where you have to be like, ‘We’ve got to do something for this dude.’ “

Parsons has become a face of the NFL’s defensive corps. Stroud has transformed into one of the league’s top passers.

Monday will mark the first time the Texans and Cowboys have played since 2022. That December, Stroud was preparing for a College Football Playoff semifinal at Ohio State.

He now plans on winning for Houston. Maybe the NFL will transform the Lone Star Showdown into an annual rivalry with the two frienemies as headliners? 

“This will hopefully be one of many matchups,” Stroud said. “I wish him the best, and I always wish him the best.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 pm. The game will be nationally televised on ABC and ESPN. 

All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including C.J. Stroud) ranked by Total QBR

Here’s where C.J. Stroud stacks up in terms of QBR entering Week 11’s showdown with the Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud needs a rebounding performance following Sunday’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. 

Stroud, a once favorite to win the league’s MVP honors, completed 57.6% of his passes for  233 yards and a touchdown against two interceptions. After guiding Houston to a 23-7 lead at halftime, Stroud completed 39% of his throws for 68 yards and had two interceptions in the third quarter, with one occurring in the end zone on a touchdown pass intended for Tank Dell. 

Stroud posted a Total QBR rating of 32.9 in the loss, bringing his season-long Total QBR average to 54.8.

That’s a slight undergrade from last week’s rating (57.6), but Stroud has dropped from being ranked No. 18 last week up to No. 19 this week.

Nix’s traditional passer rating this season is 89.1, which ranks 19th overall.

Unlike a traditional passer rating, the Total QBR “incorporates all of a quarterback’s contributions to winning, including how he impacts the game on passes, rushes, turnovers and penalties,” according to ESPN.

The metric takes into account scenarios that a traditional passer rating overlooks and considers “a team’s level of success or failure on every play to provide the proper context and then allocates credit to the quarterback and his teammate to produce a clearer measure of quarterback efficiency.”

With that context in mind, here’s how Stroud stacks up against the NFL’s other starting quarterbacks this fall.

NFL QBs ranked by Total QBR after Week 10

  1. Lamar Jackson: 76.9
  2. Kyler Murray: 75.7
  3. Joe Burrow: 74.3
  4. Jayden Daniels: 71.2
  5. Josh Allen: 70.3
  6. Patrick Mahomes: 67.7
  7. Brock Purdy: 66.6
  8. Jalen Hurts: 64.3
  9. Derek Carr: 61.3
  10. Jameis Winston: 61.0
  11. Justin Herbert: 59.6
  12. Matthew Stafford: 59.5
  13. Russell Wilson: 59.5
  14. Kirk Cousins: 57.9
  15. Baker Mayfield: 55.9
  16. Jordan Love: 55.5
  17. Drake Maye: 55.2
  18. Sam Darnold: 54.7
  19. C.J. Stroud: 54.6
  20. Bo Nix: 54.4
  21. Jared Goff: 54.2
  22. Geno Smith: 52.3
  23. Aaron Rodgers: 52.0
  24. Tua Tagovailoa: 50.3
  25. Daniel Jones: 46.3
  26. Caleb Williams: 38.4
  27. Gardner Minshew: 37.8
  28. Anthony Richardson: 37.6
  29. Bryce Young: 32.7
  30. Will Levis: 31.8
  31. Cooper Rush: 24.8
  32. Mac Jones: 11.4

Stroud and the Texans will hit the road to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 on ‘Monday Night Football’ at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

The game will be nationall televised on ABC and ESPN.