The Houston Texans defense procured three takeaways in their win over the Dallas Cowboys Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in the second week of preseason.
The Texans recovered a fumble on the Cowboys’ first possession of the game with defensive end Jacob Martin strip-sacking starting quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Defensive end Charles Omenihu fell on the football. The Texans were able to score on a Mark Ingram touchdown run seven plays later.
Houston safety Lonnie Johnson picked off reserve quarterback Ben DiNucci with 6:52 to go in the third quarter, returning the turnover 53 yards for a touchdown.
With 5:03 to go in the game, cornerback Shyheim Carter managed to intercept DiNucci again. The Texans added a field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn to go ahead 20-14 on a 24-yard attempt.
The Texans defense put the punctuation mark the Cowboys’ comeback with cornerback Terrence Brooks picking off DiNucci with 0:54 to go in the game.
Houston starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed two passes on five attempts for 10 yards. Rookie quarterback Davis Mills produced 115 yards while completing 10 passes on 16 attempts. Jeff Driskel was in third in line for the second straight week, and provided the Texans’ offense with 14 yards, going 1-of-2. Driskel also rushed three times for 25 yards, a team-high.
Receiver Chris Moore led all Texans with two catches for 33 yards. Jordan Veasey caught two passes for 30 yards. Keke Coutee caught two passes for 29 yards.
The Texans limited the Cowboys offense to 95 yards on 30 carries as Dallas mustered just 308 yards total offense.
Houston was 0-10 on third downs while the Cowboys were 8-16.
The Texans return to NRG Stadium for their lone home preseason contest of the exhibition campaign as they host the world champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 28.
The Cowboys finish their four-game preseason on the road with a Sunday afternoon contest with the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on Aug. 29.