The Houston Texans delivered a thrilling performance on “Monday Night Football,” overpowering the Dallas Cowboys with a decisive 34-10 victory. This game will undoubtedly be remembered for running back Joe Mixon’s fantastic effort, which included three rushing touchdowns and 109 yards on the ground. When Coach DeMeco Ryans heaped praise on Mixon, calling him “a force,” it was a testament not only to the running back’s abilities but also to the larger dynamic that was at play: a formidable offensive line that consistently created opportunities for success throughout the match.
Mixon’s explosion on the field was nothing short of remarkable. Scoring all three of Houston’s offensive touchdowns, he tied a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a single game, becoming only the fourth running back in Texans’ history to do so. Impressively, this performance marked the second time in his career that he achieved three rushing touchdowns in a game. This achievement is a clear indication of his growing impact within Houston’s offense and cements his status as a pivotal player following his transition to the Texans. The significance of Mixon’s performance is further amplified by the fact that he has now scored a rushing touchdown in his last six games, matching a record previously set by Arian Foster, one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
While Mixon garnered the headlines, the offensive line’s contribution deserves equal recognition. Ryans emphasized their role, stating, “The run game starts with our offensive line.” Indeed, the linemen played a crucial role in providing the necessary protection and running lanes that allowed Mixon to excel. ESPN’s research noted that a staggering 79 of Mixon’s 109 rushing yards were gained before he was contacted, showcasing not only Mixon’s skill but also the offensive line’s effectiveness in executing the game plan.
Coordinator Bobby Slowik’s strategy clearly paid off. Mixon’s 45-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, which was the longest of his career, was a direct product of the lanes opened by the offensive front. The commitment to aggressive play showcased a unit that was ready to impose its will on the opposition. Mixon remarked on this dynamic, sharing, “It was a time in the fourth quarter when the [offensive line] was like, ‘Man, let’s take it to these boys.’” Such confidence and physicality from the offensive line enabled the Texans to maintain control throughout the game.
The impact of the offensive line extended beyond just the run game; it provided a solid foundation for quarterback C.J. Stroud to execute an efficient offensive strategy. Stroud completed 67.6% of his passes, amassing 257 yards with an interception, while also displaying a perfect connection off play-action passes. The line’s ability to limit pressure on Stroud to just 36% of his drop backs created a comfortable pocket, allowing him to display his potential as a franchise quarterback. In his own words, Stroud commented on the protection he received: “[They were] amazing, I was back there chilling a lot of times.” This comfort was essential for the Texans’ offensive rhythm and execution.
As the Texans prepare for upcoming challenges, they will undoubtedly focus on leveraging their rising offensive performance. Mixon distinguished himself not only as a tremendous running talent but also as a key component in an offense that has the potential to compound its successes. He is now in elite company, becoming the third player in NFL history to achieve at least ten rushing touchdowns in the first eight games with a new team, a feat last accomplished by the legendary Eric Dickerson in 1983. The acknowledgment from right tackle Tytus Howard emphasizes the importance of this victory: “Just take these games and stack off of it for the rest of the season.”
As the Texans build off this performance, the collaboration between Mixon and the offensive line will be critical in their quest for further success. This game illustrates the heights Houston can reach when both the running and passing games function in unison, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead.