Texans Win 19-16 In OT In Defensive Struggle Over Cowboys

HOUSTON, TX — Regular season games between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys are like presidential elections because they happen every four years. This game, however, was a lot more fun to watch.

Both defenses held runners in check with Houston limiting the Cowboys Eziekel Elliot to just 54 yards rushing on 20 carries, while the Dallas defense held the Texans Alfred Blue to 46 yards on 20 carries.

The scoring was few and far between with both teams relying on their kickers for much of the scoring, and the Texans offense unable to find the end zone, despite several trips to the Cowboys' red zone.

The Dallas Cowboys struck first, driving down the field on their first possession to a three point score. Houston looked like they would even the score on their first possession, but Houston kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn missed on a 48 yarder. The Cowboys would add another field goal in the first quarter.

The Texans scored their only touchdown of the game when quarterback Deshaun Watson it rookie wideout Keke Coutee on a one-yard score to put the Texans ahead 7-6. The Texans would add a field goal in the second quarter and held a 10-6 lead at halftime.

The Texans got the ball back at the start of the second half and on the third play of the third quarter, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins fumbled, giving the Cowboys the ball deep in Texans territory.

Five plays later, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott found Allen Hurns in the end zone giving the Cowboys a 13-10 lead.

From there on out, the contest would be a back and forth defensive battle.

Both teams traded interceptions with the Texans grabbing two off Prescott, and the Cowboys

Defensive J.J. Watt notched his sixth sack of the season, while Jadeveon Clowney got another, and Zach Cunningham and Benardrick McKinney got credit for a half sack each.

The Dallas defense didn't have an answer for Hopkins, who have nine receptions for 159 yards. His last catch, a spectacular 49-yard catch, run and spin, run and and spin some more move that helped the Texans win in overtime, was bis best catch of the 2018 season so far.

The over time win advanced the Texans to a 2-3 record, and moved them out of the AFC South cellar and into second place behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

The Texans will play at home next Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

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IMAGE: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott #4 is sacked by Benardrick McKinney #55 and Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans in the second quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

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