In prime time, the Texans pull away late to give the struggling Cowboys another crushing defeat.

In prime time, the Texans pull away late to give the struggling Cowboys another crushing defeat.

**Texans Pull Away Late to Deal Cowboys Another Crushing Defeat on Prime Time**

In a game that felt all too familiar for the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans delivered a devastating blow in prime time, pulling away late in the second half to secure a 31-20 victory. The loss marks the Cowboys’ third consecutive defeat and deepens the crisis surrounding their once-promising season.

The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium was electric as the Cowboys took the field, eager to snap their losing streak against a Houston team that had been struggling to find its footing. However, the Texans came into the game with confidence, knowing that this was their opportunity to make a statement on the national stage. Despite a slow start, Houston’s defense stepped up in key moments, and their offense found rhythm when it mattered most.

**Slow Start for Both Teams**

The first quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams unable to generate much offensive momentum. The Cowboys had a few early opportunities to strike but were thwarted by penalties and missed connections between quarterback Dak Prescott and his receiving corps. Prescott, who had been under fire in recent weeks for his inconsistent play, struggled to find a rhythm, often holding onto the ball too long or failing to read the Texans’ defense.

Houston’s offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, didn’t fare much better in the first half. Stroud, who had been showing promise in his rookie campaign, was unable to break free from the Cowboys’ pass rush. However, a few sharp passes to veteran receiver Nico Collins allowed Houston to gain some confidence.

Dallas did manage to get on the scoreboard first, with Prescott connecting with tight end Jake Ferguson for a 15-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter. The Cowboys seemed to have the edge, but it wasn’t long before Houston answered.

**Texans Find Their Groove**

As the second quarter unfolded, the Texans began to find their rhythm. A balanced mix of run and pass plays, coupled with Stroud’s poise in the pocket, allowed Houston to move the ball downfield. A 10-play, 75-yard drive culminated in a touchdown pass from Stroud to Collins, tying the game at 7-7.

The game became increasingly chippy, with both teams exchanging jabs throughout the second quarter. The Texans’ defense, which had been maligned for much of the season, began to gain confidence. Defensive end Will Anderson, who had been under pressure to make a bigger impact, started to wreak havoc on Prescott, forcing him into a series of hurried throws. The pressure led to a pivotal interception, setting up a 30-yard field goal for the Texans to take a 10-7 lead into halftime.

**Dallas Struggles in the Second Half**

Coming out of the break, the Cowboys appeared determined to regain control. Prescott and his offense seemed to settle into a more cohesive rhythm early in the third quarter. Running back Tony Pollard found some success on the ground, helping to balance the offense and set up a 12-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys briefly regained the lead, 14-10, and the fans in Arlington breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the Texans weren’t rattled. Houston answered back with a swift touchdown drive of their own, capped off by a strong 5-yard run from running back Devin Singletary. The Texans’ offensive line was firing on all cylinders, creating holes for Singletary to burst through, and Stroud’s playmaking ability was on full display. At 17-14, the Texans had the upper hand.

**Texans Dominate Down the Stretch**

With the game tied at 17-17 heading into the fourth quarter, it became clear that the Cowboys were running out of steam. Prescott, who had played with intensity earlier, began to show signs of frustration as he faced constant pressure. A third-quarter fumble by Pollard gave the Texans a short field, and Stroud took full advantage, leading a precise 4-play, 45-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown run from Singletary.

With just under 4 minutes remaining, the Cowboys’ last-ditch effort to tie the game was thwarted when Prescott threw his second interception of the night. The Texans, with the ball in hand and a 24-17 lead, took their time, running down the clock. A final 26-yard field goal from Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn sealed the victory, making the final score 31-20.

**A Devastating Loss for Dallas**

The defeat was another crushing blow for the Cowboys, who seemed poised to make a deep playoff run earlier in the season. Dallas is now 6-5 and looking for answers as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. Head coach Mike McCarthy faces increased scrutiny, as many question whether he can guide this team out of its current slump.

For Houston, the win is a welcome boost. At 5-6, they continue to fight for playoff contention, with Stroud’s development as a rookie quarterback a bright spot in an otherwise rebuilding season.

As for the Cowboys, another prime-time loss raises serious doubts about their ability to perform when it matters most, and the pressure will only mount as they head into a critical stretch of games in the coming weeks.