Despite takeaways and goal line stands, Cowboys defense isn’t enough against Texans
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense stepped up and clamped down when it needed to most Sunday night against the Houston Texans.
The Cowboys forced two turnovers after only three combined in the first four games. Xavier Woods’ interception in the final seconds of regulation prevented the Texans from getting into range for a game-winning field goal attempt. It’s the first interception of the season for the Cowboys’ defense.
In overtime, however, DeAndre Hopkins’ 49-yard gain on a reception set up the game-winning, 36-yard field goal to give the Texans a 19-16 win.
Despite the loss, the Dallas’ defense provide a slew of goal line stands throughout the night.
The Cowboys held the Texans to six points (two field goals) despite five 1st and goal plays.
At the end of the first half, the Cowboys held the Texans from the end zone with a furious stop on fourth and goal from the one-yard line. Quarterback DeShaun Watson kept it and raced to the right corner of the end zone but Jaylon Smith beat him to the goal line and knocked him out of bounds to turn the ball over on downs.
Earlier in the drive, Smith was beat on a 28-yard gain after being stiff-armed by running back Alfred Blue that gave Houston the ball inside Dallas’ 25.
The Cowboys held Houston to a field goal late in the third quarter that tied the game at 13-13. Cornerback Byron Jones broke up a pass in the end zone to DeAndre Hopkins Randy Gregory and Leighton Vander Esch chased down Watson trying to sweep outside to the corner of the end zone.
With under nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys’ defense again was forced in to a goal line stand with 1st and goal at the 1. Tyrone Crawford made stops on consecutive runs up the middle for no gain before Jeff Heath broke up a third down pass to forced a field goal. The Texans took a 16-13 lead with 8:34 left in the game.
After the Cowboys tied at 16-16, the defense forced a punt after Crawford put the Texans behind the chains with a seven-yard loss on first down.
Xavier Woods intercepted an errant pass with 10 second remaining, giving the Cowboys their first pick of the season. Dallas, with the ball at their own 47, we’re unable to score at the end of regulation. Smith leveled Watson after the pass.