The Houston Texans are finally returning to their winning ways behind an unforgettable performance from Joe Mixon in Arlington on “Monday Night Football.”
Mixon, who could be this year's revival player, rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Monday marked the fourth 100-yard effort in the last five games for Mixon, who was once thought to have “washed up” with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“Joe was great. He was a guy that came in and taught the guys how to win more because we won some games last year,” quarterback CJ Stroud said after the game. He taught the boys what it takes to achieve this goal. We’re not there yet, but we’re making progress.”
Stroud, who struggled against the Detroit Lions last week, completed 67.6% of his throws for 275 yards and one interception. Derek Barnett stripped Cowboys quarterback Cooper and eventually got into the end zone with a 28-yard scoop-and-score.
handed out player grades for those who took a snap in Houston's surefire victory in the Lone Star Showdown, and we've broken them down by offense and defense. Below are the five highest and lowest grades on both sides based on the Texans' most confident performance of the regular season.
There were few surprises in terms of the highest and lowest scoring players on both offense and defense. In fact, most of you can already guess who created outstanding and terrible fashion.
Here's a look at Houston's performance as it prepares for a Sunday Funday at home against the Tennessee Titans.
Top 5 offenses
November 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) reacts after picking up a first down in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
- WR Nico Collins. – 84.7
- QB CJ Stroud – 70.2
- RB Joe Mixon – 68.4
- RB Dare Ogunbowale – 64.3
- OT Laremy Tunsil – 63.8
Bottom 5 attack
November 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates with Houston Texans center Juice Scruggs (70) and Houston Texans guard Shaq Mason (69) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
- WR Xavier Hutchinson – 51.3
- OL Jarrett Patterson – 52.5
- TE Teagan Quitoriano – 53.1
- TE Cade Stover – 56.3
- OL Shaq Mason – 56.3
Top 5 defense
November 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) runs a fumble back for a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
- DE Derek Barnett – 90.0
- CB Derek Stingley Jr. – 82.4
- WR John Metchie – 80.1
- DE Danielle Hunter – 79.8
- DB Jalen Pitre – 74.2
Defending the bottom 5
November 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) celebrates his interception with teammates against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
- DB Eric Murray – August 29th
- DB Calen Bullock – 41.1
- DL Mario Edwards Jr. – 41.4
- DL Tommy Togiai – 43.3
- LB Henry To'oTo'o – 45.0
Other personalities
November 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws an incomplete pass as he is pressured by Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
- DB Jimmie Ward – 68.8
- LB Del'Shawn Phillips – 67.4
- DL Dencio Autry – 59.7
- LB Azeez Al-Shair – 58.4
- DL Tim Settle – 60.4
- WR Tank Dell -60.0
- TE Dalton Schultz – 62.0
- WR John Metchie III – 62.1
- OL Juice Scruggs – 59.0
