5 things to watch when the Cowboys play the Texans

After a tough loss in Rio, the Dallas Cowboys aim to recover against the winless Houston Texans, who are in dire straits as they try to salvage their season. This game is crucial for both teams, as the pressure is mounting even though October has just begun. A defeat on Sunday would be a severe setback for the losing team, and we hope it's not the Cowboys.

Here are five things to watch in Sunday's in-state clash.

1. Contain the run

The Texans have struggled on the ground this season, averaging only 85 yards per game, the third-worst in the league. Meanwhile, the Cowboys' defense has allowed a staggering 180 rushing yards per game, ranking second-to-last. On paper, this seems like an ideal opportunity for Houston and running back David Montgomery to improve, but the Cowboys hope to prove otherwise.

The Cowboys' defensive issues with rushing are largely due to their difficulty in stopping quarterbacks from escaping the pocket, rather than running backs. Watch for Quinnen Williams to silence critics with a standout performance against Texans rookie guard Keylan Rutledge.

2. Challenges on the edge

With the formidable duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, the Texans' edge rush is formidable, ranking near the top of the league with nine sacks and a 22.1% pressure rate. The Cowboys' offensive tackles have performed well, especially left tackle Tyler Guyton.

However, this game is their toughest challenge yet, and Terence Steele may struggle against Anderson. If offensive coordinator Klayton Adams doesn't have a plan to support Steele on the edge, it could lead to trouble, prompting calls for former Steelers' tackle Broderick Jones to take over at right tackle.

3. Containing Stroud

The defense needs to find a way to contain the quarterback, as this remains a recurring issue. Preventing Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud from gaining ground is crucial, as the Cowboys' offense may struggle if the Houston defense poses problems. It's essential to stop the Texans from extending drives.

The upside is that Stroud isn't as much of a runner as recent opponents, averaging just 18 yards per game, two less than Dak Prescott. However, the main concern is Stroud extending plays and converting crucial third downs, which could ruin the Cowboys' afternoon. The Cowboys' defense ranks last in third-down stops with a 59% conversion rate.

4. The ex-Steeler X-Factor

Recently acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is the former Steelers player to watch, especially as he might shadow a returning Nico Collins. Conversely, Broderick Jones is the former Steeler fans hope not to see, as his appearance would indicate trouble upfront.

However, Dallas also has another former Steelers playmaker ready to make an impact. The Houston defense excels at stopping the run and pressuring quarterbacks but is vulnerable to deep passes, making George Pickens a key player to exploit this weakness. While CeeDee Lamb has been the focus for the first three weeks, expect Pickens to have his first big game of the season.

5. Reviving the pass rush

The Dallas pass rush has been almost non-existent, putting a strain on the defense. Even Sam Williams, now with the Cleveland Browns, has as many sacks as the entire Dallas defensive line combined, which is concerning.

This matchup presents a prime opportunity for the defensive front to improve. The Houston offensive line has allowed 10 sacks this season, the second-most in the league. Stroud is frequently under pressure, and if the defense can stifle the Texans' run game on early downs, the pass rush might finally succeed.