It has been a whirlwind week for the Dallas Cowboys, who hope to settle things down with a win over the Houston Texans. At 0-3, teams don’t get more desperate than the Texans, who don’t want to slide to 0-4, with three losses coming at home.
The Cowboys can continue to make things difficult for the Texans with an offense that is coming off back-to-back 30-point games and a quarterback playing at a high level. If the running game can continue to improve off an impressive showing last week, the Cowboys could give a good defense fits. Here are three reasons to love the Cowboys’ Week 4 matchup with the Texans.
Pass defense struggling
Despite having one of the best secondaries in the NFL, the Texans are struggling against the pass early in the season. Houston’s pass defense
is 26th in the league, giving up close to 240 yards a game. That doesn’t look like a lot on the surface, but last season they allowed a paltry 183.5 ypg through the air.
Top QBs Josh Allen and Joe Burrow both threw for two scores without being intercepted and Texans only have one pick on the year.
It hasn’t nearly been as formidable a passing defense as it was last year, and the Cowboys should be able to attack with Dak Prescott and his elite WR tandem.
Missing two starting LBs
The Cowboys might catch a break in this game as linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is doubtful to play with a groin injury. Couple Al-Shaair’s absence with fellow starting LB Henry To’oTo’o being on IR already and that should benefit Dallas’ offense.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair did not practice for the 2nd consecutive day. He’s unlikely to play Sunday.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) October 1, 2026
Shaair and To’oTo’o were the two top tacklers on the Texans’ defense last season, so their losses should be felt.
Javante Williams and the rushing attack for the Cowboys got on track last week and the Texans missing two of their starting LBs should help the running game continue to move in the right direction.
Bad offensive line
The Texans’ offensive line is one of their biggest weaknesses and it’s affecting their entire unit. QB C.J. Stroud has been sacked 10 times in three games, tied for fourth worst in the NFL. The group upfront isn’t good, but Stroud doesn’t help with his propensity to hold onto the ball too long.
Dallas’ pass rush could use a boost, ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks, with just two.
Houston’s OL also has trouble run blocking, the team ranks 30th in the NFL at a measly 84.7 rushing ypg. They’ve got a decent duo in the backfield with David Montgomery and Woody Marks, but neither has been very efficient, and neither is averaging over three yards a carry.
That’s good news for a Cowboys’ defense that is giving up almost 180 ypg on the ground.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys vs Texans: 3 reasons to love the Week 4 matchup
