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NFL Week 11: Texans at Cowboys — Four Things to Watch For

L.Hernandez27 min ago
[ { "name": "Related Stories / Support Us Combo", "component": "11591218", "insertPoint": "4", "requiredCountToDisplay": "4" },{ "name": "Air - Billboard - Inline Content", "component": "11591214", "insertPoint": "2/3", "requiredCountToDisplay": "7" },{ "name": "R1 - Beta - Mobile Only", "component": "12287027", "insertPoint": "8", "requiredCountToDisplay": "8" },{ "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size 2", "component": "11591215", "insertPoint": "12", "requiredCountToDisplay": "12" },{ "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size 2", "component": "11591215", "insertPoint": "4th", "startingPoint": "16", "requiredCountToDisplay": "12" } It will be backup QB Cooper Rush under center for the Cowboys. Last week at home, versus Philadelphia, Rush was pitiful, throwing for just 66 yards, but as a starter in Dallas, when he's been needed, his record is a stellar 5-2. The Texans have had one of the best pass rushes in football all season long. Even without Will Anderson last week (and Anderson is expected to miss Monday's game) against Detroit, the Texans put constant heat on Jared Goff, forcing a VERY uncharacteristic 50 percent completion percentage. In two other games this season, against Buffalo and Indianapolis, the Texans have forced completion percentages in the low 30s. We have every reason to believe that life for Rush will be miserable on Monday night. There are only two players on the Cowboys who can go win this game for them, and CeeDee Lamb is one of them. (We'll discuss the other in a moment.) The fifth year wide receiver is one of the supreme play makers in the league, but he has no help in the offensive weapons department. Last week, against Philly, Lamb had six catches for a paltry 21 yard total. Whether it's putting Derek Stingley on Lamb, or bracketing Lamb with double coverage, the Texans know that he is the head of the snake, and if they take him away, it's going to be a long night for the Cowboys. The Texans have had issues scoring in the second half this season, we know that. It's been over a month since they scored a second half touchdown. That has to get fixed, or the season will be over after the first playoff game. On Monday night, though, whether it's the first half or second half, the Texans need to cash in on their red zone opportunities, getting seven points instead of three, particularly early in the game to put added heat on the Cowboys' woeful offense. The Cowboys' defense is last in the league in red zone defense this season, so this should be a good "get well" night for C.J. Stroud. Also, getting a healthy Nico Collins back should help. Yes, that's the one other dude who can wreck this game for the Dallas Cowboys, defensive end/linebacker/everything Micah Parsons. Parsons has been injured with a high ankle sprain for most of the season, but returned last week, and had two sacks versus the Eagles. DC Mike Zimmer will move Parsons all over the place to get him into favorable matchups. We all know how poorly the Texans have protected Stroud this season. They cannot allow Parsons to cause turnovers that create short fields for this Cowboys offense, and get the crowd into the game. Cowboy fans have quit on this team, so don't give them a reason to reverse their quitting stance. Take away Parsons! SPREAD: Texans -7.5 PREDICTION: Texans 26, Cowboys 15
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