HOU at DAL: 3 things you need to know
State bragging rights will be on the line when the Houston Texans take on the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Both teams are a surprising 3-1 and the winner will increase their chances at a playoff spot substantially.
Here's what you need to know:
Cowboys defense exceeding expectations
The Cowboys defense isn't the weak spot many felt it would be this season.
After they kept the New Orleans Saints in check last week, the Cowboys now rank in the top 10 when it comes to points against per game. Things shouldn't be that difficult on Sunday when they face Texans offense led by journeymen-quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Houston has proven they can run the ball well, but a couple of Fitzpatrick's biggest weapons, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson, are banged up. If they aren't at full strength come Sunday, the Cowboys defense will have a chance to continue to build momentum on the defensive side of the ball.
Dallas needs to control J.J. Watt
To say Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is having an incredible season would be a major understatement.
J.J. Watt has already notched 31 total pressures (sk, hit, hurries). That would rank inside top 20 at his position last year.
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 29, 2014
When he's not catching touchdown passes in the red zone or intercepting quarterbacks, Watt's been giving opposing offensive lines fits all year. Tony Romo has been taken down eight times already and the Cowboys line is going to have their hands full all day dealing with Watt.
Watching Watt go up against Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith should definitely be worth the price of admission.
Texans must slow down Cowboys running game
Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray leads the league in rushing and is already more than halfway to 1,000 yards after only four games.
The above statement would have seemed like an impossibility last season, where Jason Garrett seemed set on relying heavily on his passing attack. Dallas is now more balanced and therefore more difficult to defend. They've averaged 36 points in the past two games and have the helped the defense out by controlling the time of possession, thanks to the running game.
If the Cowboys can get Murray going it would neutralize the pass rush of Watt, and thus take a lot of pressure off the offensive line.