After an encouraging win over New Orleans, the 3-1 Cowboys are hoping to keep their momentum going against their in-state rivals, the Houston Texans. Houston hasn't hit the tough part of their schedule yet, but their 3-1 record has to be considered impressive after how poorly they played in 2013.
This game started out as a cagey, closely-fought battle - both teams had nearly identical statistics across the board at the end of the first quarter. Turnovers canceled out two potential scoring drives, and both defenses held strong to keep the game scoreless until the very end of the half. Dan Bailey drilled a field goal with 11 second remaining, but no one expected just three points between these two teams after two quarters.
Biggest Play: Dallas had driven 52 yards on their first extended drive of the day. After moving the ball methodically for almost seven minutes, DeMarco Murray's fumble at the Texans 10-yard-line gave possession away and prevented the Cowboys from getting on the board.
Biggest Surprise: That would have to be the score (or lack thereof). We all knew the Texans had a solid defense, but the Cowboys D has massively outperformed expectations so far and has done well to keep Houston off the board here.
Texans Key Player: If the Texans are going to start putting up points, they'll need Arian Foster to continue his solid play. Foster has 40 yards on just seven carries, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick looking unconvincing in the pocket, the Texans RB will need a big second half.
Cowboys Key Player: Tony Romo has been okay so far (13/20 for 115 yards, no TDs or INTs), but he needs to start taking advantage of the weapons he has available to him in the second half. Dez Bryant is too good to have just 15 receiving yards against the Texans secondary.
Who Has The Edge? At this point, it's Dallas...but not by much. This game is still there for the taking, and both teams will come out of the half confident that they can come out with the win.
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