NEXT STEPS
How Texans plan to build on success and resolve key issues ahead of Titans matchup
Nov 20, 2024, 11:27 am
The Texans host the Titans this Sunday. Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images.
Even with Nico Collins back, Joe Mixon remained the star of Houston’s offense in a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.
Mixon had another big game to lead Houston to the 34-10 victory, running for 109 yards and three touchdowns with 44 yards receiving as the Texans (7-4) ended a two-game skid.
Collins helped the Texans to the win with four receptions for 54 yards in his return after missing five games with a hamstring injury.
It was the sixth straight game with at least one touchdown run for Mixon, who is in his first season in Houston after a trade from Cincinnati, which ties a franchise record. He’s had at least 100 yards rushing in six of his eight games this season and his nine rushing touchdowns in the past six games are a franchise record for a six-game span.
“Joe has been amazing,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “He’s been somebody who came in, taught guys how to win more … he taught guys what it takes to get to that goal. We are not there yet, but we are taking strides.”
Mixon gave Houston an early lead with a 45-yard touchdown run on the first drive and he made it 14-0 with a 1-yard scamper later in the first quarter. His third score on another 1-yard run extended the lead to 34-10 in the fourth.
“Joe, when he’s on, he’s a force for us,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Over 100 yards, three touchdowns, I just really liked the way we just kept churning it in the run game.”
Mixon's performance helped the Texans solve the second-half woes that had plagued them in the past four games. They scored 17 points after halftime Monday after managing just 15 points combined in the second half of the previous four games.
What's working
Mixon has completely transformed Houston’s running game this season. The Texans surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark as a team just seven times last season. Houston averaged just 96.88 yards rushing a game last season and has averaged 137.75 yards rushing in the eight games Mixon has played in this season.
What needs help
Stroud threw for 257 yards Monday night, but did not have a touchdown pass. He has just one touchdown pass with three interceptions in the past three games combined after throwing four with just one interception in the previous three games.
Collins was open on a long pass in the first quarter Monday night, but Stroud overthrew him and it was intercepted on the Dallas 12.
Stock up
DE Derek Barnett had a strip-sack of Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter Monday night. The ball was recovered by Dallas offensive lineman Tyler Guyton, but Jalen Pitre knocked the ball out of his hands and Barnett picked it up and dashed 28 yards for a touchdown.
“Derek Barnett, the play he made really changed the game for us,” Ryans said. “They flipped the momentum and got everybody juiced up on the sideline. It was just a huge play.”
Barnett is the sixth defensive lineman in franchise history to score on a fumble return and the second in the NFL this season after Travon Walker had one for the Jaguars on Nov. 3.
Stock down
LT Laremy Tunsil negated a 77-yard touchdown reception by Collins on the first play of the game Monday after being flagged for being an ineligible man downfield. It was the 14th penalty of the season for Tunsil, which leads the NFL.
Injuries
DE Will Anderson Jr. missed a second straight game with an ankle injury. … T Blake Fisher could return Sunday after missing Monday’s game with a concussion.
Key number
11 — Derek Stingley had an interception Monday night to give Houston 11 interceptions in its past six games.
Next steps
The AFC South-leading Texans return to division play Sunday with a visit from Tennessee (2-8) before a trip to Jacksonville (2-9) on Dec. 1. Houston needs to take care of business against these struggling teams before its bye with a stretch of three games in 10 days against Miami, Kansas City and Baltimore coming after the off week.
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The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.
But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.
Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.
As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.
Can the bats keep pace?
If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.
As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.
The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.
Cristian Javier threw a 20-pitch live BP today in West Palm Beach. According to Joe Espada, he was up to 95 mph.
Luis Garcia should throw a live BP next week.
Spencer Arrighetti is still not throwing off a mound yet.
Yordan Alvarez has not resumed hitting.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 20, 2025
Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.
The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.
There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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