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Cowboys Edge Texans 34-30 as Javonte Williams Scores Three Touchdowns

Javonte Williams ran for three touchdowns to lead the Dallas Cowboys over the Houston Texans 34-30 at Reliant Stadium on Sunday.

Emmett Hollis

October 5, 20262 min read

NFLFinal
Dallas Cowboys34
Houston Texans30

October 4, 2026

Decisive Runs Shift Momentum

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Houston Texans 34-30 on Sunday at Reliant Stadium, securing a 2-2 record while dropping the host Texans to 0-4. The decisive factor in the contest was the explosive rushing attack of Cowboys running back Javonte Williams, who carried the ball 19 times for 62 yards and three touchdowns.

Williams’ physical performance provided the foundation for Dallas’s comeback, culminating in a final score that favored the visitors despite a high-scoring affair. The game featured a total of 64 points, highlighting the offensive prowess of both teams, but it was the Cowboys’ ability to convert late opportunities that proved critical in the fourth quarter.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The Texans established an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 10-3 after Nico Collins caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud. Houston extended their advantage in the second quarter, taking a 16-6 lead into halftime with field goals from Ka'imi Fairbairn.

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Williams scored from eight yards out, narrowing the gap to 16-13 before Collins responded with a 22-yard touchdown reception. Williams then cut the lead to two points with a one-yard run, setting the stage for the final frame. In the fourth quarter, Williams added another two-yard touchdown to give Dallas a 27-23 lead.

Although Woody Marks rushed for six yards to tie the game at 30-30, the Cowboys answered with their final score.

Offensive Excellence and Final Result

The game’s conclusion was sealed by CeeDee Lamb, who caught a 12-yard pass from Dak Prescott for the winning touchdown. Prescott finished with 335 passing yards on 32-of-45 passing, while Lamb posted a game-high 189 receiving yards on 17 catches. For Houston, C.J.

Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, completing 21 of 31 passes. Nico Collins was a key target for the Texans, recording 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions. David Montgomery contributed 24 rushing yards on 10 carries.

The Cowboys’ defense limited the Texans to 30 points, a total that was not enough to overcome Dallas’s efficient execution in the second half. The final score of 34-30 reflected a competitive struggle, but the Cowboys’ balanced attack, led by Williams’ three scores, was the difference in the contest.

Both teams displayed resilience, yet only Dallas managed to secure the victory, improving their standing in the league standings for the season.

Sources

ESPN

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Emmett Hollis

Emmett Hollis covers Howe high school sports and athletics across the area.

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