Week 14 will see the Dallas Cowboys take on the in-state foe Houston Texans in Arlington for the battle for the Governor’s Cup.
The Cowboys last faced the Texans in 2018, with the latter prevailing in overtime 19-16 at NRG Stadium. Dallas last defeated Houston in 2014, a 20-17 win for the Cowboys in Arlington.
The Texans will be led by second-year quarterback David Mills, who will play his first entire season as a starter in 2022. Mills started 11 games last season, throwing for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Houston’s No. 1 wide receiver is Brandin Cooks, coming off his second consecutive 1,000-receiving yard season. Alongside him are Nico Collins and Chris Conley. Pharaoh Brown and Brevin Jordan will be the tight ends.
Marlon Mack is expected to be the Texans’ starting running back, backed up by Rex Burkhead and rookie Dameon Pierce out of Florida. They’ll run behind an offensive line led by tackle Laremy Tunsil. Kenyon Green may also start at guard after being taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M.
Houston’s defensive line includes former Cowboy Maliek Collins at defensive tackle. At edge rusher is Jerry Hughes, who signed from the Buffalo Bills this offseason after recording two sacks in 2021.
Christian Kirksey will anchor the defense at linebacker, entering his second season with the Texans after making 93 tackles last season. Alongside him at linebacker are Kamu Grugier-Hill and Kevin Pierre-Louis.
Houston will employ Steven Nelson and rookie Derek Stingley Jr. in the secondary at cornerback. Stingley Jr. was taken with the third overall pick in this year’s draft. At safety, second-round pick Jalen Pitre out of Baylor will start alongside Jonathan Owens.
After firing David Culley, head coach Lovie Smith was promoted from his defensive coordinator position. Smith coached the Chicago Bears from 2004-12 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2014-15, going 89-87 with both teams.
The Cowboys will face the Texans on Sunday, Dec. 11 at noon CT on Fox.
