Texans vs. Cowboys: What Are Experts Saying About Dallas?

The Dallas Cowboys battle the Houston Texans this week in a matchup of two surprising teams. Both combined to go 10-22 in 2013, but have each started this season at an impressive 3-1.

Houston bounced back from its first loss of the year with a win at home against the Buffalo Bills. Defensive end J.J. Watt had another incredible play, returning an interception 80 yards for a score.

The Cowboys won their third consecutive game by punishing the New Orleans Saints last Sunday night. Dallas won, 38-17, in its most complete performance of the season thus far.

Let’s take a look at what the experts are saying leading up to this Texas showdown.

Calvin Watkins: Travis Frederick Says Texans Are More Than J.J. Watt

Wade Payne/Associated Press

Frederick and the rest of the line will face a tough test this week.

Clearly J.J. Watt is one of the best defenders in the NFL, but as ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins reports, Travis Frederick and the line understands Houston’s defense is much more, with Frederick saying:

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He's a tremendous player, like I said, but they also have a lot of good players in their linebacking corps. Jared Crick on the other end is a good player as well. He's another Big Ten guy. The guys in the middle are big run stoppers and it's not just one guy. We're not playing the Houston J.J. Watts. We're playing the Houston Texans and it's going to be a good challenge.

"

Of course, Watt has to be the focus because of how he can single-handedly change games. However, Houston’s defense is solid all around. Through four weeks, it ranks sixth in points allowed despite an anemic Houston offense that keeps it on the field consistently.

Even without No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney, the Texans defense has caused headaches for opposing offenses and quarterbacks. Houston is tied for fourth in the league with five interceptions.

The Cowboys offensive line will face its toughest test of the year this week. The battle in the trenches will most likely determine the outcome.

Todd Archer: DeMarco Murray Carrying the Load, Feeling Fine

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Murray has been a monster in 2014.

According to ESPNDallas.com’s Todd Archer, DeMarco Murray is feeling fine despite a significant number of carries through Week 4. Archer said:

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Murray’s injury history has been well-documented. He has missed games with ankle, foot and knee injuries. He has not had more than 217 carries in a season, and the 99 carries he has had to start the season are the most in a four-game span in his career.

"

With how much the Cowboys have been relying on Murray, the running back’s health is even more important in 2014. Dallas would be nowhere without the NFL’s leading rusher, and it will need him to remain successful for the rest of the year.

According to Archer, Murray, the NFC’s offensive player of the month, isn’t worried about his body breaking down. Murray said, “I feel fine. I feel fine and I take care of myself throughout the week. My body feels good.”

If Murray can remain healthy for 16 games, his ceiling is limitless. Between the way he’s been running and how the line has performed, the Cowboys offense could be among the NFL’s best.

Jean-Jacques Taylor: Cowboys Stay Focused on Turnovers

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

The Cowboys defense has been strong so far.

The Cowboys defense has exceeded expectations so far. A way they can continue succeeding is by generating more turnovers, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com:

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Houston has fumbled six times, losing two, in four games. The Cowboys will be looking to add to that total this week. The Cowboys have discussed the way several Houston players don’t keep the ball close to their body when they’re carrying it, so defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli wants them attacking it every play.

"

The Texans are among the league’s worst with seven turnovers in 2014. Dallas is tied for fifth with eight takeaways.

The defense has done a great job for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. The unit ranks 10th in scoring, a half point ahead of the Seattle Seahawks. Linebackers Rolando McClain and Bruce Carter have been a big part of that.

Houston’s offense has a number of playmakers, so creating a few turnovers will be key to limiting its chances.

Tania Ganguli: Watt Is Constantly Thinking of New Ways to Use His Ability

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Watt gets to the quarterback quite often.

ESPN.com’s Tania Ganguli has been impressed with J.J. Watt’s versatility. She wrote:

"

Watt has a habit of finding a new way to amaze over and over again. Beyond the interception, he had nine quarterback hits on Sunday, which was more than any player had in the first three games of the season combined. Watt is constantly thinking of new ways to use his freakish athletic ability, and he's finding them. His position doesn't really fit into any traditional label—he's defining it as he goes.

"

Watt has been discussed in detail this week, and he’s earned the attention. The defensive end is having another brilliant year and is without a doubt the defender Dallas is focusing on.

Although he’s headed for another Pro Bowl season, Dallas has the people in place to make him a non-factor on Sunday. Between the balanced offensive attack and the way the line has blocked, Watt will have his hands full.

Unlike many other defensive linemen, Watt can bounce around at pretty much every position along the front. This could create matchup problems for some teams, however, the way all five linemen on the Cowboys are playing, it won’t matter who’s assigned to Watt.

Tim MacMahon: Terrance Williams Takes Advantage of 1-on-1 Opportunities

Brandon Wade/Associated Press/Associated Press

Williams will continue to find the endzone on this team.

It seems like the Cowboys have an endless amount of weapons of the offensive side of the ball. One player taking advantage of this is wide receiver Terrance Williams, writes ESPNDallas.com’s Tim MacMahon:

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It’s really not a matter of disrespecting Williams, who became a full-time starter when the Cowboys released Miles Austin in the spring and has four touchdowns in this season’s first four games. It’s just that the Cowboys have so many other offensive weapons who command respect. No defensive coordinator is going to scheme to stop Williams when he has to deal with NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray and a pair of Pro Bowl pass catchers in Bryant and tight end Jason Witten. Cornerbacks are going to get left on an island against Williams a lot.

"

Williams is clearly extremely talented, but like MacMahon discussed, what can defenses do against him? The second-year receiver caught five touchdowns last year and is on pace to shatter that mark this season.

The problem for teams on Dallas’ schedule is that the wideout is getting better every week. He’s been running a lot of good routes and quarterback Tony Romo is trusting him more in big situations.

Between the solid line protecting his quarterback and the skilled playmakers around him, Williams is headed for a big season. Doubling two receivers sounds crazy, but Williams could make it happen if he continues to perform like he did Week 4.

Dez Bryant put it more simply (according to MacMahon): “The more they disrespect, the more he dominates.”