Houston, We Have a Problem: Why the Texans Were Doomed vs. Cowboys

The most dangerous animal is a wounded one. Going into Week 3, the Dallas Cowboys' season was scarred by two uninspiring performances.

A loss to the Houston Texans would have inflicted a potentially fatal wound into their dream of playing Super Bowl XLV at home in Texas Stadium.

The Cowboys are America's team, and fairly or not, fans and media alike hold them to a higher standard.

Staring at a possible 0-3 start in the NFL's most competitive division, the NFC East, Dallas traveled to Houston with a playoff-like attitude, and the Texans found themselves playing the wrong opponent at the wrong time.

Three Teams Since 1990 Have Made Playoffs After Starting 0-3

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Wade Phillips of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during a 27-20 loss against the Chicago Bears at Cowboys Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Starting 0-3 would have been devastating for the Cowboys. Not only would they be fighting to stay alive in an ultra-competitive NFC East, but Dallas would be fighting history too.

Only three teams since the 1990 season have started 0-3 and made the playoffs: 1992 Chargers, 1995 Lions, and the 1998 Bills.

The Cowboys have endured repeated postseason failures since winning Super Bowl XXX, and making the playoffs this year is the bare minimum for owner Jerry Jones' expectations.

Dallas Has a Brutal Schedule

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboy is sacked by Ray Edwards #91 of the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated t

Every game is important in the NFL, but when a team has one of the toughest schedules in the league, each game becomes a must win.

Dallas plays six playoff teams from last season, including both participants in Super Bowl XLIV, Indianapolis and New Orleans. 

However, Dallas plays several teams which missed the playoffs last year who are quite talented, including Houston this past week, the Giants, Chicago, and Washington.

Dallas plays the NFC North this year, which will take them to Minnesota and Lambeau Field. The Vikings, who also started 0-2, eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs in the divisional round last year.

An 0-3 start would have been so deflating to the Cowboys dreams for 2010, because week after week, Dallas plays quality opponents, many who are playoff contenders.

Texans' Defense Could Not Handle Cowboys' Passing Attack

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Roy Williams #11 of the Dallas Cowboys runs away from Kareem Jackson #25 of the Houston Texans for a 63 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob

The Texans' pass defense was handily outplayed Sunday, and it wasn't the first time in this young season a quarterback tore them apart.

In Week 1, Peyton Manning completed 40 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns. A week later Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb completed 28 passes for 426 yards and one touchdown. The Texans also did not intercept one pass in either of the first two games.

Houston's pass defense in Week 3 was going to be tested yet again, as Tony Romo and his band of very talented receivers were sure to add to the misery of the Texans secondary.

Tony Romo was brilliant all game, connecting with much maligned receiver Roy Williams for two touchdowns, including a 63-yard game-changing score in the second half. 

Not only was the Texans defense concerned about Roy Williams, but All-Pro receiver Miles Austin and sure-handed running back Marion Barber posed large threats as well.

The Cowboys' strength is their passing attack, and the Texans secondary was the perfect matchup to have a breakthrough performance against.

Super Bowl XLV Is Being Played at Cowboys Stadium

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NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 09: A replica of the Vince Lombardi trophy at Louisiana Superdome on September 9, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

No team has ever won a Super Bowl in its home stadium, let along play in one.

The Dallas Cowboys have the rare opportunity to play for the NFL Championship at home in owner Jerry Jones' new billion dollar palace.

Dallas has the talent to make the Super Bowl, but they must improve upon its past postseason failures, a list that grows longer each January.

A loss to Houston in Week 3 would have given the Cowboys little hope at making the playoffs, and almost certainly destroying their chances at a home playoff game.

The Cowboys have not enjoyed success in the playoffs on the road, as their last three seasons have ended on the road.

Dallas not won a road playoff game since 1992, an NFC title game victory vs. the 49ers.

Since 1992, the Cowboys are 7-2 at home in the playoffs. Home field means everything to the Cowboys, and starting 0-3 would have erased the thought of getting at least one home playoff game.

Houston Cannot Rely on Its Offense To Win Them Games Every Week

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Larry French/Getty

Houston has one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, highlighted by arguably the best wide receiver in the league, Andre Johnson. 

Scoring points is not a problem for the Texans, but the problem is opposing teams find it just as easy to score on Houston's defense.

Dallas has one of the best passing attacks in the NFL, and their matchup against Houston's unproven cornerbacks was easy to exploit for Tony Romo.

Houston's defensive secondary is very young and inexperienced. Kareem Jackson and Glover Quin are the starting cornerbacks for the Texans and have a mere three years of combined NFL experience. 

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak was not too concerned about his young corners. In his Monday press conference, Kubiak told the media he is sticking with his young guys. He also mentioned as a team he would like to see a more consistent effort from the defense, noting stretches of good play but faltering for periods which cost them the game.

Last year the Texans lost four games in a row from Week 9 through Week 13 by a combined 19 points. If Houston wins one of those close games, a 10-6 record might have earned them their first postseason appearance in franchise history.

The Texans Met Dallas on the Wrong Day

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Saftey Barry Church #42 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a defensive stop of quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Texans met the Dallas Cowboys in the wrong situation. The Cowboys were the team most in need of a win during Week 3. To their credit, they played very well in Houston, fully deserving to win.

The Texans are still 2-1, and have only one more game to play without last year's AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing. Cushing's return in Week 5 will greatly help the linebacker corps and provide a leadership role lacking on defense.

The Cowboys must continue to find ways to win ball games, because home field advantage is important in the playoffs, but for the Cowboys, their history shows they need home field more than most other teams.

Dallas has a once in a generation chance to win the Lombardi Trophy in front of their home crowd, and that possibility alone should give them all the motivation they need going forward.