Cowboys vs. Texans: The good, the bad, and the ugly from Week 4

In Week 4, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Houston Texans in an intense game that stretched to the final moments. The Cowboys managed to secure a crucial win, improving their season record to 2-2 and potentially setting the stage for a streak of victories. The outcome was far from flawless, however, as the matchup showcased both the team's strengths and areas in need of improvement.

On the positive side, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb proved to be a standout performer, earning significant praise in the process. Lamb's dominant day included a career-high 17 catches for 189 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. His consistent contributions and reliability as Dak Prescott's primary target have made him an invaluable asset to the Cowboys' offense. As the season progresses, it's clear that Lamb will continue to be a crucial piece of the puzzle for the team's success.

However, the offensive line faced numerous challenges, particularly from the Texans' formidable defensive front. Terence Steele, the team's right tackle, struggled significantly throughout the game, often needing assistance from teammates to protect the quarterback. Steele's pass protection issues have been a recurring problem for the Cowboys, raising concerns about the team's ability to consistently move the ball down the field effectively.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the game was the performance of the Houston Texans on the penalty front. In a rare occurrence, the Texans committed a staggering 13 penalties, resulting in 90 yards of lost yardage. These penalties not only cost the Texans valuable yardage but also provided the Cowboys with scoring opportunities and first downs.

The Texans' penalties were strategically placed in critical areas, such as the end zone and during kickoff returns, further exacerbating the Cowboys' difficulties. The timing of these penalties was particularly unfortunate, as they seemed to come at the most inconvenient moments, hindering the Texans' offensive flow and creating advantageous situations for the Cowboys.