{
  "id": 11069204,
  "title": "Stephen A Smith Gives Texans Severe Warning Before Week 4 Game vs Cowboys",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/stephen-a-smith-gives-texans-severe-warning-before-week-4-game-vs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T00:39:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/stephen-a-smith-gives-texans-severe-warning-before-week-4-game-vs-cowboys-12509806"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Houston Texans, one of five NFL teams still chasing their maiden win of the 2026 season, are in dire need of a turnaround this weekend. The team, which began the year as contenders following a playoff bid, is currently 0-3, heading into their Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. On Wednesday's First Take, Stephen A. Smith emphasized the significance of this game for the Texans. He warned that a loss would force them to fall to 0-4, a position that could be detrimental, especially considering the strong performances of the Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. Smith highlighted that despite a strong defensive showing, the Texans' offense has not lived up to expectations. They have been 16th in yards allowed, and offensively, they followed a 34-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a 20-6 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans then struggled with a 19-17 loss to the Colts, failing to capitalize on three forced turnovers. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has not thrown an interception this season, averages only 6.6 yards per pass attempt. However, Smith believes Stroud is not performing at a level that justifies a significant contract extension. The Texans' Week 4 clash with the Cowboys begins at 1 p.m. ET.",
  "summary": "Stephen A. Smith said the Houston Texans \"cannot afford\" to fall to 0-4 when they play the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Texans need to win Week 4 game vs Cowboys to avoid 0-4 record.",
    "Stephen A. Smith warns loss could be detrimental for Texans.",
    "Stroud averages 6.6 yards per pass attempt, below expectations."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A loss to the Cowboys would severely dent the Texans' season and credibility, especially given the strong showings of division rivals Jaguars and Colts, and raise doubts about quarterback C.J. Stroud's worth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}