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Cowboys at Texans: 3 potential game changers

By Terence Watson

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 30: Kyle Queiro #41 of the Dallas Cowboys and Caraun Reid #93 tackle Lavon Coleman #40 of the Houston Texans for a loss in the second half of the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 30: Kyle Queiro #41 of the Dallas Cowboys and Caraun Reid #93 tackle Lavon Coleman #40 of the Houston Texans for a loss in the second half of the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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This weekend, the Dallas Cowboys will battle for state bragging rights against the Houston Texans. Here are three game changers who could tip the scales.

This week is a special week for the Dallas Cowboys. This is the week where bragging rights in the state of Texas come into play. Playing against their in-state rivals, the Houston Texans, here are three potential game changers that could tip the scales in the Cowboys favor in the battle for Texas superiority.

Cowboys Speed at receiver

All offseason we were told that the Cowboys wanted to get faster at the receiver position. Well, this is the week to prove it. Receivers Tavon Austin, Michael Gallup and Deonte Thompson are going up against the 27th ranked pass defense in the Texans. The Texans are giving up an average of 7.6 yards per attempt and 288 yards a game through the air.

The speed of the Cowboys receivers should be able to get behind the this secondary with the help of a strong play-action passing game. This team like all others will focus on stopping running back Ezekiel Elliott first.

The return of David Irving

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line has been dominating teams at times through the first four games of the season. Now they are adding defensive tackle David Irving into the fold. Irving will be bringing with him the potential to take over a game with his pass rushing ability up the middle.

In only eight games last season Irving racked up seven sacks, six passes batted down, one forced fumble and 13 tackles. That type of production added to a defense that is consistently either sacking the quarterback or creating pressure on the quarterback is a definite game changer.

Texans offensive line injuries

This potential game changer goes hand in hand with the return of David Irving. The Texans are pretty banged up along that offensive line especially up the middle. The injuries to guards Zach Fulton (shoulder) and Senio Kelemete (knee) should give the Cowboys the ability to push the pocket back into quarterback Deshaun Watson.

If the Dallas Cowboys are able to dominate that area of the offensive line it will cause major problems for the Texans running game along with making it easier for defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and the other Hot Boyz pass rushers to get to Watson.

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If the Dallas Cowboys are able to win these battles it should be a very exciting game for Cowboy fans. My prediction is that the Cowboys will win 27-21.

What game changers do you believe could be in this game and who do you believe will walk away with the win in the battle for Texas bragging rights?

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