ARLINGTON, Texas -- A few thoughts from the Houston Texans' 20-17 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
What it means: The Texans drop to 3-2 with the loss to their in-state rival. They did what they do and did it well. The Texans ran the ball successfully and forced turnovers. That's their usual recipe for success, but it didn't work against an offense with two supremely talented players in receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray -- both with big-play capability. It didn't help, either, that the Texans' secondary was beaten up physically coming into the game.
Stock watch: Ryan Fitzpatrick's stock was volatile in this game. He threw one costly interception and could have had a few more. Fitzpatrick and his receivers did not appear to be on the same page for many of his passes. But when the Texans needed a touchdown drive to tie the game, Fitzpatrick came through.
Game ball: A week after the Texans gained only 37 yards rushing, Foster rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns in regulation. It was the seventh time in Foster's career that he rushed for more than 100 yards and scored two touchdowns. Then, on the very first play of overtime, Foster rushed for 24 yards.
Turnover milestone: By the end of the first half, the Texans already had as many takeaways through five games as they had in all of the 2013 season. Sure, it was a franchise low, but the fact that the Texans surpassed last year's total in just the first half of the fifth game of the season shows how the defense has changed. The number of yards they're giving up is a bit troubling and something that became a problem today. A 34-yard catch by Bryant sealed the game. The coverage was good on Bryant, he was just better.
What's next: This one might have felt important for the fans, but the next one will actually be more crucial. The Texans have a short week before playing the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.
