Texans and Cowboys defenses show early issues after Week 2 NFL games
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 11:47 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
In the NFL's second week, both the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys faced defensive struggles. The Texans lost 36-31 against the Buffalo Bills, allowing 7.9 yards per play and a high 21.2% explosive play rate. Meanwhile, the Cowboys fell to the New York Giants 28-20, missing 11 tackles and allowing significant rushing success. Despite their Week 1 performances, analysts remain cautiously optimistic about both teams' defenses, suggesting the struggles may be due to isolated incidents rather than systemic issues. The season continues with both teams needing to adjust and improve going forward.
- •Texans lost 36-31 to the Bills in Week 2.
- •Dallas Cowboys fell 28-20 to the Giants.
- •Texans allowed 7.9 yards per play against Buffalo.
- •Cowboys missed 11 tackles in their game.
- •Both teams are expected to make adjustments moving forward.
- 11:47 AMCBS NFL — Defense panic levels for Super Bowl contenders: Why Texans and Cowboys should not worry yet
"It's only Week 2, but I'm here to tell you if you should be worried or not about your team's defense
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 17, 2026, 1:14 PMJosh Allen carries the ball, the jokes, and the Buffalo Bills
NFL•Sep 17, 2026, 1:05 PMBaker Mayfield sends blunt message on Buccaneers facing former team
NFL•Sep 17, 2026, 1:03 PMRaiders' pass rush should be able to pin their ears back vs. Chargers
NFL•Sep 17, 2026, 1:03 PM3 potential X-factors for the Seahawks defense at Cardinals in Week 2
NFL•Sep 17, 2026, 1:03 PMRams' Coleman Shelton was PFF's highest-graded center of Week 1
NFL•Sep 17, 2026, 1:02 PMNick Bolton discusses improvement from fourth-year defensive lineman