Game story
In Week 5 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-10-05, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Houston Texans, pulling away with a 20–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with +10.81 total EPA, and +3.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +10.81 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+36.3% win probability) landed in overtime when Dallas Cowboys changed the game: (10:09) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep left to 88-D.Bryant to HOU 31 for 37 yards (24-J.Joseph) [36-D.Swearinger]. Pass complete on a stop and go route.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 3 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Romo · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +10.81 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 2 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.70 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.14 EPA/play
- 3 A. Foster · Houston Texans · Rushing · +5.33 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 4 D. Hopkins · Houston Texans · Receiving · +5.04 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 5 T. Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.39 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 6 C. Beasley · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.10 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 7 D. Harris · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 8 A. Johnson · Houston Texans · Receiving · +1.47 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Romo — DAL · Passing
T. Romo posted the highest total EPA (+10.81) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.26 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.29 EPA) came from Houston Texans: (11:17) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right intended for 23-A.Foster INTERCEPTED by 32-O.Scandrick at DAL 32. 32-O.Scandrick ran ob at DAL 34 for 2 yards.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Houston Texans — A. Foster
- Dallas Cowboys — T. Williams (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bryant (T. Romo pass)
- Houston Texans — A. Foster
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bailey
- Houston Texans — R. Bullock
- Dallas Cowboys — D. Bailey
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the HOU 15 (Q2 30:16) — (:16) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Houston Texans found the end zone from the DAL 15 (Q3 23:56) — (8:56) (No Huddle) 23-A.Foster left end for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 23:49) — 4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the HOU 43 (Q3 21:18); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q3 21:08) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
The fourth quarter: Houston Texans won the period 10–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the HOU 2 (Q4 9:50) — (9:50) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 88-D.Bryant for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q4 9:44) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the DAL 11 (Q4 2:31) — (2:31) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q4 0:45) — (:45) 23-A.Foster right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 0:41).
Overtime: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the HOU 31 (OT 8:37) — (8:37) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Dallas Cowboys (OT 10:09) — (10:09) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep left to 88-D.Bryant to HOU 31 for 37 yards (24-J.Joseph) [36-D.Swearinger]. Pass complete on a stop and go route.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:03) — (:03) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 53 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- Dallas Cowboys (OT 8:37) — (8:37) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 21:18) — (6:18) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 83-T.Williams for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [38-D.Manning]. Romo avoids a sack by Watt and rolls right prior to the pass.
- Houston Texans (OT 13:11) — (13:11) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass incomplete short right to 23-A.Foster [92-J.Mincey].
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Houston Texans (Q1 56:17) — (11:17) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right intended for 23-A.Foster INTERCEPTED by 32-O.Scandrick at DAL 32. 32-O.Scandrick ran ob at DAL 34 for 2 yards.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 49:37) — (4:37) 29-D.Murray right tackle to HOU 10 for 2 yards (21-K.Lewis, 58-B.Reed). FUMBLES (21-K.Lewis), RECOVERED by HOU-57-J.Tuggle at HOU 14. 57-J.Tuggle to HOU 14 for no gain (44-T.Clutts).
- Houston Texans (Q2 36:03) — (6:03) (Punt formation) 9-S.Lechler punts 48 yards to DAL 31, Center-46-J.Weeks. 17-D.Harris to DAL 38 for 7 yards (52-J.Tarpinian). FUMBLES (52-J.Tarpinian), RECOVERED by HOU-28-A.Blue at DAL 43. 28-
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 14:18) — (14:18) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep right intended for 88-D.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 21-K.Lewis at HOU 3. 21-K.Lewis to HOU 8 for 5 yards (25-L.Dunbar).
Quarterback report card
T.Romo led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 42 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +3.3% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +10.81 total EPA
- R.Fitzpatrick (Houston Texans) · 28 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · +1.1% CPOE · -0.25 EPA/play · -7.01 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Houston Texans | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.006 | +0.017 |
| Offensive success rate | 36.8% | 48.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.251 | +0.257 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.169 | -0.168 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.017 | +0.006 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.6% | 63.2% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Houston Texans -0.01, Dallas Cowboys +0.02) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +1.57 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Houston Texans: 12 drives, -0.49 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- T. Romo (DAL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 30:16 · HOU 15 · Score 0-3
(:16) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q3 23:56 · DAL 15 · Score 6-3
(8:56) (No Huddle) 23-A.Foster left end for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q3 23:49 · DAL 2 · Score 7-3
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 21:18 · HOU 43 · Score 7-9
(6:18) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 83-T.Williams for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN [38-D.Manning]. Romo avoids a sack by Watt and rolls right prior to the pass - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 21:08 · HOU 2 · Score 7-10
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 9:50 · HOU 2 · Score 7-16
(9:50) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 88-D.Bryant for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 9:44 · HOU 2 · Score 7-17
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q4 2:31 · DAL 11 · Score 10-17
(2:31) (Field Goal formation) 4-R.Bullock 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 0:45 · DAL 1 · Score 16-17
(:45) 23-A.Foster right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q4 0:41 · DAL 2 · Score 17-17
4-R.Bullock extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-S.Lechler. Rolando McClain of Dallas has a left leg injury. His return is questionable. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — OT 8:37 · HOU 31 · Score 17-20
(8:37) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Houston Texans 20-17 in Week 5, 2014 on 2014-10-05.
What was the final score of Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys?
The final score was Houston Texans 17, Dallas Cowboys 20 (HOU 17-20 DAL) in Week 5, 2014 on 2014-10-05.
What was the score by quarter in Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys?
Q2: Houston Texans 0, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q3: Houston Texans 7, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q4: Houston Texans 10, Dallas Cowboys 7; Q5: Houston Texans 0, Dallas Cowboys 3; Final: Houston Texans 17, Dallas Cowboys 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys?
Houston Texans touchdown — A. Foster (Q3 23:56) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Williams (T. Romo pass) (Q3 21:18) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Bryant (T. Romo pass) (Q4 9:50) Houston Texans touchdown — A. Foster (Q4 0:45) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q2 30:16, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — R. Bullock (Q4 2:31, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (OT 8:37, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 66.7% completion, +3.3% CPOE, +0.26 EPA per dropback, +10.81 total passing EPA. R. Fitzpatrick (Houston Texans), 57.1% completion, +1.1% CPOE, -0.25 EPA per dropback, -7.01 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +10.81 on passing plays. across 42 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.29 EPA): (11:17) (Shotgun) 14-R.Fitzpatrick pass short right intended for 23-A.Foster INTERCEPTED by 32-O.Scandrick at DAL 32. 32-O.Scandrick ran ob at DAL 34 for 2 yards.. The biggest win-probability swing was +36.3%.
Was Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Dallas Cowboys won 20-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Houston Texans
Entered 3-1 Now 3-2 L
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 3-1 Now 4-1 W
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