Cowboys newcomer James Houston has been team's best defensive player

Former Detroit Lions edge rusher James Houston is making an immediate impact for the Cowboys in his first season.

Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston (53) looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There aren't too many bright spots in Matt Eberflus's defense but newcomer James Houston has been a surprising standout through four weeks, so much so that he may be the team's defensive MVP for September.

Though he's rotating into the defensive line for just 22.4% of the Dallas Cowboys' snaps on that side of the ball, Houston is making the most of his playing time. He also doesn't rank highly on the Dallas stat sheet in tackles since he has just eight in four games, but three of those have been for a loss and two were sacks for a loss of 17.

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Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) tackles New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

His strip of Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love on Sunday also came at the perfect time. Houston recovered the fumble and gave the Cowboys the opportunity to get a touchdown before halftime in a 14-point swing.

The NFC foes ultimately tied the game but that play was a huge momentum boost for Dallas and the struggling defensive unit.

We'll take that 😤

📺: #GBvsDAL on NBC 
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/RmDxAeCG4M pic.twitter.com/D6Gos12Fh6

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 29, 2025

Prior to joining the Cowboys on a two-year deal for $2.175 million, Houston played three seasons for the Detroit Lions. The Cleveland Browns picked him up in November but he never suited up for them before the 2024 season concluded.

Houston was a sixth-round draft pick for the Detroit Lions in 2022. He played his college football at Jackson State and the University of Florida.

In his first three seasons in the league, he played in 17 games, tallying 21 tackles with nine sacks and a forced fumble. Injuries, like a broken ankle in 2023, have kept Houston from completing a season, let alone having a breakout year, but that could be coming soon.

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