Letter from Dallas: The roof is literally falling in - America’s team are in crisis and their neighbours are revelling in it

Historically, Dallas have veered between good and bad, but it has rarely been like this; abysmally boring. The only intrigue lies off-the-field and that is even more shambolic.

An American flag is on display for the national anthem prior to game featuring the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys. Pic: John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Texas teams have tonnes of hand signals. All over Dallas this week, the Texans flash ‘H’s up.’ Point the pinkie and index. Fold every other finger down. Gesture to a kindred spirit whenever and wherever you cross ‘em. Ready to run wild on Monday night.

“Hous-Ton,” rings down the Scalextric-style winding ramps of AT&T Stadium late Monday. “Tex-ans!” Thousands of battle red and steel blue donning diehards yell in response. Around and around. Over and over. Euphoric.