IRVING, Texas -- Travis Frederick was teammates with J.J. Watt at the University of Wisconsin. Frederick is well aware of Watt's unique ability and the impact the two-time Pro Bowler has made since Houston selected him with the 11th overall pick in 2011.
But the Dallas Cowboys' starting center isn't approaching Sunday's game at AT&T Stadium like he and his teammates have to only stop one outstanding player.
"We're not playing the Houston J.J. Watts," Frederick said Wednesday. "We're playing the Houston Texans."
Watt has recorded 38.5 sacks in 52 career games. Through four games this season, the Texans defensive lineman has recorded 17 quarterback hits. No other NFL player has more than seven.
Watt had the defensive play of the week last Sunday when he intercepted Buffalo's E.J. Manuel at the line of scrimmage and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.
"He's just a great football player any way you measure it," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "He's a heck of a player. He's a big strong, physical, explosive guy. He's got great instincts for the game, a great feel for the game, a motor that never stops.
"He just shows up. He shows up in the run game, he shows up in the pass game. He sacks the quarterback, he intercepts the passes, he disrupts the game. He's clearly one of the best defensive linemen in the National Football League."
When the Cowboys were on the clock during the first round of the 2011 draft, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan wanted Dallas to select Watt with the ninth overall pick. The Cowboys went against Ryan and selected Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith.
The decision worked out well for both teams. The Cowboys signed Smith to a 10-year contract extension worth up to $110 million in July. Watt signed a six-year, $100 million extension with the Texans in September.
The two will see a lot of each other Sunday afternoon.
"He has a really high motor," Smith said. "He brings it every play, so you got to be prepared.
"It's always fun going up against a good player. He's one of the top players at his position. I give him credit for what he's done so far. He's one of the hardest working players I've seen on film so far."
What does Watt think of Smith?
"Tyron Smith is a very good football player," Watt said. "He's a great left tackle. He's athletic, he's big, he's strong and he can do many different things. I think there's a reason they gave him the contract they did."
MORE FROM FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST
Top 20 trash-talkers in sports history
