Official Texans vs. Dolphins Game Thread, 9/09/12

[Arky]

The Texans will be hosting the Miami Dolphins this Sunday at Reliant with a noon kickoff. I believe this to be a Liberty Whiteout Day so one could expect a whited-out crowd under a closed roof (too hot to be open - projected high of 87º).

The Dolphins will be bringing in a new coach, Joe Philbin and a new QB, Ryan Tannehill, 1st round, 8th overall draft pick in the 2012 draft. Veteran backup QB David Garrard was just released a short while ago.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), noon kickoff CST.

Announcers (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2012/wk1.html) = Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Texans by 11.5 to 13.5

[HPF Bob]

Hard to imagine the Texans blowing this one but stranger things have happened. Watch the right side of the line and the middle of the defense if you want to follow our weak points.

[TheMatrix31]

Boy is this thread a sight for sore eyes.

Not sure what to expect. All the hype going into this game and season kinda scares me.

[nunusguy]

Hard to imagine the Texans blowing this one but stranger things have happened. Watch the right side of the line and the middle of the defense if you want to follow our weak points.
Not that hard if you just use your imagination: Holliday fumbles once or maybe twice before Kubiak can get him out of the game, or Newt whiffs on a pass-rush by the 'Phins ProBowl DE Cameron Blake who then proceeds to knock the fragile Schaub out of the game. I won't breathe easy until and if the Texans are coasting on a fat lead well into the 4th quarter.
These guys gave us a tough game last year in Miami and I also remember all too well that big loss against another rookie QB making his NFL debut in Reliant in the season-opener just a couple years ago.

[WMH]

Most of us have been here since the beginning. Because of that, our view is slanted towards when are we going to fail. I'm thinking we have crossed that bridge, and have a quality squad, one that should/will roll bad teams.

Miami is a bad team.

We will roll.

[barrett]

I don't think either of those scenarios alone is enough to cost us this game. I think Holliday could give away a TD or we could play without Schaub and still win comfortably. I'd favor us in this game with Beck at QB. Tannehill barely played college QB, the dolphins have already started trading off pieces for the future, and they don't have the defense to stop the run and make us one dimensional.

[Keith]

Most of us have been here since the beginning. Because of that, our view is slanted towards when are we going to fail.
Ha, good point. I would add that most of us were Oilers fans as well... hence our predetermined sense of impending doom.

Any given Sunday is always in play, but man these Dolphins really suck. Much different vibe than in 2009 when Rex Ryan came in here to have his Jets bully the Texans.

I have a feeling the Texans defense will score more points than the Dolphins offense on Sunday.

[cadams]

I have a feeling the Texans defense will score more points than the Dolphins offense on Sunday.

I agree with you here. 24 -6 sound right?

[chuck]

If the Texans can't beat this Dolphins team with authority on Sunday then we might as well pack it up and go home.

[TheMatrix31]

Hopefully we beat their asses, and welcome Tannehill nicely....but.....I don't know. I AM a Texans fan after all. And I'm a cautious guy by nature when it comes to the teams I root for and proclaiming victory or domination beforehand.

So, let's see what happens. Take care of the ball, get good field position, limit penalties (including personal fouls, Antonio Smith)....and we should be good.

[nunusguy]

I suspect we will win decisively, certainly trouncing the 'Phins is a distinct possibility. Truth is I really regret our season opener coming right after last years playoff run and near-miss with a stirring effort in Baltimore being wasted on such a less than steller opponent as Miami. How great would it have been to open up the 2012 season in Reliant Sunday vs the Ravens for example ?

[HPF Bob]

Truth is I really regret our season opener coming right after last years playoff run and near-miss with a stirring effort in Baltimore being wasted on such a less than steller opponent as Miami. How great would it have been to open up the 2012 season in Reliant Sunday vs the Ravens for example ?

Truth is, I don't regret it at all. Why do you think major college teams tend to schedule cupcakes to open the season? It's because players are still adjusting to the changes of the off-season and getting themselves in game shape.

Particularly since the Texans sat their starters for the second half of the Saints game and the entire Vikings game, a game like this - if it becomes a blowout - is a good situation for the players to get "game ready" against a team who probably won't be a major challenge like the Ravens would.

It could have been nice to see the Dolphins on the schedule right after a brutal game on a short week but facing them in Week 1 isn't worthless at all. We get Jackassville on the road the following week which is, in some ways, another tune-up game. There's nothing wrong with starting 2-0 and forcing the rest of the division to play from behind all year.

[cadams]

and a home opening win is always a nice thing to have for those of us at the game. stadium is going to be crazy this weekend.

[chuck]

Truth is, I don't regret it at all.

Amen. If the Texans could schedule the six worst teams in the NFL and start the year 6-0 that would suit me just fine. Of course with Jacksonville and Indy in the division they're on their way there.

[HPF Bob]

Arian Foster has a sore knee, sat out practice. Brooks Reed and Tim Braman also sat out practice. All three are considered gametime decisions, says Kubiak. Still disappointed we're playing the Dolphins?

[Nconroe]

I guess I'm good playing Miami. They've played us tough past few years. I'm optimistic we win like 31-10. Just win, I'm happy.

[nunusguy]

Everybody knows Tate is a better pure running back than Foster, though he for sure doesn't have Arian's versatility but I'm still OK with Ben being our main back this weekend.
OK I'm not really worried but getting slightly apprehensive about the cumulative effect of all of these guys like Cody, Cushing, & Watt missing virtually all of their preseason game snaps and now going out there Sunday and playing for the first time in this new season.
I dunno, so maybe playing the biggest Vegas long shot for the '13 SB for the season opener this Sunday in Reliant isn't such bad timing after all ?

[HPF Bob]

Well, Vegas is a different proposition. If I were to wager, I might take the Fins and the points myself. A lot of very good teams start off ragged in week one. I'd definitely take the Texans straight up but with the points, that's different and that's what the Vegas book is all about - an attempt to get a 50/50 distribution of bets so the House ultimately wins.

[Roy P]

My biggest concern about this game isn't our RBs. It's attitude and dealing with expectations. If this team believes all the wonderful things being said about them and thinks all they have to do is find the stadium on Sunday, they might get punched in the mouth. We can't underestimate the Dolphins' defense. Cameron Wake may abuse Newton & Schaub all afternoon. They have good DBs and Burnett & Dansby are very athletic. This could be a low scoring game where a turnover could cost us the game. I'd feel better if Cody, Watts, Cushing, & Reed were 100% healthy. Hopeful that Tannehill doesn't run a lot or able to get the ball to whoever K. Jackson is covering. Reggie Bush isn't nicked up yet, so his speed outside is also a concern. Picking the Texans 22-21.

[TheMatrix31]

OMG.....it's here.

[chuck]

OMG.....it's here.

Hard to believe, isn't it?

[TheMatrix31]

Almost gametime! Let's go Texans!

[Arky]

Texans were up to a whopping 15 pt favorite for a while there at 5 Dimes. Finish at 14.5. Just get the W, boys....

-----------------------------

Texans to kick off.

Miami brings the kickoff back to their 28 or so. Flag down. Holding on Miami, they will start at their 18.

[Arky]

Bush for 1.

Pass to Bess gets 10 and the 1st down.

Bush for 7 up the middle.

Bush gets the 1st down at the Miami 45.

Dump off to Bush gets 4 or 5. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Pass to Thomas in the flat sails inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Snap is bobbled and Thomas ends up with it for a 1 yard gain. Dolphins have to punt.

Holliday fair catches the punt at the Texan 10.

[TheMatrix31]

Uh, boys....stop dropping the ball yeah?

[Arky]

Dump off to Foster is dropped, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to AJ complete for 11.

Pass complete to OD for 23 over the middle.

Foster sweeps left for about 5. 2nd and 4 coming up.

Quick slant to Martin is dropped. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Short pass to Jean gets about 7 and the 1st down. Ball at the Dolphin 41.

Foster goes left again for about 5.

Tate sweeps right for 6 and the 1st down.

Schaub gets sacked by Starks -4. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Oh man, pass to Jean in the endzone is caught but ruled out of bounds. Kubes tosses the red flag.....

[TheMatrix31]

Hey that's a damn touchdown!

[TheMatrix31]

Argh. Damn CBS not showing Jean holding onto the ball.

[Arky]

Boooo, plays stands as inc. Jean kinda bobbled the ball on the ground....

On 3rd and 14, dump off to Foster bounces off his hands, inc. Graham to attempt a 52-yard FG.

FG is just short, no good. Dolphins ball at their 42.

[Arky]

Bush up the middle for 11.

Bush for 5.

Bush for 7 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 34.

Pass to Fasano good for a 1st down at the Texan 22.

Thomas for about 2.

Pass to Bess gets 6. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Bush caught in the backfield, ball is fumbled but Dolphins recover. Dolphins to go for the FG.

39-yard attempt by Carpenter is good.

Dolphins 3, Texans 0

3:12 left in the 1st quarter.

[Roy P]

Is anybody worried about Reggie Bush?

[Arky]

Doh, Holliday bobbles the kickoff and only gets back to the 5. Texans ball.

Foster for 5.

Foster for about 4. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Foster gets caught for no gain. Texans have to punt.

Dolphins fair catch at their 38. Dolphins ball.

1:01 left in the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

Dang, ball is tipped up in the air and somehow Fasano comes down with it for a 4 yard gain.

Thomas for 6 and a 1st down. Ball at midfield.

End of the 1st quarter.

[Big Texas]

Wake up Defense

[Arky]

Deep pass to Hartline inc. Holding on Dolphins forces a redo. 1st and 20 coming up.

Dump off to Thomas off his hands, inc. 2nd and 20 coming up.

Pass to Bess good for 9. 3rd and 11 coming up.

Pass to Armstrong goes off his hands, inc. Dolphins to punt.

Holliday fair catches the punt at the Texan 12.

[Big Texas]

So far Miami is getting all bounces...We need to steal the momentum back...

[Arky]

Pass to AJ is broken up, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Dumpoff to Tate gets 8. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Pass to OD wide open is complete to midfield.

Timeout Texans (#1)........

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Colts and Bears tied up at 7.

Falcons and Chiefs tied at 10.

Redskins 10 to 7 over the Saints.

Jags 3, Vikings 0

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Foster sweeps left for 7.

Foster for 1. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Pass to OD is overthrown, inc. Texans to punt.

Ball downs the punt at the Dolphin 6. Dolphins ball.

[chuck]

This is not exactly how I'd drawn this one up.

[TheMatrix31]

Forcing a turnover would be nice.

[popanot]

These guys are playing like sh....

[Arky]

Bush for 7 on the left side. 2nd and 3 coming up.

Bush for maybe 2. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Dumpoff to Lane goes for 24 yards and the 1st down. Ball at the Dolphin 39.

Pass in the flat sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Bush caught in the backfield by Manning for a loss of 2. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Dumpoff to Bush gets 13 and the 1st down. Ball at midfield.

Tannehill slips and goes down. 2nd and 12 coming up.

JJo with the INT! And nice run back! Flag on Dolphins for late hit out of bounds. Places the ball at the Dolphin 7.

[TheMatrix31]

Forcing a turnover would be nice.

Well there ya go.

[chuck]

Forcing a turnover would be nice.

There you go.

[popanot]

Wake up DefenseWake up offense. Especially Schaub. :mad:

[TheMatrix31]

Ridiculous waste.

[Big Texas]

Why does it seem like this team is folding under the pressure...

[Arky]

Flags presnap. False start OD. Ball at the 12.

Schaub is pressured and throws inc. 2nd and goal from the 12.

Schaub sacked at the 20.

Delay to Foster only gets 3. Texans to try the FG.

Graham's 35-yarder is good.

Texans 3, Dolphins 3

6:12 left in the half.

[Arky]

Dolphins bring the kickoff back to their 17.

--------------------------

Bush goes right for 10 and a 1st down.

Bush goes left for 3.

Flags presnap. False start Dolphins. Makes it 2nd and 13.

Dumpoff to Thomas goes all the way to the Texan 44.

Pass is batted down by Watt. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Clay is dropped/off the mark, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass is batted in up in the air and Cushing comes down with the INT! Texans ball at their 41.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's not waste this one.

[popanot]

Schaub looks like he has zero zip on the ball.

[Nconroe]

Nice int by Cushing but might have rehurt his ribs.

And followed by a very nice TD drive.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ down the field is dropped. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to OD is broken up, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass to AJ is complete over the middle for 24 yards and the 1st down. Ball at the Dolphin 30.

Foster for 3 up the middle.

Schaub pressured, scrambles for 2. 3rd and 5 coming up. Timeout Dolphins (#1)

Pass complete to OD for 11. Ball at the Dolphin 14.

2 minute warning.

-----------------------

Foster punches it in! 14-yard TD run!

Texans 10, Dolphins 3

[TheMatrix31]

Take a bow, Arian!

[Arky]

Thigpen brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Dolphin 29.

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Pass is batted up in the air by Watt again! KJ INT's! Texans ball at the Dolphin 27.

[TheMatrix31]

1.21 JJWatts!

[chuck]

JJ Watt is a freaking lunatic.

[Arky]

Deep pass to Walter is inc but PI on the Dolphins is going to place the ball at the Dolphin 1.

Foster for no gain. 2nd and goal from the 1 coming up. Less than a minute in the half.

Foster punches it in on the left side for the TD!

Texans 17, Dolphins 3

43 seconds left in the half.

[Nconroe]

JJ Wat knocks em up in the air has really turned the game around.

And another nice TD.

Feeling better now.
t

[Arky]

Thigpen brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Dolphin 30.

--------------------------

Dolphins fumble! Texans recover! Texans ball at the Dolphin 31, 28 seconds left in the half. Thomas injured on the play but is able to walk off.

[Arky]

Dumpoff to Tate gets 7. 20 seconds left in the half.

Pass to AJ over the middle gets about 10 and the 1st down. Texans use their last timeout. Ball at the Dolphin 14.

Pass to AJ good for the TD!

Texans 24, Dolphins 3

7 seconds left in the half.

[chuck]

That was sick.

[Arky]

Lane fields the ensuing kickoff and brings it back to the Dolphin 40. 1 second left in the half.

Dolphins kneel it.

Halftime.

Texans 24, Dolphins 3

[Foo'ball Fool]

Feelin' a little better now. Hope Cushing is okay. If it wasn't for the effort of J.J. Watt...

[Big Texas]

Now that's how you "steal the momentum"

[Nconroe]

Excellent TD catch by AJ to top off first half.

Man, defense sure woke up last 5 minutes of the half.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 10/19, 146 yds, 1 TD

Rushing: Foster 12/49, Tate 1/6

Receiving: AJ 4/59, OD 3/63, Tate 2/15, Jean 1/9

Tackles: Cushing 6, Manning 5, JJo/GQ 4 each, KJ/B James/Cody/Barwin/McCain/Watt 2 each

TOP: Texans 14:00, Dolphins 16:00

1st downs: Texans 12, Dolphins 10

Turnovers: Texans 0, Dolphins 4

Red zone: Texans 3/4, Dolphins 0/1

3rd down efficiency: Texans 4/8, Dolphins 2/6

Total yards: Texans 191, Dolphins 174

[TheMatrix31]

Incredible end to the first half. Just....wow.

[Arky]

Holliday brings the 2nd half kickoff back to the Texan 15.

-----------------------------

Foster goes right side for 4.

Foster for 4 more. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Time out Texans (#1).

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Pass over the middle to OD too long, inc. Texans to punt.

Oy, Thigpen takes the punt all the way back for a TD.

Texans 24, Dolphins 10

13:12 left in the 3rd quarter.

[popanot]

K and P coverage (and actually ST's overall) is lacking to say the least. Is Marciano's gang is going to be the thorn in our side? Sheesh! Somebody needs to tell Holliday it's OK to down it once in awhile.

[Arky]

Holliday brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 14. Texans ball.

-----------------------------

Pass to AJ gets 10 and the 1st down.

Slant to AJ gets 15.

Tate is bottled up for no gain. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Dumpoff to KW gets 6. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Dump over the middle to Casey gets 17. Ball at the Dolphin 38.

Tate for about 2. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Pass complete to KW for about 10.

Dumpoff to Foster is sniffed out -4. Makes it 2nd and 14 coming up.

Foster for 12. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Foster caught behind the LOS -4. Texans to go for the FG.

Graham's 40-yarder is good!

Texans 27, Dolphins 10

6 1/2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

[Arky]

Thigpen brings the kickoff back to the Dolphin 26.

--------------------------------

Bush for 2.

Tannehill sacked by Watt! 3rd and 15 coming up.

Shovel pass to Bush goes for no gain. Dolphins to punt.

Holliday brings the punt back 14 yards but holding on the Texans places the ball at the Texan 27.

[Arky]

Foster for no gain. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to OD goes for 24 yards over the middle. Ball at the Dolphin 49.

Foster bottled up again -2. 2nd and 12 coming up.

Dumpoff to Tate gets 6. 3rd and 6 coming up. Under 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Short pass to AJ gets 6 and the 1st down.

Foster goes right side for 6. 2nd and 4 coming up.

End of the 3rd quarter.

[Arky]

Foster for 1. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Deep pass to AJ is complete all the way to the Dolphin 3! 1st and goal!

Foster to the 1 yard line.

Foster for no gain. Makes it 3rd and goal from the 1.

Pass to OD is too high. Texans to go for the FG.

Graham's 19-yarder is good.

Texans 30, Dolphins 10

12:22 left in the game.

[Roy P]

I'm going out on a limb and giving JJ Watt the Game Ball.

[Nconroe]

Passing game overall looking pretty good since first quarter.

[nunusguy]

Has either of our backs broken a single tackle all day long ? I don't think so.
And if we hold the 'Phins here, I still wouldn't be surprised if Kubiak still puts AJ back in the the game ?

[Arky]

Thigpen downs the ensuing kickoff in the endzone. Dolphins ball at their 20.

-----------------------------

Pass to Bess gets 11.

Bush is caught for a loss but flag on the Dolphins for holding -10. Redo the down. 1st and 20 coming up.

Short pass to Bush gets 18. 2nd and 2 coming up.

Bush for 12 up the middle. Ball at the Texan 48.

Pass complete to Hartline for about 8 but flag down. Facemask on KJ gives the Dolphins 15 more. Ball is at the Texan 25.

Pass to Hartline goes for 9.

Bush is caught in the backfield again but flag on the play.... Texans offsides gives the Dolphins a 1st down at the Texan 11.

Pass is thrown away inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Tannehill's pass sails inc in the endzone. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass over the middle to Bush complete for 3 or 4. Dolphins to go for it on 4th down.

Pass to Fasano only gets about 3 so Texans takeover on downs. Ball at the Texan 6.

[Arky]

Tate for 2.

Tate caught for a loss of 4. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Foster up the gut for about 8. Texans to punt.

Jones' punt goes out of bounds at the Texan 41. Dolphins ball.

[Arky]

Pass to Bess goes for 9.

Bush caught in the backfield for a loss but flags are down. Holding on Dolphins makes it 2nd and 11.

Deep pass to Hartline is good for big gainer. 34 yards. 1st and goal.

Pass to Armstrong good for 3. 2nd and goal from the 5.

Pass to Fasano in the endzone sails inc. 3rd and goal from the 5.

Pass to Bess is complete at the 1 or 2 yard line but out of bounds. Dolphins challenging that the catch was made in bounds..... 4:10 left in the game.

Play stands after review.....

On 4th and goal, pass is batted down by Jamison. Texans ball at their 5.

[Arky]

Foster loses 1. 2nd and 11 coming up.

Foster for 1. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Foster for no gain. Timeout Dolphins with 2:24 left. Texans to punt.

Thigpen fields the punt and has a short gain to the Dolphin 43. Dolphins ball.

[Arky]

Tannehill's pass is dropped by Bess, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Dumpoff to Bush gets about 8. 3rd and 2 coming up.

2 minute warning.

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Pass to Armstrong is inc. 4th and 2 coming up.

Tannehill is sacked by Jamison! Texans takeover on downs. Ball at the Dolphin 39.

Texans kneeling it out.

Final Score:

Texans 30, Dolphins 10

[TheMatrix31]

Victory Formation!

Lots to work on, but holy hell.....JJ Watt.

[chuck]

I'm going out on a limb and giving JJ Watt the Game Ball.

It won't be the last one he gets this year. I hope he has a lot of mantle space out there in Pearland.

[nunusguy]

Jags just lost in OT at Minny, so all division opponents lose. Actually Indy-Bears not complete yet, but Colts down 20 late in 4th.

[HPF Bob]

We obviously still have OL problems both running and pass blocking. The tackling was a bit spotty and if we hadn't had that flurry of turnovers just before halftime, I don't think there would be many happy faces here even in a close win.

Maybe because the run game struggled and some early incompletes, I don't feel like we dominated today. But it's Week One, it's a win and we stand alone in first place in the division so it's a building block for future weeks.

[Roy P]

We obviously still have OL problems both running and pass blocking. The tackling was a bit spotty and if we hadn't had that flurry of turnovers just before halftime, I don't think there would be many happy faces here even in a close win.

Maybe because the run game struggled and some early incompletes, I don't feel like we dominated today. But it's Week One, it's a win and we stand alone in first place in the division so it's a building block for future weeks.

I agree with you again, Bob. The scoreboard did not reflect how close this game was. We got some lucky bounces that went our way, but it wasnt a a dominating performance. Very pleased that JJ Watt was able to be on the field. We can feel good because of the score, but Coach Kubiak has enough on film to put his foot in some asses this week.

[barrett]

I agree it was not a sharp performance. But I am encouraged that we are at a point where we aren't sharp and we still win easily.

I'd also disagree we got lucky bounces. The dolphins were very lucky to recover two of their own fumbles early and we also lost a very close replay for a TD early.

I think bottom line is our defense never gave them a chance to be in this game, and our offense had a good 2nd quarter stretch in a game of mediocrity.

But either way we came out and burried them by halftime. That is more than the Saints, Eagles, and Lions (3 other teams with superbowl aspirations) can say about games in which they were heavily favored.

[painekiller]

..... and we also lost a very close replay for a TD early.


Jean did have his feet in bounds, but he dropped the ball when he hit the ground, thus incomplete pass. On touchdown receptions the receivers have to maintain possession throughout the completion of the play, Jean did not. It was a bad challenge, but Kubiak did not have much time to make that decision so I will give him a break.