The upcoming Dolphins game, 9/18/2011
 

The Texans travel to Miami this weekend to take on the Dolphins in a late afternoon game (3 pm CST).

The Texans are looking to go 2-0 on the season after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in the opener. The Texan defense was not really threatened much in their matchup with the Colts that featured a rusty Kerry Collins substituting for the injured Peyton Manning. Still, the defense caused timely turnovers and gave the offense a short field for some quick scores at least a couple of times. QB Matt Schaub has been a pretty decent "road QB" in the past so we'll see how he handles the heat of Miami (and their defense). The Texans would like to keep the W's coming while their new 3-4 defense finds itself in 2011..

Miami is coming off a loss to the New England Patriots in a very entertaining Monday Night game (one ESPN probably won't stop talking about for at least a month due to Tom Brady's excellent performance). Miami kept pace for a while but eventually succumbed to New England's firepower. The Texans are going to have to bring their A-game on both offense and defense if *that* Miami team shows up.

TV = CBS, 3pm CST

Announcers = Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

Favorite = Texans by 3

The Texans did so well in week one with Colts it may be easy to get a little over confident against Dolphins this week.

I suppose this will be a fairly close, competitive game in all three segments, offense, defense, and special teams.

If OL and DL both perform well, should be the result we are hoping for, maybe 27-24 Texans.

Saw we re-signed David Anderson today. Kind of a no-brainer move IMO. Knows the offense, and could play right away. Tim Bulman was released for the spot. (I'm really surprised they haven't done something with Roc Carmicheal, but I guess they are still holding out hope for him).

That makes 4 WR's for the Fin game, and pretty much assures us that Walter will be held out. Hope there isn't too much impact on the running game, as that dude is a blocking machine, IMHO.

If the Texans wants the fans to believe, they need to start winning games like this weekends game with Miami, on a regular basis. They can not play down to the competition.

Miami has more talent then the Peyton-less Colts showed, but they do not have the talent of the Texans. I do not care if Foster plays or not, this offense should be able to have a huge day against the Dolphins. And the Dolphins offense should not be able to play against our new look defense.

So the Texans should be clear cut winners next Sunday.

I can't believe anyone in the NFL thinks Reggie Bush should be a workhorse back but apparently the Dolphins do. Brandon Marshall got hurt in the opener so where, exactly, is Miami going to get their points from?

Texans have traditionally played well in Florida, especially southern Florida, so I do feel good about this one.

It's that stretch of Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Oakland that bothers me. That's like walking through Cabrini-Green at night holding an "I am unarmed" sign.

Cabrini-Green no longer exists. And I'm mildly surprised you'd credit its erstwhile denizens with literacy.

Anyway, win two of those games and we're cooking.

3-1 out of the chute would certainly start the band wagoners rolling.

If we can run the ball against P-B-&O, we will have a better than even chance IMO.

Texans RapidReports
by Brandon Williams - RB Foster back in practice; status for Sunday TBD
RB Arian Foster returned to practice on Wednesday. Foster missed the opener against the Colts while healing from his latest bout with hamstring troubles. The Texans will keep a day-to-day approach with their lead back and will probably make a decision on Friday as to whether he will start at the Dolphins on Sunday.

After his college days at USC and 5 years in the NFL @ NOLA without much success as a back, why is somebody still trying to make Bush a full-time running back ?
And based upon ESPNs intro into their debut 2011 MNF game featuring Bush, he's still clearly one of the most overrated and overhyped players in the league.

I noted this as well. For a guy who has basically done nothing his whole NFL career except return a couple punts for TDs, I couldn't believe how much he is still being talked up. My only explanation, well, who else you gonna talk about on the Dolphins' offense?

Though I'm pissed I was off on my 52-0 Texans over Colts prediction, I feel confident enough to say Texans 35 Miami 3. Dan Carpenter is a really good kicker and I believe he will knock one through. And again anything less than this would be disappointing. We are not the Patriots where they left a revamping of the defense undone. We should sack, fluster, and intercept Henne all freaking day. Offense should also move the ball with ease. I just can't wait for our real test the Saints. Now that'll be awesome!

Foster practices again, expected to be ready for Week 2

more

Hopefully, we'll get to give Foster plenty of rest just like last week. I want him healthy for the tougher defenses.

Ya, I suspect he'll (Foster) just be "part time" - 10 to 12 carries tops.

All of a sudden the Oakland game doesn't look like a breather anymore.... New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Oakland and Baltimore all in a row after this one. Very important for the Texans to take care of business in Miami...

Disagree. Arian's our horse, if he's ready, he rides. If he's not, then he shouldn't be on the field in the first place.

Now, if by some miracle....we end up with some crazy lead after the first half, then they should sit him in the 2nd. BUT, blow outs in the NFL are few and far between, and the Fins will be a much tougher game than the Colts were.

Fantasy Football player? ;)

Yep, but I don't have Foster on my squad.

I just don't see the Fins as someone we can "rest" people on. They have some pretty decent talent on D, and we need our full arsenal each and every week in order to be competitive. If they guy can play, let him roll.

Will Hou. throw for over 400 yards?
 

Found this podcast. Dr. Roto and NFL Scout Jayson Braddock discuss their view on the game and if Schaub can put up over 400 yards on the Dolphins D. Hope you enjoy

From @NickScurfield:
RB Derrick Ward (ankle) has been ruled out. Kubiak said he may not even make the trip

Kubiak on Arian Foster: "He looks ready to play. He's had a good week. I think he'll be fine."
Kubiak said he doesn't think Foster will play his usual 60 snaps. Ben Tate is next in line & is "definitely going to play"


It is certainly a luxury to have 4 backs of this caliber on the squad. Not sure how long it will last, but we'll take it while we can get it.

Yep, we disagree. :)

I think a guy who hasn't played in 3 weeks and coming off a hamstring, you ease him in. I think that's the way Kubiak is going to play it. Kubiak would get crucified if he allowed Foster 20+ carries and he re-tweaked it.. Like you mention, Tate and Co. should be able to fill in the gaps with not too much drop off...