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

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

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]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

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.