Official Texans @ Dolphins Game Thread, 12/27/2009

[Arky]

The 7-7 Texans have another one of those "big games" coming up this weekend against the Miami Dolphins. The Texans could make team history if they win and go 8-7 after 15 games for the first time ever. A win might keep alive microscopic playoff hopes and set up the season finale against New England with a chance at their first winning record at 9-7. A Texan win would also eliminate the Dolphins from the playoff picture.

The Miami Dolphins won't be in a good mood having lost last weekend in OT to the Titans in Tennessee. The Miami run game is #4 in the NFL so expect the Dolphins to run, run, run. The passing game is not so great at #23 but has come on in recent weeks with QB Chad Henne throwing for 300+ yards in 2 of the last 3 games (New England, Tennessee). Miami is 4-2 at home.

These are two very evenly rated teams and Miami gets the 3 pt nod for home field advantage.

Current odds have Miami favored by 3.

Announcers = Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon

CBS @ noon CST. Set your DVR.

Worth noting: The NFLN game this week is on Friday, Christmas evening and features Vince the Prince and the Titans (sounds like the name of a rock band) against the San Diego Chargers.

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by Arky

Vince the Prince and the Titans (sounds like the name of a rock band)...

Sounds like "Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs" who did Wooly Bully and Little Red Riding Hood back in the 1960s.

And, yes, the game is important because we need the Chargers to win in order to keep our playoff hopes alive. We have to finish second in the AFC South outright in order to claim a playoff berth. We'll lose any tiebreakers in the division.

[HPF Bob]

Reading the team report in USA Today Sports Weekly, it appears that Dolphin opponents are picking on rookie Vontae Davis the way some teams pick on Jacques Reeves when they play us - and for the same reason. Both have great speed and occasionally make spectacular plays but they just aren't great in coverage and are prone to giving up the BIG PLAY.

VY completed three passes of over 20 yards against the Fins last week so you'd hope Schaub could double that.

Duane Brown has to get healthy this week or we are stuck with Rashard Butler at LT against Jason Taylor.

[TheMatrix31]

Please, just win.

[edo783]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Duane Brown has to get healthy this week or we are stuck with Rashard Butler at LT against Jason Taylor.

Big ass problem.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by edo783

Big ass problem.

I not so sure. I think Butler has some stones and will hold his own. IMO he can start on many of the NFL teams at LT now. Let's see what he can do.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Sounds like "Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs" who did Wooly Bully and Little Red Riding Hood back in the 1960s.

Oh, yeah! If you went to a dance back in the late 60's, Wooly Bully was on the playlist. Ya know, actually, I was thinking of a group called Vince Vance and the Valiants - they were a retro greaser group kinda like ShaNaNa - that played Houston circa mid-70's....

Anyway, back on topic, I am anxious to see how the Texan's improved run defense holds up against the Dolphins run game. I think Cushing is a key and I am hoping he is ready to go. Due to the way he plays, sounds like he's gonna be crossing the finish line of this season with a couple of flat tires....

[NBT]

Originally Posted by painekiller

I not so sure. I think Butler has some stones and will hold his own. IMO he can start on many of the NFL teams at LT now. Let's see what he can do.

I agree with that, now let's just hope we don't jinx him.

[Arky]

If you're in the Houston area and the Texans win this game, you may want to keep it on CBS after the game and root for the Eagles to beat the Broncos.....

[Arky]

Dolphins win the flip and defer - Texans to receive.

JJ brings the kickoff back to the 24.

Pass to AJ good for 13.

AJ catches the WR screen and turns it into 25. Flag on the play - offsides defense declined. Ball at the Dolphin 38.

Foster for about 4.

Foster for about 3 more. Brings up 3rd and 4.

Flip pass to C Brown only gets 1. Texans to go for the FG.

49 yard attempt is good!

Texans 3, Dolphins 0

[HPF Bob]

Chris Brown did a good job getting the ball back into FG range. Texans take the early lead but they squandered a good opportunity by running the ball twice and leaving a predictable third down situation.

[Arky]

Dolphins bring the kickoff back to the 24.

Pass to Best good for 6.

R Williams for about 5 and a 1st down.

R Williams TFL -4 by DeMeco.

Pass to Fasano good for 8. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Henne's pass good for the 1st down.

R Williams TFL -1 by DeMeco.

Short pass goes for 4. Brings up 3rd and 6.

Henne's 3rd down pass goes inc. Dolphins to punt on 4th down.

Punt goes into the endzone. Texans ball at the 20.

[HPF Bob]

Christmas Miracle Update: Mulroney fumbles on the Jacksonville 1 yd line. Jaguars take over.

Steelers intercept Flacco. Winds up with a Jeff Reed FG - PIT 3, BAL 0.

[Keith]

Ok, this is a decent start... need four quarters today, boys.

I liked seeing Dunta trying to rip that ball away from the receiver. Seemed like a possible replay sitch, but Kubiak kept the flag in his pocket.

DeMeco is on fire.

[Arky]

Schaub takes too long and is sacked -6.

Moats gets 16 on the screen and a 1st down.

Moats for 2.

Pass to Moats good for 14 and a 1st down.

Pass to JJ goes for good YAC. 35 yards - ball at the Miami 19.

C Brown stumbles for about 9.

C Brown gets maybe 1/2 yard... brings up 3rd and 1.

Foster comes up short on 3rd down. 4th and 1 - Texans to go for it.

Toss over the middle to AJ good for the TD!

Texans 10, Dolphins 0

2:05 left in the 1st quarter.

[Keith]

HELLZ YEAH

Angry Dre!

[HPF Bob]

Nice start, guys.

Miracle update: Pats stuff MJ-D on 4th and 1 , take over at Jax 35. Ravens now in the red zone.

Brady to Moss - TD - - NE 7, Jax 0
Ravens FG - Bal 3, Pit 3.

If these scores hold, we vault into second place in the AFC South.

[chuck]

Questionable play call on third down running east-west, beautiful play call on fourth down with a quick slant to the best receiver in the league. Beautifully led ball, perfect play call. I'd rather have seen that on third down, but I'll happily take in on fourth down. How about a TO here?

[Arky]

Ginn brings the kickoff back to the 20.

R Williams for 8.

R Williams for 1. Brings up 3rd and 1.

Henne's pass goes inc. Good pressure from A Smith. Dolphins to punt.

JJ brings the punt back to the Texan 20. Flag on the play. Two fouls. Illegal block and personal foul on Texans. PF is accepted = 15 yards.

[chuck]

What kind of game would it be without a brain dead special teams penalty? Two on the same idiot. I can't wait until next year when he's no longer a member of the team.