Texans vs. Dolphins: Staff predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Andre Hal (29) on the bench after a touchdown catch during the second half of a football game Jacksonville Jaguarsa at EverBank Field. Houston won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Game: Houston Texans at Miam Dolphins
Prediction: The Texans look better with Brian Hoyer under center. He has his flaws, but as long as he keeps throwing DeAndre Hopkins the ball he will continue to be serviceable in the short term. The Miami Dolphins do not have a corner capable to limit “Nuk” in this matchup. As good as DeAndre Hopkins as been, Arian Foster has not looked as quick and explosive as before. I fully expect his performance to increase on the ground eventually as he gains confidence in his groin, but the worry is that the offensive line is the problem. The Dolphins have struggled defensively this year despite huge acquisitions so this will be a test for the status of Arian Foster and the offensive line.
Defensively, the Dolphins looked like a new team under Dan Campbell. His background as a hard nosed, blocking tight end has translated into his coaching philosophy. On the first day of practice as the interim head coach, the team was forced to do the dreaded Oklahoma drills. In the first game, the Dolphins decided to get the running game back on track against an underrated Lamar Miller. The Dolphins will look to establish the run early and this will cause headaches for the Texans who have been exposed by runners in recent weeks. The defense needs to keep Lamar Miller in tact early and force Ryan Tannehill to beat them through the air.
Final Score: Texans 21, Dolphins 24
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