Analyzing the Texans Potential First Round Foes
By Josh McSwain
Miami Dolphins
They are the surprise playoff team of this year. They are in the playoffs for the first time since 2008 under first year coach Adam Gase. Gase is also a leading candidate for Coach of the Year.
Despite losing quarterback Ryan Tannehill a few weeks ago, they have just kept winning and are now 9-1 in their last ten games after a 1-4 start. While they are ranked 26th in passing yards, they are in the top ten in quarterback rating this season, meaning they are an efficient passing team. This would also provide an interesting matchup between Texans running back and former Dolphin Lamar Miller and his replacement, Jay Ajayi.
With Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker on the outside and Kenny Stills as a third receiver they will stretch any secondary thin. Even with Matt Moore at quarterback they have still made plays.
They have a defensive line that keeps quarterbacks awake at night. Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake leading a fierce pass rush. Wake has 11 sacks while former Jaguar Andre Branch has five and a half sacks as well.
Like the other two teams, they are vulnerable against the run. They allow 4.9 yards per carry, which is tied for the worst mark in the league.
The Texans will play the Dolphins if the Dolphins defeat the Patriots in Miami on Sunday AND the Chargers beat the Chiefs.