On Sunday in Houston, it was a defensive, mistake-riddled game. There were five turnovers in total, only three touchdowns, and 405 yards of offense. Both teams did what they needed to do to contain each other's offense, but the Texans won the turnover battle, which, in turn, won them the game.
C.J. Stroud only threw for 131 yards but found Nico Collins in the end zone twice. The Dolphins did a great job of stopping Joe Mixon, too, limiting him to only 23 yards on 12 carries. Unfortunately, the Dolphins offense was also sluggish. Tua attempted 40 passes but only ended with 196 passing yards. The running game was slightly better than in previous games, but still not impressive.
Jaylen Waddle left the game with an injury, so Malik Washington stepped up and caught five passes for 52 yards, making him the game's leading receiver. Jonnu Smith led the team with nine receptions, while Tyreek Hill only saw two. The offensive line injuries really showed against Houston's pass rush, as Tua was sacked three times and put under even more pressure.
Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers
Even with the offense struggling, this game was winnable. The Texans managed just 181 yards of total offense, but the Dolphins kept giving them short fields to work with. The Texans only had to put together two drives of over 50 yards all game.
The first Texans touchdown came off a fumble that put them at the Dolphins' 28-yard line, and shortly after, Tua threw an interception that was nearly returned for a pick-six until De'Von Achane tackled Calen Bullock at the five-yard line. This gave the Texans an extra three points right before the half when the Dolphins were threatening to enter the red zone, and with Houston getting the ball back after halftime.
Tua made a massive play on fourth down, throwing a touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith to keep the Dolphins in the game. It made the score 20-12 after Jason Sanders missed the extra point. A few drives later, Tua threw a momentum-killing interception to Derek Stingley Jr, even after all that, the Dolphins still had a chance to tie the game with one last drive.
However, on the very first play of the drive, Tua threw it up to Hill, who seemed to come down with it until the replay showed that Stingley had ripped the ball out of Hill's hands for the interception. It was a fitting end to a game that was all about turnovers.
Is The Narrative Just True At This Point?
It's a big talking point in the media that the Dolphins can't beat good teams. After three years of evidence, it's hard to argue against that narrative now. This season, the Dolphins are 0-5 against teams over .500. Last season, they were 1-6, including the playoffs.
It's essential to beat the teams you should beat, and the Dolphins do a pretty job of doing that, but once the business end of the season comes, more is needed. There are other factors, of course. It's not like the team was red hot, and injuries have ravaged the roster, but even still, every time the Texans got stopped or made a bad play, the Dolphins would do the same.
Ultimately, they have no one to blame but themselves for this loss. Every time the team gains some momentum, and it looks like they might beat a good team, they shoot themselves in the foot again. I have yet to mention how poor the discipline has been this season, and the eight penalties for 64 yards in this game also played a key role.
Where Do The Dolphins Go From Here?
Even with a victory in this game, it would be challenging for the Dolphins to make the playoffs. They're still in the race mathematically, but with how lopsided the AFC is this season, they would need a LOT of luck to get in. Of course, they'll give it a go; it's not like they're in contention for a high draft pick, but it's been a disappointing season relative to expectations.
Changes will be made in the offseason. The first order of business is getting everyone healthy. The offensive line will be the primary concern after that. Tua is tied down to his massive contract, the running back room is young and explosive once Mostert inevitably leaves, and the defense has some strong pieces.
Tyreek Hill's future with the team is uncertain, and he posted a cryptic tweet that further indicates that. Maybe he's trolling; he probably is, but given his age, contract, and season, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Dolphins listen to trade offers for him.
Bet Recap from Preview
The Dolphins had the chance to cover the spread if they scored a touchdown on the last drive, but alas, they did not. Loss on Dolphins +3, but Nico Collins did score a touchdown (two, fact) to cash the +120 prop play.
Up Next: San Francisco 49ers
The Dolphins go back home to face the 49ers next, who, like them, are just barely clinging on to playoff hope while dealing with injuries.
Final Score: Texans 20, Dolphins 12
Souza's Three Stars
1st Star- Chop Robinson (1.5 sacks, 4 QB Hits)
2nd Star- Jonnu Smith (9 receptions, 48 yards, 1 TD)
3rd Star- Kader Kohou (4 tackles, 1 TFL 1 PD, 93.7 PFF grade)
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