The Dolphins (7-7) fight to keep their playoff hopes alive today when the Houston Texans (7-7) visit Land Shark Stadium. The Dolphins are 0-4 all-time against the Texans, losing all four games by a combined 7 points.
Injuries
Houston: T Duane Brown (knee), LB Brian Cushing (foot, ribs) and WR Andre’ Davis (finger) are questionable, while TE Joel Dreessen (shoulder) is probable. Cushing did not practice on Friday, while Brown and Davis were limited.
Miami: LB’s Jason Taylor (shoulder) and Reggie Torbor (hamstring) are probable. Both participated fully in practice on Friday.
Center Jake Grove (ankle) is healthy and could return to the starting lineup for the first time since Nov. 19. Backup Joe Berger has been outstanding in four starts. Nate Garner should start and continue seeing significant action at guard, where the Dolphins have used a three-man rotation of Justin Smiley, Donald Thomas and Garner.
Matchups of Note
• Texans DE Mario Williams vs tackles Jake Long and Vernon Carey
The first pick in the 2006 draft had 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble in last season’s game at Houston. But 2008 #1 pick Long had his way with Williams early, to which the Texans reacted by moving Williams to Carey’s side of the field.
• Texans WR Andre Johnson vs Dolphins secondary
It’s no secret that the Dolphins have struggled with pass defense, giving up big plays on a weekly basis.
The Texans bring the #2 pass offense in the NFL to town, highlighted by the league’s best receiver, Andre Johnson. The former UM standout returns home and looks for a big game in front of family and friends.
Johnson, who stands 6-3 and 225 pounds, has 90 receptions for 1433 yards (15.9 ypc) and 8 TD’s. He has 20 catches for 389 yards and 2 TD’s the past two games. It would be no surprise if Johnson and QB Matt Schaub feast on rookie cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.
The Dolphins will need top efforts from safeties Yeremiah Bell and Gibril Wilson, who have struggled helping over the top this season. Their performances could be the difference between a baptism and a drowning for the Dolphins 23rd ranked pass defense.
If the Dolphins do catch a break, it is that tight end Owen Daniels‘ breakout season was cut short by a torn ACL Week 8. A passing game without Daniels and electric running back Steve Slaton (shoulder) is a big benefit to Miami.
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