Dolphins fail to make a splash against the Texans

Join Bring on The Blitz duo of Carlos Leon and Mauricio Rios as they delve into the Texans’ 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins fail to make a splash at NRG Stadium. Houston improves to a 9-5 record and won the AFC South division in back-to-back years.

Offensive line adjustments helped C.J. Stroud

Quarterback C.J Stroud completed 18 of 26 attempts while throwing for 131 yards with two touchdowns. Wide receiver Nico Collins had four receptions for 17 yards and scored two touchdowns. Houston’s offensive line gave Stroud enough time in the pocket to make important throws to his favorite targets. 

Carlos and Rios discuss how shifting Tytus Howard to left guard and placing Blake Fisher in the right tackle position improved the offensive line pass protection for the Texans franchise quarterback.

No Fly Zone

On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans saw the return of outside linebacker Christian Harris. Harris finished the day with eight total tackles (four solo). The 6-foot-2, 232 pounder made his return for the first time since being placed on injured reserve on Aug. 27, 2024. 

Linebacker Henry To’oto’o finished his day with 11 tackles (four solo) with half a sack and one forced fumble. Rookie Calen Bullock made six tackles (three solo) including one interception and two pass deflections. Bullock accumulated more yards on the interception than both All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill and Collins in the game. 

Third year corner Derek Stingley had a standout game against Miami. Stingley finished the day with five tackles (three solo), two interceptions and two pass deflections. Both Stingley and Bullock are tied for fourth place with five interceptions this season. The 2022 third overall pick became the first player in franchise history to record five interceptions in the month of December. Moreover, Stingley became the first cornerback in NFL history to record two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a game. 

The Texans face off against the 12-1, Kansas City Chiefs with a questionable status for Patrick Mahomes. Will Houston’s defense come up big? Can the offensive line continue their success protecting Stroud? Will Mahomes play on Saturday night? Find out more on episode 27.

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