Miami Dolphins defense faces an uphill battle against Texans on TNF
By Shawn Digity
The Miami Dolphins are in a bit of a tailspin after falling to 4-3. They’ll attempt to get back on course against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. This is a must win.
The Miami Dolphins dropped the ball on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, and the loss left the team with more questions than answers. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
The defense got shredded, which had been uncharacteristic for them; they had been the team’ saving grace leading up to the Lions game, but they looked like a liability instead. The defense will need to bring their A-game if there’s any chance of winning on Thursday.
Injury Report
Cam Wake: He is still healing from the knee injury that he’s had for several weeks, but he was a full participant. He should be on the field, barring any game time surprises.
Vincent Taylor: As one of the defense’s pleasant surprises, it’s not a good look when he shows up on the injury report. He full participated with a foot injury, so he should be well enough to be a factor.
T.J. McDonald: Miami’s starting free safety is a little banged up and he was limited in the practices this week. His availability for Thursday could go either way, but I expect that he’ll be playing.
Bobby McCain: The Dolphins only other notable cornerback returned to the field after fighting a knee injury. He had no setbacks in practice and will be starting on Thursday night.
Reshad Jones: He still has his shoulder injury, but he’s playing. Every Fins fan should be thanking their lucky stars that he is.
Charles Harris: He was DNP and did not travel with the team. That’s all.
Jerome Baker: Another knee injury, but Baker is playing. He’s been one of the bright spots for this rookie class so far. He’s going to be really good.
Stephone Anthony: He has a quad injury and was a full participant. He’s been an afterthought mostly since the Dolphins traded for him last season but, with the way these injuries keep accumulating, he might have to play at some point.
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Matchup
Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans have now won four games in a row. Both the Texans and Dolphins are 4-3, but they seem to be headed in opposite directions. A few weeks ago, I would’ve said this was a very winnable game; My, how quickly things can change in the NFL. Let’s take a look at the Texans offense and how the Miami defense will stack up.
The Texans starting o- line is made up of Julie’n Davenport (LT), Senio Kelemete (LG), Nick Martin (C), Zach Fulton (RG) and Kendall Lamm (RT). Fulton was ruled out this week and Greg Mancz will get the starting nod in his place.
On first glance, I would guess that the Dolphins defensive line would have the advantage. The Texans’ offensive line doesn’t instill a lot of confidence. Robert Quinn and Cam Wake have every bit of ability to have a field day in this matchup.
Quinn v. Davenport is battle to watch. Quinn was quiet last week but has been a good trade pickup. Davenport was very much a project coming out of Bucknell, so Quinn should get the upper hand.
Watch for Vincent Taylor to have some impact plays this week. Akeem Spence and Davon Godchaux have been pretty good too; they haven’t been superstars, but they’re capable starters.
Former-Dolphin Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue are the Texans top two running backs. I’m not too concerned about them, but the defense containing them is more worrisome after Kerryon Johnson rushed for 158 yards last Sunday. The Dolphins’ run defense will get back on track and keep those two mostly in check.
My biggest concern is the passing attack. Deshaun Watson is still playing well, even after some turbulence earlier this season. He’s still not the same guy from last season, but he’s a threat, nonetheless.
If you couple that with one of the best receivers in the game, Deandre Hopkins, then that’s already a recipe for disaster from a defensive perspective. Xavien Howard will be shadowing Nuk and this will be the biggest battle of the game. Howard is a great corner, but that will truly be put to the test on Thursday.
Keke Coutee is another name I would be worried about. He was limited in practice but has been a surprise for the Texans in the slot. He if he plays, I look forward to seeing how Minkah Fitzpatrick handles him. I’m also intrigued to see Bobby McCain in his second game back.
I have my doubts about this matchup. It could get out of control if the Texans’ passing game gets going. We’ll need Reshad Jones and Kiko Alonso to work some magic and force some turnovers; that’s the only chance the Dolphins have to win this game.