Game by game predictions: Week 1 @ Houston Texans

With the final preseason game set for tomorrow night in Dallas, and the season opener a mere 12 days away, it seems to be the perfect time to begin my first annual season predictions segment here at the Dolphinsider.  I'll start today with the Texans and go from there, game by game.  I may do another one tomorrow, or even two, or possibly skip a day, but by Opening day eve I'll have all 16 weeks in the book.

So, without further adieu, to week one we go!

Week 1:  At Houston Texans

All-time record against:  0-5

Yikes.  Bad week one draw for rookie head coach Joe Philbin here, and even worse for rookie QB Ryan Tannehill.  The Fins have come up short five times out of five against the up and coming Texans, with the most recent loss in week two of last year at home, a 23-13 manhandeling by Houston.  That Dolphin team was much, MUCH, different than the Texans will see this time, with the likes of Tony Sparano, Chad Henne, and Brandon Marshall all with other teams now.

Offensively, I expect Miami to struggle in this one, especially if they don't add a receiver in the next 12 days.  The Texans defense is menacing, even without Mario Williams on the line.  The unit finished 2011 in the top 5 of almost every defensive category, including both total points, and total yards allowed.  With this being Tannehill's first regular season start, expect the rookie to go through some growing pains early on, and also expect the Fins coaching staff to rely more on Reggie Bush throughout the first couple series so Tannehill can get his feet wet.

Defensively, the Dolphins played much better last week against a potent Atlanta offense, holding them to only field goals in the first half.  Cameron Wake returned to the line after missing a week and was his usual self, causing mayhem throughout the night in the backfield.  If all goes well the Fins should also have their core linebacking duo in Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett back for this one as well after both missing most of the preseason.  The real concern is going to lie in the secondary, especially the two Vontae Davis-less corners in Sean Smith and Richard Marshall.  They must keep Andre Johnson in check throughout the day and prevent the all-pro from beating them deep.

Overall, I expect the Dolphins defense to keep them in this one for most of the game, if, and thats a big if, they play to their full potential.  The Dolphin offense may, and probably will, struggle out of the gate, but may surprise some people if Tannehill finds a groove.  The real problem will lie in his supporting cast outside of Reggie Bush and Davone Bess.

Final:  Dolphins 17 Texans 26