When the Dolphins are on offense: Not turning over the ball will be pivotal for the Dolphins today as they can ill afford to give that Texans' offense a short field. I'm interested to see how Mike Sherman approaches this game with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill; will he let him throw the ball? Does he run the ball early with Reggie Bush and let Tannehill settle in? I tend to believe the former will happen, based on the fact that in order for this Dolphins offense to succeed Tannehill must be the one calling shots and throwing the football.
One of the Miami receivers must step up as well, other than Davone Bess, and give Tannehill another reliable outlet to throw the football to. Don't be surprised to see Reggie Bush used at receiver early and often, and expect to see a screen or two thrown Bush's way as well, which will keep the Texans defensive line modest.
However, while these things are well and good, the real key to the Dolphins offense being successful lies within the offensive line. Protecting Ryan Tannehill will make or break the Fins effort today, and that's something Miami did not do well during the preseason. Outside of Jake Long and Mike Pouncey, the Dolphins were highly inconsistent in protecting the rookie, and if they want a chance to win today keeping Tannehill comfortable in the pocket is vital.
When the Dolphins are on defense: Contain Andre Johnson! Don't let the big play happen, and that means keeping the All Pro receiver in check for the entirety of the game.
Pressure, pressure, pressure. Not allowing QB Matt Shaub the time to throw the ball will be the difference in this game, and that all starts with Cameron Wake. The Pro Bowl defensive end must make his presence known in the backfield today, on nearly every passing play, in order for the Fins defense to be successful.
Don't forget about Arian Foster, either. Shutting him down today will be critical. Last season, Foster didn't play when these two teams met in week 2, yet back up running back Ben Tate torched the Fins defense for over 100 yards on the ground. Miami must take Foster out of this game and force the Texans to become a one dimensional offense.
When it comes down to it, the key to knocking off the Texans today really boils down to two things: Protecting Ryan Tannehill, and winning the turnover battle. If the Dolphins do these two things then leaving Houston with a victory is certainly doable.
Prediction: The Fins will keep it close, maybe until the 4th quarter, but when it comes down to the knitty gritty, the Texans are just the better team.
Dolphins 17 Texans 26
Remember, the live quarter-by-quarter blog will be up and running today so check it out and feel free to leave your comments. I'll have a pre game report shortly before the 1:05 kickoff, and until then, Go Fins!
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