Dolphins look for win @ Houston

After starting off 0-2 after a loss to the Jets and a blowout in Arizona, the Dolphins have beaten New England and San Diego to even their record at 2-2. In New England on Week 3, Tony Sparano and his coaching staff unleashed the wildcat offense, which features running back Ronnie Brown taking direct snaps at quarterback with Chad Pennington split out at wide receiver. The formation also features an unbalanced line in which left tackle Jake Long lines up next to right tackle Vernon Carey or vice versa. Not only have the Dolphins achieved success through the wildcat, but the Chad Pennington has been accurate and efficient in the short passing game and the offensive line has been opening up holes for Ronnie Brown from the base formation as well. Brown has rushed for 238 yards and 5 touchdowns in Miami’s past two games. On defense, the results have been impressive as well. Miami’s new personnel along front seven this season, specifically Jason Ferguson at nose tackle and Kendall Langford at defensive end, along with Matt Roth’s transition from defensive end to strong side linebacker has improved a run defense which currently ranks 7th in the NFL.

Miami will look to improve their record to 3-2 this Sunday against the Texans in Houston. The Texans, at 0-4 nearly upset the Indianapolis Colts last week, but backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels committed two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter which allowed Peyton Manning to lead the Colts to a comeback victory. The winless Texans have had success against Miami in the past, owning a 3-0 lifetime record against the Dolphins. Despite the Dolphins recent success and the Texans doughnut in the win column, Miami is an underdog again this weekend, which should provide them ample motivation and help ease any concerns over a possible let down.

While Rosenfels played well the majority of the game against the Colts in lieu of Matt Schaub, who missed the game due to illness, Schaub is scheduled to start against Miami. The Texans passing attack is formidable. Schaub can make all the throws, and receiver Andre Johnson is one of the best in the league, especially downfield. Also, wide receiver Kevin Walter is underrated threat in the red zone, as evidenced by his three touchdown catches thus far. Tight end Owen Daniels is also one of the better receiving tight ends in the league. It will be vital for the Dolphins to put pressure on Matt Schaub in order to limit Houston’s ability to make plays downfield in the passing game where the Texans could have an advantage against a Dolphins secondary that has difficulty stopping the big play. Also, rookie running back Steve Slaton has come on strong the past couple weeks to help add balance to Houston’s ground game. Miami cannot afford to let Slaton get going and allow the Texans to keep defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni guessing. However, if the Dolphins can stop Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson they should be able to thwart Slaton.

> Find a great selection of Miami Dolphins apparel & jerseys and NFL Fathead wall stickers through Pro Football Fans today!

On offense, the Dolphins will look to run the ball against a Houston defense that has given up almost 32.5 points a game and ranks 26 th in the NFL against the run. Expect the Texans to make stopping Ronnie Brown their number one priority by stacking 8 men in the box and forcing Chad Pennington and the Dolphins receivers to make plays. Establishing the run will be crucial for Miami, as the Texans have a dangerous pass rusher in Mario Williams, who will give rookie left tackle Jake Long his greatest challenge to date. Miami may want to utilize the play action pass and take a few shots down the field early in the game in order to keep the Houston defense honest.

If the Dolphins can establish the run, take care of the ball, and put pressure on Schaub, then they should be able to topple Houston.

Prediction: Miami 24 – Houston 21

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Miami Dolphins Correspondent