Here’s a take a look at how the Miami Dolphins (7-3) and Houston Texans (1-8-1) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 12 sport at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami is coming off a season-best 195 yards dashing of their dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns that preceded the bye week. Jeff Wilson Jr. has gotten himself integrated into the Dolphins run sport extremely rapidly because the commerce on the deadline. His 119 dashing yards in his second sport with Miami is a season-high particular person dashing efficiency on this staff.
Miami is transferring defenders on the line of scrimmage with each member of its offensive line, anchored by Terron Armstead at left deal with. Robert Jones at left guard and Brandon Shell at proper deal with have been stable since every’s insertion into the road, complementing the already-reliable proper guard Robert Hunt and Connor Williams at middle. Austin Jackson’s return might make for an fascinating resolution for Dolphins coaches in probably breaking apart the present momentum on the road.
The Texans have the NFL’s worst run protection. They’ve solely held an opponent beneath 100 dashing yards as soon as, they usually’ve surrendered performances of 281 and 314 dashing yards to the Bears and Titans, respectively. With 5 of their six high tacklers being defensive backs, it exhibits how usually opponents get to the second degree in opposition to Houston. Edge: Dolphins
When the Texans run: A uncommon vivid spot for Houston this season has are available in rookie operating again Dameon Pierce. He has been a workhorse for the Texans, averaging 17.5 carries per sport. He has 780 dashing yards on the 12 months for a 4.5 yards-per-carry common. Pierce was simply held to his worst efficiency of the season, although, 8 yards on 10 makes an attempt in opposition to the Washington Commanders.
The Dolphins’ run protection ranks center of the pack, No. 16 within the NFL, however that quantity has been skewed by the yards on the bottom they’ve given as much as cellular quarterbacks just like the Bears’ Justin Fields and Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. Against operating backs and the standard run sport, Miami has been excellent, as evidenced by holding star Cleveland operating again Nick Chubb to 30 yards on 10 carries apart from his 33-yard landing as soon as Miami led by a number of scores. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins cross: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has strung collectively the most effective three outings of his profession in succession, posting a passer score of 135.0 or higher in opposition to the Lions, Bears and Browns. Throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions in every of these three video games, that’s a 9-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the stretch.
The league chief in quarterback score has spearheaded the No. 2 passing assault within the NFL. Star extensive receiver Tyreek Hill maintained his league lead in receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,148) on the bye week as Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson was held in test final Sunday. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle’s 878 receiving yards rank fifth within the NFL. Miami’s offensive line has additionally saved Tagovailoa clear since his return from concussion.
Armstead should include 34-year-old veteran Jerry Hughes on the sting. He’s on tempo for a profession excessive in sacks, already with eight up to now within the season for coach Lovie Smith’s protection. The Houston secondary has potential sooner or later with standout rookies in cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., the previous draft’s No. 3 choose, and second-round-selected security Jalen Pitre. Edge: Dolphins
When the Texans cross: Houston is popping to backup quarterback Kyle Allen over Davis Mills. Allen, who hasn’t thrown a cross for the Texans this season, has accomplished 63.1 p.c of passes for 4,318 yards, 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his 4 earlier NFL seasons. Mills had thrown 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions whereas finishing 61.9 p.c of passes because the Texans starter via the primary 10 video games.
Brandin Cooks is a chief deep menace within the NFL, however he has underwhelmed with 39 receptions for 461 yards and one landing. Houston has gotten extra effectivity out of second-year wideout Nico Collins, who has 28 catches and 402 yards on 47 targets, in comparison with Cooks’ 66. Former Dolphins deal with Laremy Tunsil ought to curtail the Miami cross rush on the left aspect, however the Dolphins will take that contemplating all that has come from the draft picks they obtained by buying and selling him to Houston in 2019.
Edge defender Bradley Chubb performs his third sport for Miami because the staff acquired him as he, Jaelan Phillips, Melvin Ingram, Andrew Van Ginkel and others might kind a fierce cross rush regardless of the lack of defensive finish Emmanuel Ogbah for the season. Look out for cornerback Xavien Howard after getting relaxation in the course of the bye week after his groin accidents restricted his effectiveness the primary half of the season. Edge: Dolphins
Special groups: The Dolphins proceed to be stricken by particular groups blunders and mishaps. The newest slip is with Jason Sanders lacking two further factors final outing in opposition to Cleveland, which made for a 3rd brief kick missed previously two video games for him. Miami additionally gave up the 48-yard return on the opening kickoff. The Dolphins have been high-quality within the punting sport however didn’t even have to make use of it in opposition to the Browns.
The Texans have Ka’imi Fairbairn kicking, and he has made 18 of 20 subject aim makes an attempt and all 15 further factors. Cameron Johnston is their punter, they usually have Desmond King, who was an All-Pro in 2018 with the Chargers, returning punts. Edge: Texans
Intangibles: The Dolphins are rested coming off the bye week and taking part in at dwelling. Their final outing, they performed their most full sport of the season within the 39-17 win over the Cleveland Browns. The Texans are vying for the No. 1 choose within the 2023 draft with the worst file within the NFL.
Houston simply made a quarterback change with Mills underperforming. Miami is a double-digit favourite for a motive and will get one other tuneup earlier than the difficult December swing. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Texans 13
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Source: www.bostonherald.com