Same old story.
The Miami Dolphins suffered a 20-12 defeat to the Houston Texans in a game that highlighted their ongoing struggles in high-stakes moments.
Once again, missed opportunities in the red zone, proved to be their undoing.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 29 of 40 passes for 196 yards, including a well-placed touchdown throw to Jonnu Smith. The tight end finished the game with nine receptions for 48 yards.
But it was Tagovailoa’s three interceptions which defined the game, with the Texans capitalising on Miami’s mistakes.
Houston’s cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was a standout, snagging two interceptions as part of a defense that consistently disrupted the Dolphins’ offense. That was when Miami was not hurting itself with penalties and miscues.
Credit must be given to Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, whose defensive game plan suffocated Miami’s attack.
With both starting tackles absent, the Dolphins’ offensive line struggled to protect Tagovailoa, while the running game managed only 2.7 yards per carry. Miami’s offensive limitations were glaring and head coach Mike McDaniel will have questions to answer about his play calling.
The game took a somber turn when Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose suffered a serious injury. Play was stopped for 10 minutes as he was treated on the field before being taken to a local hospital.
While the offense struggled, Miami’s defense held strong, limiting Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to 131 passing yards and two short touchdowns. They also continued their streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher this season. Joe Mixon was kept to just 23 yards on 12 carries.
Despite their valiant effort, the turnovers proved too costly.
The defeat has reignited questions about Tagovailoa’s ability to deliver in key moments. While some argue he needs to be held accountable, others contend that his potential can not be fairly judged until the organisation provides him with a more complete supporting cast – including a reliable run game and healthier, upgraded offensive line.
Until those pieces are in place, Tua remains a quarterback showing glimpses of brilliance but struggling to deliver when it matters most.
