Dolphins Keys To Victory vs. Texans

Covering the Tight Ends

I could list you all the stats in the world and tell you how Miami has failed to cover tight ends for the past
couple of years but all you have to do is watch recent history and last week's Monday night game vs. New England.

Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski combined to accumulate 13 catches for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and four plays went for over 20+ yards.

Week 2’s opponent has similar weapons at TE, as Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen can stretch out the defense.

The Dolphins struggled all last year covering the tight end and it looks like it’s a trend that has continued this season. Newly acquired ILB Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby are going to need to up their game if Miami wants to come away with the W.

Starting up the running game

Reggie Bush got off to a solid start Week 1 but it wasn’t good enough. The Dolphins can’t have Chad Henne as one of their leading rusher. The Dolphins need to form a respectable running game and soon. Hopefully the Dolphins ground attack will get a boost now that Daniel Thomas and Charles Clay have been practicing this week and should be able to play.

The Dolphins are getting no break by playing Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans and they will need to make sure that they own the time of possession and make sure Schaub is off the field as much as possible.

Control Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson is going to do what he does best. You can’t prevent that but you cant let him run up and down the field at will. Andre is the leagues best receivers but the Dolphins D must make sure he is controlled.

Not settling for 3 and getting 7

The Dolphins' offense did pretty well Week 1 however they need to make sure when they are playing offenses with firepower of New England and Houston that they don’t settle for field goals and are able to punch it in for 7. The goal-line offense needs to be much improved.