Brooks led the Dolphins defense to success in this contest and was instrumental in creating Zach Sieler sacks and forcing turnovers for Miami.
Tagovailoa had another big play against the Dolphins, this time finding Jonnu Smith for a 7-yard touchdown late in the third quarter – marking his second major play of the game.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or top players of Miami Dolphins vs Texans Match Player Stats.
Miami Dolphins
| Player | Position | Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Tua Tagovailoa | Quarterback | 29 completions on 40 attempts, 196 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions; 1 fumble lost |
| Tyreek Hill | Wide Receiver | 7 receptions, 72 yards |
| Jonnu Smith | Tight End | 5 receptions, 45 yards, 1 touchdown |
| Chop Robinson | Linebacker | 1.5 sacks, multiple quarterback hits |
| Zach Sieler | Defensive Tackle | 1.5 sacks, multiple quarterback hits |
Houston Texans
| Player | Position | Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud | Quarterback | 15 completions on 25 attempts, 125 yards, 2 touchdowns |
| Nico Collins | Wide Receiver | 5 receptions, 55 yards, 2 touchdowns |
| Dare Ogunbowale | Running Back | 35-yard run on a fake punt |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | Cornerback | 1 interception |
| Calen Bullock | Safety | 1 interception |
| Will Anderson Jr. | Defensive End | 1 strip-sack |
1. C.J. Stroud
Stroud struggled in his debut against a top defense, managing only a single touchdown pass and only throwing into coverage more often due to two key receivers being out. Due to this lack of success he struggled to make plays that he needed.
Houston sophomore quarterback Jerrod Heard was sacked eight times and hit six other times during its 31-2 loss to Baltimore Ravens, as his offensive line was completely overshadowed by their powerful pass rush which kept drives from starting and progressing forward.
Stroud was off on several of his throws during the first half, struggling to locate open receivers after halftime. Additionally, Stroud missed some deep balls despite an impressive 26.7% success rate over his previous two seasons (PFF).
The sole highlight for the Texans’ second-year signal-caller was his performance on short and intermediate passes, including two touchdowns to wide receiver Dalton Schultz. However, rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson threw three interceptions — including one against Dare Ogunbowale – while also throwing three touchdown passes.
Even after their poor first half showing, the Texans remain optimistic about their chances of turning it around in the second half. With a bye week to regroup and try and rediscover what propelled them to win AFC South last season. Boasting a talented wide receiver group as well as an effective defensive front, they possess all of the ingredients to make an exciting run at playoffs; but for that to occur they’ll need to improve rushing numbers as well as efficiency of passing attack for success in reaching Super Bowl this season.
2. Tua Tagovailoa
This season, the Texans have been one of the best teams against opposing quarterbacks in the NFL. They currently rank first in pass defense efficiency while being second for both sacks and interceptions. Furthermore, their strength against big plays was highlighted by ranking fourth on both Pro Football Focus metrics for Big Time Throw Rate and Turnover Worthy Play Rate.
Miami, on the other hand, has struggled at times this season and currently sits 6-7 in contention for a wild-card spot behind Ravens, Broncos and Chargers for one of three playoff berths available to them. This game will serve as an important test for Miami.
Tagovailoa has been instrumental to the Dolphins’ recent success. He’s amassed over 2,100 yards and 16 touchdowns so far this year – including three 300-yard games! Additionally, last week he earned Offensive Player of the Week honors after scoring two touchdowns against the Jets.
Tagovailoa has proven himself one of the premier players in NFL during 2024 season. He led both league in passer rating and passing yards during both 2022-2023 seasons, earning Pro Bowl selection both years. Originally selected as fifth overall pick of 2020 draft, Tagovailoa became starting quarterback of Miami Dolphins shortly thereafter.
Tagovailoa’s impressive on-field production was matched by equally remarkable off-field efforts. He made considerable money through sports investments and invested it in various businesses before purchasing luxurious properties. Today he lives comfortably with Annah in Miami Florida; no plans to leave anytime soon are likely.
3. Dare Ogunbowale
Dare Ogunbowale may not be one of the hottest running backs this season, but he continues to provide valuable contributions both on the ground and through passing situations. One notable highlight from “GMFB” was when Ogunbowale used an audacious juke move against Las Vegas Raiders defender to disorient them; also impressive was when he returned a 29-yard field goal kickoff return!
Ogunbowale had an opportunity to run more frequently without Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring), though was limited to just two carries for negative-3 yards. Still, Ogunbowale played an instrumental role in the passing game by catching both of his targets for 28 yards each time out.
Veteran depth RB Daryl Worley can be an intriguing play in deeper fantasy formats. In Week 2, as the team’s second-string running back, he gained 112 yards on 22 touches while catching five of seven targets for 91 yards rushing and receiving. Since then, Worley has become more prominent within their offense but remains mostly used as a pass-catching option.
He capped his day with a 28-yard touchdown catch off quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s dump-off pass, and ran limitedly on Sunday but has the ability to become an impact player when healthy. If Mixon and/or Pierce don’t return in Week 6, Ogunbowale might pick up more running play as well as continue his playmaking in passing situations; making him an attractive PPR option.
4. Jordyn Brooks
Jordyn Brooks is an IDP league must-start when healthy and is an every week must-start linebacker. Last season despite some slight drops in production from 2016-17 games he still managed 111 combined tackles (62 solo), four sacks, one interception returned for a touchdown, six QB hits, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 16 matches he played.
Brooks signed an unrestricted free agent contract with the Dolphins this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, making an immediate impact with an impressive career-high 184 total tackles in just his first season with Miami. Furthermore, he’s an exceptional special teams performer who could prove particularly useful for PPR formats this year.
He’s already had an impressive start to 2017, leading his 6-7 Dolphins team to victory against 8-5 Texans and increasing their playoff chances by 16% with each victory. On Sunday alone he led with 12 tackles (seven solo) and one sack – an outstanding effort in an AFC East race that could impact one-sixth.
Brooks appears to be recovering from the quadriceps injury that kept him out for the final five games of last season, according to reports out of camp. He participated in limited practices both Thursday and Friday – an encouraging sign he could return for Week 17 play and strengthen the Dolphins pass rush in doing so. Furthermore, he has played through similar issues before so it shouldn’t be cause for alarm.
5. Jordan Phillips
Jordan Phillips is one of the NFL’s most engaging players, distinguished by his fearless lineman play who leads by example and delights in targeting opposing blockers. Additionally, Phillips excels as an aggressive run defender with quick first step and heavy hands which allow him to create momentum during power runs.
He can drop his knee and eat combo blocks to clog the interior. Unfortunately, his speed in open field hinders his game.
But he more than makes up for it with his football intelligence and high-motor play. He reads the play quickly to locate quarterback quickly in order to tackle or create a sack.
Phillips has proven invaluable since the Bills made several salary cap moves that has reduced veteran roster depth, providing guidance for their young defensive linemen and being featured prominently on special teams (playing four out of five games this season).
The Texans’ offense has struggled against the pass, but an improving Joe Mixon could prevent a big collapse against Miami’s questionable defense. Watch for pass rush matchups.
Tua Tagovailoa committed four turnovers during a 20-12 Texans victory, but cornerback Derek Stingley stood out as their MVP of the game. He effectively limited Miami receiver Tyreek Hill and recorded two fourth-quarter interceptions to secure it for them.