It must have been an unfamiliar feeling for these Miami Dolphins, being a favorite in a game. But undoubtedly they were the favorites to win on Sunday against the 0-4 Houston Texans. The Texans have exhibited little offense this season and have had off field issues. Hurricane Gustav uprooted them from their homes for a week, their stadium sustained significant damage, and last week they blew a large 4th quarter lead to the Indianapolis Colts, at home.

The Dolphins on the other hand had all the momentum in their favor. 3 weeks ago they picked up win #1 on the season at New England, had their bye 2 weeks ago, and last week their defense stymied arguably the leagues best offense against San Diego. Surely they could handle the hapless Texans right?

Despite seemingly controlling the flow of the game early on, the Dolphins were unable to hold it together down the stretch. The Dolphins lead through the whole 1st half, employing the single wing formation again this week and displaying some new wrinkles in the formation with a reverse to Pennington who shot an 80yard TD pass to RB Patrick Cobbs. The 2nd half was more evenly played, but as the game wound to a close the Dolphins were clinging to a 28-23 lead. The Texans were driving and the Dolphins seemingly had them stopped twice in the 4th quarter but allowed two 4th down conversions.

Texans WR Andre Johnson made an acrobatic catch on a 23 yard reception on a 4th and 10 to keep the drive alive. The Texans eventually got down to the Dolphins goalline. After two passes were batted down in the endzone by Dolphins defenders, the Texans were left with a 4th and goal and 3 seconds left. The Dolphins defense made a critical error leaving no linebackers in the middle of the field, and Texans QB Matt Schaub successfully ran into the endzone from 3 yards out with 3 seconds to go in the game, snatching victory from the Dolphins, 29-28.

All in all, the Dolphins should stay focused on that which went well. The offense was efficient again, though have yet to find a consistent spark matching their production against New England 3 weeks ago. The defense was again strong, but a crucial error and some luck did them in as the Texans put together a successful final drive to finish off the game and steal victory from the Dolphins.

The Dolphins need to look past this week’s game, mistakes happen and the Dolphins are improving. It would be a waste to allow this game to linger in their minds. Put it behind you and move on, next week the Dolphins are home to face the sinking Baltimore Ravens, losers of 3 in a row.