Redemption Against Miami, 29-28

The Texans notched their first victory of the season as they defeated the Miami Dolphins, 29-28 at Reliant Stadium.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub returned to the lineup after missing last week’s game with a virus. Schaub began the game rusty by throwing two first period interceptions which led to Miami’s first score, but bounced back to score the game winning touchdown. Schaub finished the game 22 of 42 passing for 379 yards, one passing touchdown and one running touchdown, and two interceptions.

Miami drew first blood in this one from their crazy “wildcat” formation as running back Ronnie Brown took the shotgun snap and handed the football to fellow running back Ricky Williams. Williams then ran right and pitched the ball to quarterback Chad Pennington who was lined up at wide receiver. Pennington then turned and heaved the ball to a wide open Patrick Cobbs who trotted into the end zone, the play totaling 53 yards.

The Texans answered the Dolphins trickery with a 10 play, 61-yard drive of their own which resulted in a Kris Brown 27-yard field goal. Although Houston finally proved that they could move the ball against the Miami defense, the stalled in the red zone, something that’s been plaguing the team all year long.

The Dolphins took a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter as Chad Pennington lured in the defense and threw a screen pass to Patrick Cobbs who turned upfield and found no Texans defenders in sight as he rumbled 80 yards for his second touchdown of the day. The Texans answered as they know best, moving the ball into field goal range and getting another Kris Brown field goal, this one from 33 yards.

The Houston special teams took matters into their own hands as Jacoby Jones took a Miami punt and returned it 70 yards for the Texans first touchdown of the game which pulled the team within one point, 14-13.

The Texans decided to test the Dolphins secondary to start the second half as Matt Schaub connected with Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson for a 61 yard gain to set the Texans up deep in Miami territory. That same pair capped off the drive as Johnson caught a 12-yard pass and weaved his way into the end zone to give Houston its first lead of the day, 20-14.

Miami quickly and decisively answered the Texans drive with a six play, 73-yard drive of their own that was capped by a Ricky Williams five-yard touchdown run. Houston offered little resistance as the Dolphins drove the ball down the field in just 3:42, and never faced a third down.

On the final offensive possession of the third quarter for the Texans, Matt Schaub led the team deep into Dolphins territory before disaster struck once again, as Andre Johnson caught a slant pattern, broke a tackle then fumbled the football into the end zone where Miami recovered. The turnover was the third of the day for Houston.

The Texans drove down the field on an eight play, 56-yard drive to take the lead thanks to a 42-yard field goal by Kris Brown, his third of the day. Houston appeared to have secured the victory late in the fourth quarter when safety Eugene Wilson intercepted a Chad Pennington pass but on the return, he inexplicably fumbled the ball. Miami made the most of the second chance, as they took the ball down the field 73 yards in five plays, capped by a Ronnie Brown six-yard touchdown run to take a 28-23 lead.

With one last chance to steal a victory, the Texans marched down the field behind the arm of Matt Schaub using all of their remaining timeouts in 1:42 and went 76 yards on 12 plays, capped by a Matt Schaub quarterback draw on fourth down from the three yard line. Schaub walked into the end zone untouched and the Texans held on for their first victory of the season, 29-28.

Rookie Steve Slaton led the Texans in rushing, with 58 yards on 15 carries and Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson had another big day, catching 10 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. Kevin Walter added four catches for 98 yards, and tight end Owen Daniels recorded four catches for 70 yards.