Texans vs Dolphins: Final Score Prediction and Thoughts

The offensive line shuffle presents new hope

The Houston Texans have a new but familiar left guard. KPRC’s Aaron Wilson is reporting Tytus Howard will move from right tackle to replace the injured Juice Scruggs at left guard. Rookie Blake Fisher will man the spot Howard vacated at right tackle.

Howard played left guard last season for the Texans after he returned from the injury he suffered in the preseason. The results were mixed and according to Pro Football Focus Scruggs was better last year when he finally got healthy and took over at left guard. That was last year when mixing and matching didn’t affect the Texans much.

Houston can’t consistently block this season, and they can’t start the same line that produced their best performance this season.

This shuffle has a chance to be the best version available. Kenyon Green isn’t available for this game, but starting him again would be painful. Zach Thomas is a tackle who moonlighted in a blowout at guard. Howard, a tackle in his own right, at least has some results at the position.

It wasn’t great from Howard last year, but what other choice exists? The Texans seem hesitant to give Kendrick Green the chance, and Howard and Fisher is a better combo than anything Houston could place at left guard with Howard at his usual spot.

Howard needs to be better than he was last season at left guard, but even if he’s similar, that was better than what Kenyon Green was producing before his injury. Howard made it clear in the offseason that he was the team’s right tackle, but this is in the best interest of the team for this week. He’s compensated, better than almost all the guards in football, his gripes can’t prevent the potentially best line from being on the field.

It also gets Fisher a real shot at one of the spots he could eventually own. The Texans invested a second-round pick on him and he gets a shot to make it pay off with this line shuffle.

The only downside to this combination working would be wondering where it was weeks ago.

Score Prediction

The Texans will win 24-23. I like the Texans in this one because I believe their defense can stymie the Dolphins enough. Miami likes to get rid of the ball fast, but eventually, they will need a play that takes time and I trust the Texans will make it happen. The success from the game against the Jaguars on offense can be replicated and built upon for this one. Miami might not have an answer for Joe Mixon in this one allowing the Texans to stay on schedule with the offense. Won’t be easy, will be close, but Texans win. I also believe the Broncos will beat the Colts in the afternoon meaning the day ends with the Texans as AFC South champions.

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