The Miami Dolphins begin the Joe Philbin era today as they travel to Houston to take on the Texans in a 1:00 kickoff at Reliant Stadium.  This also begins the Ryan Tannehill era at quarterback for the Dolphins as well, and he and the Dolphins have a tough assignment.

Houston is a popular pick to go to the Super Bowl out of the AFC, and they are a young, talented and very balanced football team.  The biggest weakness for the Texans the last few years, their defense, turned into a huge plus for the Texans in 2011 with the addition of one DC Wade Phillips.  He helped take the Texans to the 2nd ranked defense in the NFL in total defense and 4th in scoring defense.

Offensively, Houston played a good portion of the 2011 season without their starting quarterback Matt Schaub, as he suffered a foot injury against the Tennessee Titans.  Despite this, the Texans finishd 13th in total offense and feature All-Pro WR Andre Johnson and All-Pro RB Arian Foster.  Foster is a game day decision in regards to if he will play, but SLB Brooks Reed is out.

The Dolphins come in with MANY questions still, especially along the offensive line and at wide receiver.  This is not something you want for a rookie starting at quarterback against one of the very best defenses in the NFL.  Defensively the Dolphins are switching to a 4-3 defense and a few weeks ago, traded away talented but troubled CB Vontae Davis to Indianapolis.  Now, a unit that was looked at as a strength now has questions as they struggled during the preseason.  Also, who provide pass rush opposite All-Pro DE Cameron Wake.  The Dolphins hope that rookie DE Olivier Vernon and 3rd year DE Jared Odrick can step up and provide the additional pass pressure that will be needed in this game today.

Today once again begins a new era for the Dolphins.  Can they pull of the upset against the Texans in Houston.  As much as I hate to say it, I have seen nothing that leads me to think so, but I have no problems being wrong.

Join myself, Henry and Rich tonight on Phinfever Radio as we discuss the game.  Go Dolphins.

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