Derek Stingley was outstanding as he was assigned to cover Miami’s top receiver Tyreek Hill for most of Sunday’s game. Stingley played a big role in Houston’s defense, which forced four turnovers, including two interceptions in the fourth quarter. These turnovers helped the Texans win 20-12 against the Miami Dolphins.
“Stingley is playing just unbelievable football right now,” said Houston coach DeMeco Ryans.
With this victory, the Texans (9-5) secured their second consecutive AFC South title after the Broncos defeated the Colts later that day.
Stingley talked about his performance against Hill, who had only two receptions for 36 yards: “It’s a good opportunity going against somebody that’s the face of the NFL. So anytime you get to go out there on the field, it’s just a good time, just time to have fun.”
Nico Collins had two touchdown catches for the Texans in the win. His first was a 6-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, and his second came in the third quarter, making the score 20-6. This score was set up by a 35-yard run by Dare Ogunbowale on a fake punt.
Tua Tagovailoa threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith with about 4½ minutes left in the third quarter, but the Dolphins missed the extra point, so they couldn’t get closer than 20-12.
The Dolphins tried to make a comeback, but Stingley intercepted a pass intended for Hill with about 10½ minutes left, which stopped the drive at the Houston 20-yard line. After two more Texans drives ended in punts, Stingley sealed the win by grabbing another interception off Hill.
“Defensively our guys stepped up and did a really good job of closing out the game the way we needed to,” Ryans said.
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud was impressed by Stingley’s abilities. “He’s one of a kind,” Stroud said. “Trying to get him a play on offense one of these days. I think he’s that good with the ball in his hands.”
Stroud threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Miami’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a rough day, throwing for 196 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble. The Dolphins (6-8) struggled without their starting tackles, Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm.
Tagovailoa took responsibility for his mistakes. “Plain and simple, my fault,” he said. “I’ve got to protect the ball. I’ve got to play better ball for our guys, especially in the situation where the team is counting on me to drive our offense down to potentially tie the game up. That is not what I did.”
There was a scary moment in the third quarter when Miami receiver Grant DuBose was taken off the field on a stretcher after a helmet-to-helmet hit. The team reported he is in stable condition and was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation.
“There’s been some positive feedback related to some head and neck imaging,” said coach Mike McDaniel. “He will stay here overnight, and we’ll find out more by (Monday).”
DuBose had been hit in the head by rookie Calen Bullock after trying to make a catch. He stayed on the field for a while as medical staff attended to him. Bullock was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.
The game started with the Texans getting a 44-yard field goal on their first drive, and the Dolphins tied it with a 55-yard field goal. Miami’s defense came up big when Will Anderson Jr. sacked Tagovailoa, forcing a fumble that Tim Settle recovered at the Miami 28. Stroud then found Collins for a 6-yard touchdown pass, putting the Texans ahead.
Miami answered with a 36-yard field goal to make it 10-6, but the Texans extended their lead to 13-6 with a field goal after an interception by Bullock.
