Texans beat down the Dolphins

For the second year in a row, the Texans are 2-0 to start the season. The big question is will the Texans be able to keep up the momentum this year and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their 10 year history. Every year seems to bring up that question.  Last year, after starting  a promising 2-0, they finished the year 6-10. Hopefully, this year will be different for the Texans. Here are my 3 impressions from Sunday's game at Miami.
1) This is a different defense this year, no question about it.
           In the two games Wade Phillips has been the defensive coordinator, I have seen a plethora of  passion, hustle and execution by the Texans on defense, much more than I saw last season. They got to Miami Dolphins QB Chad Henne and pressured him a lot, which led to one sack and one interception. The Texans also recovered a fumble, which is the second game in a row they have recorded multiple turnovers.  Overall, the defense was great and if they can keep up the intensity, the Texans will not lose many games this year, especially not many games where they allow only 13 points.
2) Clutch in the 4th quarter, finished the job
           When the Texans looked like they were going to lay an egg and give the Dolphins the victory, Schaub and company rallied the troops and led the Texans down on a quick and dominating 5 play, 63 yard drive to take the lead back up to 10. Schaub found his favorite target, Andre Johnson, as no one came close to stopping them. It is that lack of determination and finishing that has plagued the Texans in the past. That's another reason why I am optimistic as the Texans have been known for choking the game in the past, but they easily put this one to bed.
3) Special teams played fantastic, helped keep the Dolphins at bay.
             For the second week in a row, the Texans special teams played an important role as both Jacoby Jones and Danieal Manning returned kicks for at least 40 yards and also first-round pick J.J. Watt helped block a kick that would of been a easy three points for the Dolphins and would of made it a one possession game. Special teams can not be overlooked as every yard is important. It was these lack of returns and dynamic plays on special teams that hurt the Texans last year as well. Again like I have been saying in this post, this year looks different.

In my next post, which should come out on Wednesday, I will look at two players this week that will be crucial to the Texans next matchup at the Saints.