With 24 hours to sift back through the Houston Texans’ division clinching 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins, you’re able to really dial in on the most important plays that changed the trajectory of the game, or, in the case of Derek Stingley’s game clinching interception, prevented disaster from happening. In doing so, one thing has become very clear — if the Texans are going to fulfill the Super Bowl dreams we all had before the season, it will be on the back of their defense and special teams.
The division was clinched on Sunday, but one of the best parts about winning a title of any type is the acceptability of constantly reliving over the next few days. To that end, let’s identify and celebrate the most important plays in helping the Texans win their eighth division title since 2011. Four of these plays were made by the Texans, and two were made by the Broncos in defeating the Colts, a necessary second step on Sunday in helping clinch the division.
Here you go, let’s celebrate! Each play has the exact transcript from the “play by play” log on ESPN.com preceding the video:
3rd & 4 at MIA 47
(9:33 – 2nd) (Shotgun) T.Tagovailoa sacked at MIA 36 for -11 yards (W.Anderson). FUMBLES (W.Anderson) [W.Anderson], touched at MIA 34, RECOVERED by HST-T.Settle at MIA 30. T.Settle to MIA 28 for 2 yards (J.Carman).
This was the first big game changing play of the Texans’ win, as Will Anderson, who would be firmly in the hunt for Defensive Player of the Year had he not missed two games, hit Tua Tagovailoa with a strip sack, and Tim Settle’s recovery gave the Texans the necessary short field for their first touchdown, a 28 yard drive that ended with a Nico Collins touchdown, putting the Texans up 10-3.
2nd & 6 at HOU 39
(0:25 – 2nd) (Shotgun) T.Tagovailoa pass short middle intended for T.Hill INTERCEPTED by C.Bullock at HST 27. C.Bullock to MIA 5 for 68 yards (D.Achane).
This Bullock interception came just a few plays after the Texans were driving into Dolphins territory for a score right before halftime, Unfortunately, a botched shotgun snap gave the Dolphins the ball in Texans territory. Bullock came up huge here, and the subsequent return allowed the Texans to go from a 10-6 to a 13-6 lead. This play represented, at minimum, as six point swing, if not more. Huge.
4 & 2 – MIA 44(12:17 – 3rd) Direct snap to M.Stewart. D.Ogunbowale right end to MIA 9 for 35 yards (P.McMorris). FUMBLES (P.McMorris) – RECOVERED by MIA-P.McMorris at MIA 9. PENALTY on MIA-E.Campbell – Unnecessary Roughness – 4 yards – enforced at MIA 9. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down by contact ruling – and the play was REVERSED. (Punt formation) Direct snap to M.Stewart. D.Ogunbowale right end to MIA 9 for 35 yards (P.McMorris). PENALTY on MIA-E.Campbell – Unnecessary Roughness – 5 yards – enforced at MIA 9.
As you can tell from the play description above, there was a LOT going on with this fake punt. First and foremost, the success of this play allowed the Texans to keep the first drive of the second half alive, and score a touchdown to go up 20-6. That’s the key information. The window dressing around this was crazy, though, including Dare Ogunbowale originally committing a fumble before it was reversed on replay review. Somewhere along the way, the Dolphins forked over more yards on an unnecessary roughness penalty. Wild times!
1st & 10 at MIA 23
(1:44 – 4th) (Shotgun) T.Tagovailoa pass deep right intended for T.Hill INTERCEPTED by D.Stingley at HST 49. D.Stingley to HST 49 for no gain (T.Hill).
This Stingley pick will be one of the plays of the year for the Texans. DeMeco Ryans called it the best play he’s ever seen in his post game media availability. When Stingley is named first team All Pro, they will show this as the key component of his campaign. Derek Stingley, Jr. is the truth. This play clinched the win, as the only plays left after his were three kneel downs by C.J. Stroud.
Now, let’s give you a couple bonus, boneheaded plays from the Indianapolis Colts, shall we?
1st & 10 at DEN 41
(12:43 – 3rd) (Shotgun) J.Taylor right tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) J.Taylor right tackle to DEN 1 for 40 yards. FUMBLES, ball out of bounds in End Zone, Touchback.
I’m lucky, I’ve never rooted for a team who’s had a player commit this cardinal sin that Jonathan Taylor did in this loss to Denver. This long run would have put the Colts up 20-7 in the third quarter. The game is completely different under this scenario, as the Colts could then punt the ball on the ground, and the Broncos would be forced to rely on rookie QB Bo Nix, who threw three picks on the day. The Broncos would score the next 24 points after this gaffe, including…..
2nd & 7 at DEN 40
(12:29 – 4th) (Shotgun) A.Mitchell to 50 for -10 yards (N.Bonitto). FUMBLES (N.Bonitto), RECOVERED by DEN-N.Bonitto at 50. N.Bonitto for 50 yards, TOUCHDOWN.PENALTY on DEN-N.Bonitto, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. W.Lutz extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Fraboni, Holder-R.Dixon.
What. Was. This? This bit of lunacy put the Broncos up 24-13 and they never looked back. Thank you, Shane Steichen, for calling this play. We will send you some AFC South championship gear for Christmas.
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This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
