HOUSTON — Tasked with shadowing Miami’s star receiver Tyreek Hill for most of Sunday’s game, Houston cornerback Derek Stingley shined.
Houston’s defense forced four turnovers, highlighted by two fourth-quarter interceptions by Stingley, to help the Texans to a 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
“Stingley is playing just unbelievable football right now,” Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said.
The Texans (9-5) clinched their second consecutive AFC South title later on Sunday when the Broncos beat the Colts 31-13.
Stingley was asked about his performance against Hill, who had just two receptions for 36 yards.
“It’s a good opportunity going against somebody that’s the face of the NFL,” he said. “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 TD receptions as the Texans got a second straight victory.
Collins had a 6-yard TD reception in the second quarter and his second 6-yard scoring grab made it 20-6 in the third. That score was set up by a 35-yard run by Dare Ogunbowale on a fake punt.
Tagovailoa lost a fumble and threw three interceptions for Miami (6-8) on a day he played without starting tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm. Tagovailoa threw for 196 yards.
There was a scary scene 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 said he is in stable condition and being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
DuBose tried to make a catch in the third quarter, but was hit in the head by rookie Calen Bullock before his head violently hit the turf. Bullock was given a flag for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.
DuBose remained on the field for more than 10 minutes as he was tended to by emergency medical personnel. His jersey was cut off him and a neck brace was put on him while players from both teams watched with concern.
DuBose was eventually put on a spine board where his arms and legs were strapped down and he was taken off the field. A tube of some kind was in his mouth and no movement could be seen as he was taken off the field.
The Texans got a 44-yard field goal on their first possession and the Dolphins tied it with a 55-yard field goal early in the second.
Will Anderson Jr. sacked Tagovailoa from his blind side, causing a fumble which Tim Settle recovered on the Miami 28. Stroud put the Texans on top when he scrambled away from pressure and found Collins in the end zone for his first TD about seven minutes before halftime.
Miami cut the lead to 10-6 on a 36-yard field goal with about two minutes left in the second quarter.
Stroud wasn’t ready for a snap on Houston’s next drive and it bounced off his chest for a fumble which the Dolphins recovered.
But they came away empty when Tagovailoa was intercepted by Bullock four plays later. Bullock returned it 68 yards to the Miami 5 and the Texans added a field goal at the end of the half to extend the lead to 13-6.
Get your tickets NOW: https://t.co/ZLRSaBc81x
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 16, 2024
Injuries
Miami WR Jaylen Waddle sustained a knee injury in the second quarter and didn’t return. …Houston TE Cade Stover missed the game after having an emergency appendectomy Saturday night. … DT Foley Fatukasi injured an ankle in the second quarter and didn’t return.
Up next
Dolphins: host San Francisco next Sunday.
Texans: visit Kansas City on Saturday.
Game highlights
With the game tied at 3 in the second quarter, Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. hit Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, knocking the ball loose, which the Texans recovered.
WILL FORCES THE FUMBLE, TIM RECOVERS 🫡📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/nlpnPuTYl1
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024
Houston turned the turnover into points on this CJ Stroud to Nico Collins 6-yard touchdown.
C.J. THREADED THAT 🪡#ProBowlVote + @CJ7STROUD#ProBowlVote + @lbg_nico7📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/gWscB40h6e
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024
With Houston leading 10-6, the Dolphins were driving, when Calen Bullock picked off Tua. Houston turned it into three points for a 13-6 halftime lead.
HAWKED TUA 🦅#ProBowlVote + @CalenBullock📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/fchpXLU9jl
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024
The Texans’ first drive of the second half appeared to be stalled, but then Houston pulled off a little trickery.
WHAT IS HAPPENING RN 🤯📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/wOAzWSLx71
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024
The fake punt lead to Stroud’s second touchdown pass of the afternoon to Collins.
ANOTHA ONE 🗣️#ProBowlVote + @CJ7STROUD#ProBowlVote + @lbg_nico7📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/gEtLsMntxk
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024
The Texans defense took over from there with two Derek Stingley Jr. interceptions.
YESSSIRRRR STING 🐝#ProBowlVote + @stingjr📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/xWX6FjpQOY
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024
ART 🖼️ #ProBowlVote + @stingjr📺: @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/mWY9NA048o
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024