The Houston Texans (9-5) showcased a defensive masterclass on Sunday, forcing four turnovers in a gritty 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins (6-8). The win, highlighted by two critical fourth-quarter interceptions from cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., secured the Texans’ second consecutive AFC South title later in the day after the Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-13.
Stingley’s standout performance was key to containing Miami’s star receiver Tyreek Hill, who was held to just two receptions for 36 yards. Asked about his battle with Hill, Stingley humbly credited his preparation: “It was about staying disciplined and trusting my technique. Hill’s a great player, but today, we executed our game plan.”
Houston’s defense set the tone early, as Will Anderson Jr. delivered a blindside sack on Tua Tagovailoa in the second quarter, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Tim Settle. This turnover set up a 6-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins, giving the Texans a 10-3 lead.
Stingley’s two fourth-quarter interceptions sealed the game. With 10:30 left and Miami driving, Stingley jumped in front of Hill to intercept a pass at the Houston 20. Later, with under three minutes to play and Miami threatening again, Stingley picked off another pass intended for Hill, ensuring the Texans’ victory.
Tagovailoa struggled without his starting tackles, Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. He finished with 196 passing yards and a lone touchdown—a 7-yard strike to Jonnu Smith in the third quarter.
Stroud had a modest day, throwing for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Collins was his favorite target, catching both scoring passes, including a second 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter that extended Houston’s lead to 20-6. That drive was energized by a gutsy 35-yard run on a fake punt by Dare Ogunbowale.
While Joe Mixon managed just 23 rushing yards for the Texans, the offense capitalized on Miami’s mistakes. A critical interception by rookie Calen Bullock in the second quarter led to a 13-6 halftime lead after a field goal by Houston.
The game was overshadowed by a frightening scene in the third quarter when Dolphins receiver Grant DuBose suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit from rookie Calen Bullock while attempting a catch. DuBose lay motionless on the field for over 10 minutes as medical personnel tended to him.
He was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher with a neck brace, his jersey cut off, and a tube in his mouth. The team later reported that DuBose was in stable condition and undergoing evaluation at a local hospital. Bullock was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play.
The Texans, now riding a two-game winning streak, will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday in a highly anticipated showdown. The Dolphins, still clinging to playoff hopes, will host the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday.
Houston’s defensive performance, led by Stingley, underscores why they are a rising power in the AFC. With their second straight division title secured, the Texans look poised for a deep playoff run.
