Dolphins-Texans Week 15: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The Houston Texans secured their second consecutive AFC South division title on Sunday at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

What’s the best way to cap off a win? Securing a playoff berth helps.

The Houston Texans are headed back to the playoffs following their 20-12  victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 at NRG Stadium. They needed to wait for the clock to strike zero in Denver, but after the Broncos secured a 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the word became official.

Houston, which two seasons ago was in line for the No. 1 overall pick entering Christmas weekend, could secure its 20th regular-season win of the DeMeco Ryans era with a victory over Kansas City Chiefs next week at Arrowhead Stadium.

Houston’s defense helped the tone in the second half against a scorching Dolphins offense that had won four of their last five games. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had four turnovers, including one capped off by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.’s game-sealing interception on the final drive.

“I feel like today we took another step,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “To play for the division this early in December is kind of cool, and not have to wait until the very back end.”

Here’s the snap count for every player in Sunday’s contest.

The Texans hit the road to face off against the defending Super Bowl champions next Saturday, December 21, at noon CT.

Dolphins provide update on WR Grant DuBose following Texans game

The Miami Dolphins have provided an update on Grant DuBose after he was carted off in Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.

Grant DuBose is on his way to recovery, but he won’t be traveling back with the Miami Dolphins to South Florida on Sunday evening.

According to Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, DuBose will remain in Houston overnight at Memorial Hermann Hospital for additional evaluation after being carted off for a head injury suffered in Sunday’s 20-12 loss against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

McDaniel said there’s been “positive feedback” following the initial head and neck imaging, but the medical staff preferred to stay for another night.

DuBose, 23, collided with Texans rookie defensive back Calen Bullock while trying to make a catch in the third quarter. He remained motionless on the field for roughly 11 minutes while receiving medical attention from outside personnel.

When carted off, DuBose’s helmet and facemask were removed while his jersey had been cut off. He also was wearing a neck brace before being placed on a spine board, and strapped onto a stretcher for an immediate trip to the hospital.

“When you see a guy down on the field like that, it’s very hard to see and we’re just praying that all is well with him and that he recovers as quickly as possible,” Texnas coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Bullock, who recorded his fifth career interception, was fined for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.

“I was praying that he would be OK,” Bullock said postgame. “I wasn’t trying to go out there and hurt nobody.”

DuBose was recently elevated to the active roster off the injured reserve in place of former All-Pro Odell Beckham Jr., who was released after mutually agreeing to part ways with the AFC East franchise. He had one catch before leaving Sunday’s contest.

The Texans, who secured their second consecutive AFC South division title, offered their condolences to the DuBose family and Dolphins players affected by the hit.

“Hopefully it’s nothing serious,” Texans receiver Nico Collins said. “All hands over him and his loved ones. We don’t want to see nobody down on the field. We know how much time, blood, sweat and tears go into this game.

“I’m praying for him and his loved ones. A speedy recovery.”