WHEN THE DOLPHINS PASS

The Texans' pass defense will fool you because it is rated No. 12 in the NFL, but that is only because most teams elect to run the ball most of the time against a retreating run defense. Last week, when the secondary needed to hold fast in an Indianapolis rally from 17 points down, it failed. And now it faces a hot quarterback in Chad Pennington, who has completed 80 percent of his passes the past two weeks. Don't bet against Pennington continuing that sort of success against Houston.

Advantage: Dolphins.

WHEN THE TEXANS PASS

The Dolphins have fared well the past couple of weeks, but the memory of that Arizona collapse lingers as does the fact that Miami defensive backs struggle against big, strong receivers. Both Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter are big and strong. Johnson, a former Miami High and University of Miami standout, is particularly worrisome because he has averaged six receptions for 89 yards since the start of 2007, behind only Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Wayne. It should help the Texans that starting quarterback Matt Schaub, recently sidelined with a viral infection, returns.

Advantage: Texans.

WHEN THE DOLPHINS RUN

Ronnie Brown has consecutive 100-yard games to his credit and has raised his rushing average 2 yards per carry in two games. Sure, the Wildcat offense has helped Brown do some of that recent damage, but more of his 41 carries the past two games have come out of Miami's base look, in which the offensive line is simply pushing opponents backward. The Texans have been unspectacular against the run despite considerable draft and financial investments in Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye and linebacker DeMeco Ryans. The Texans are 26th in the NFL against the run.

Advantage: Dolphins

WHEN THE TEXANS RUN

The Dolphins are proud of their run defense because it has improved from worst in the NFL a season ago to No. 7. With the steady and improving play of Randy Starks, Matt Roth and Vonnie Holliday, along with great support from Yeremiah Bell, Miami has not yielded 100 rushing yards in three consecutive games. Houston relies on rookie running back Steve Slaton to do most of its damage, and he has not disappointed, gaining 116 yards against Tennessee's stingy defense and gaining more yards (285) over the first four games of his career than any other Houston rookie.

Advantage: Dolphins.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kris Brown kicked three field goals of more than 50 yards, including a 57-yarder, to help beat the Dolphins last season. Andre' Davis is dangerous in the kick and punt return games. Last season Houston returned four kickoffs for a touchdown. It is a different story for Miami, which is still looking for its first big special teams play. Davone Bess continues to struggle on kick returns, and neither Bess nor Ted Ginn Jr. has had a shining moment on punt returns.

Advantage: Texans.

COACHING

Tony Sparano is quickly gaining a reputation as a coach who maximizes talent. He has found a spark in the Wildcat offense and is using it more each week. His defense has not been surprised or exposed since the Arizona loss. Houston's Gary Kubiak thought he found a leader and a quarterback in Matt Schaub, but Schaub has failed to stay healthy or inspire. Kubiak is on an increasingly warming seat just a couple of degrees from being officially hot.

Advantage: Dolphins.

RECENT HISTORY

The Dolphins have never beaten the Texans. Can you believe that? Houston has won three close games against Miami.

LAST THREE MEETINGS

10/07/07@ HOU 22, MIA 19

10/01/06@HOU 17, MIA 15

09/07/03HOU 21, MIA 20

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