The future is here, and it needs work. Ryan Tannehill made his first career start and had some ups, but more downs in a very encouraging then discouraging start to the season. Tannehill made several good reads of the Houston defense and made some throws, but his lack of playmakers outside at the receiver position caused him to have to throw several inside throws and the Houston DLine was ready for them knocking several of his passes into the air causing a slew of interceptions in the second quarter.

Add a Daniel Thomas fumble shortly thereafter and the Dolphins opening game was done before halftime.

MDD Staff Writer: Chad Pullen 

Tannehill finished with 219 yards, completeing 20 of 36 passes with 3 interceptions and no touchdowns. Two of the interceptions were on deflected passes, his first on a bad read while the Dolphins were driving from inside their own five yard line and had crossed the 50 yard line. It was all downhill from there as the next 3 drives produced turnovers as well as the Texans racked up 24 points in the second quarter to lead 24-3 at the half. The Dolphins only TD came on Marcus Thigpen’s 72 yard punt return after the opening drive of the second half.

More disheartening is the fact that the Dolphins opened the season with 3rd round pick TE Michael Egnew inactive, as well as 4th round RB Lamar Miller, and 7th round WR Rishard Mathews. Add to that 5th round LB Josh Kaddu on the practice squad and 6th round WR B.J. Cunningham already cut from the team, and the 2012 NFL draft is looking extremely bleak in terms of adding talent to the roster.

It was expected that this class would be developed during the year with the focus being on improving them for the future. No improvement is going to be made with them all inactive. The 2011 class also lacked any impact as Thomas contributed a fumble while also possibly being concussed and TE Charles Clay adding no catches. Jimmy Wilson was also burnt badly by Andre Johnson for a long gain down inside the five yard line.

Some improvement was made from the preseason however. The defense allowed nothing in the first quarter, and the three touchdowns they did allow were all following turnovers by the offense giving the Texans short fields. Not one Texan drive that started on their own end of the field ended in a touchdown, providing a glimmer of hope going forward. The Special Teams unit also played very well including the punt return for the touchdown, as well as the coverage teams doing very well pinning the Texans back and not allowing them to have good field position until the turnovers began in Q2.

Thomas appeared to be the only injury of note taking a shot to the facemask on his fumble, he did not return to the game.