End of the Gauntlet

As awful as it felt to get soundly defeated by Baltimore, we have to remember that the most important games of 2024 have yet to be played.

In a certain way, this has been an odd season. The division lead felt comfortable, once the Texans were able to sweep the Colts. This happened back in October, as the season series ended the earliest it ever has.

Then came back to back losses against the Jets and the Lions. And although you knew a top two seed was still possible, it felt like it would take a stellar run to get there.

It's not that these losses don't matter. Clearly they do. But the fact is that, for a while, the most crucial mission has been to get to the postseason healthy and playing well.

The 'gauntlet' of three games in 11 days is over. It didn't go according to plan, except for the Miami game. That was a critical outing which the Texans had to have. With two games coming up against the AFC's elite, they had to take care of business and make sure the Colts had no life.

And in case you were doubting the magnitude of that one, The Dolphins have now won five of seven, with the two losses coming in an icy game at Green Bay and against a stout H-Town defense just a week and a half ago.

Even though that game feels like weeks ago, it basically 'just happened.'

Goin' Macro

The macro point is that if the defense shows up like we know it can and the offense takes a big step forward, we could still be treated to much of the postseason fun we were hoping for.

It'll be interesting to see how the coaches want to handle the regular season finale at Tennessee. Do they rest starters or try to build rhythm? In either case, they need to come out firing on Wild Card weekend. The team won't be completely healthy, but it'll be a fresh start.

Looking Back For Inspiration

I'll never forget the end of 2012 regular season -the Texans flying home after losing the finale at Indy. They blew their chance for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. They had to play a hot Cincinnati team on a short week. Gary Kubiak was able to rally the squad and get the win.

This isn't the same situation, but the similarities are that you're not playing your best right now. Far from it. Yet the score is 0-0 in a playoff game and you have a remarkable opportunity, playing at home, to do some damage.

Let's see how they navigate through the stormy seas of January NFL action, where you never know what can happen.