Finally! The NFL season is here. And what could be a better opening game than watching the Jets get beat up by ex-Jets?! As exciting as this game might be, it won't be anywhere near the excitement that will erupt on Sunday in Pro Player Stadium when the Houston Texans take their first trip into the swimming pool.

The Texans finished their expansion year last season at 4-12, which is not bad by expansion standards. In fact, they won they're opening game last season against the Cowboys. This year however, will be quite different. They have to travel to Miami on day one, and their offense will be tested right from the get-go. David Carr was sacked an NFL record 76 times last season. That's almost 5 times a game. Jason Taylor led the league last year in sacks with 18.5 of his own. He, Tim Bowens, Larry Chester, and Adewale Ogunleye should be licking their chops right about now.

Last season the Texans' leading rusher was Jonathan Wells who only had 529 yards. This is why it is notable to point out the offseason acquisition of Stacey Mack from Jacksonville Jaguars. Mack had 438 yards and 9 TDs in a backup role last season with the Jags. He should add a power running attack to the Texans offense, and give David Carr some more room to breathe in passing situations.

Speaking of passing, the Texans drafted star receiver Andre Johnson from the University of Miami to give Carr a go to guy and deep threat. Along with second year wide out, Jabbar Gaffney, Carr should put up better numbers and be more productive.

As the Texans offense has improved, so has the Miami defense. An already better than average unit in 2002, the 2003 offseason produces an even better looking defense with the additions of Junior Seau, Sammy Knight, Terrell Buckley, and Jeff Zgonina. The Texans should have no chance against this defense with the home crowd backing them up.

Ricky Williams finished up last season with 1853 yards and 17 total TDs which earned him the NFL rushing title after his first season with Miami. This offseason, he has apparently gotten stronger, faster, and more focused. This could only mean bad news to the Texans who were 28th in the league last season against the rush.

Jay Fiedler is now in his second year under Norv Turner, and is bound to improve. His deep ball looks very much improved based on his training camp and pre-season, and he gets smarter every season.

Although the Dolphins are big favorites being at home in September against a 2nd year team full of rookies…..oh, what am I saying? Miami will cruise! Go Dolphins!

Prediction: 31-10, Dolphins

Robert Henderson can be reached by e-mailing webmaster@miamidolphinsbahamas.com. Or you can talk about this story and more on the MDBW Forums message board!

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