Miami limited Houston to 181 total yards but fell 20-12 to the Texans on Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
The Dolphins pass rush was one of several positives the team can build on as they continue their late-season push.
​​We go Inside the Numbers, presented by BDO, to take a look at the most notable team stats, individual metrics, milestones and more from Miami's Week 15 loss.
Sieler and Robinson Disrupt Houston Offense
A week after earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career, defensive tackle Zach Sieler continued to make his presence felt on Sunday, totaling two tackles (one solo), 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. In the first quarter, Sieler charged into the backfield to bring down Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud on third-and-3 for a 13-yard loss and his seventh sack of the season, which forced Houston to punt.
His half sack came in the fourth quarter, combining with rookie linebacker Chop Robinson, who recorded two tackles (one solo), 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits and a tackle for loss, to take down Stroud for a loss of seven to force Houston to punt. It marked Sieler's fourth career regular season game with multiple sacks.
This season, Sieler is tied for third among interior defensive linemen in the NFL and is second in the AFC with his 7.5 sacks.
Robinson has totaled 21 tackles (12 solo) and five sacks in his rookie campaign. His five sacks tie Denver linebacker Jonah Elliss and Dallas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown for the second most among NFL rookies, behind Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske, who has six sacks.
The Texans' rushing offense managed to gain just 77 yards on 20 carries (3.9 avg.), and Stroud threw for only 131 yards.
Sanders Extends His Streaks
Kicker Jason Sanders was two-for-two on field goals against Houston, making kicks from 55 yards and 36 yards. He has made seven consecutive field goal attempts from 50-plus yards, the longest active streak in the NFL this season. It is the second-longest streak in Dolphins history and the longest since Sanders made 10 in a row across the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Sanders is one of five kickers in the NFL this season to make 10 or more field goals from 50 or more yards. Since entering the league in 2018, Sanders has made 31 field goals from 50 yards or longer, the fifth-most in the league during that span.
With his two field goals made in Houston, Sanders moved into sole possession of second place in franchise history for field goals made, passing Pete Stoyanovich.
Sanders is one of two kickers in the NFL to make a field goal in each game played this season (Brandon Aubrey, Dallas). In doing so, Sanders has made a field goal in 14 consecutive games, the longest streak of his career and the longest by a Dolphins kicker since Dan Carpenter had a 15-game streak between the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Career Day for Washington
Wide receiver Malik Washington had a career high in catches and receiving yards against Houston, catching five passes for a game-high 54 yards (10.4 avg.). He recorded the longest reception of his career in the second quarter, picking up 20 yards.
Washington added three kick returns, totaling 73 yards and two punt returns where he recorded 24 yards.
Strong Game for Smith
Tight end Jonnu Smith continued his strong season, catching nine passes for 48 yards (5.3 avg.) and a touchdown. Smith's touchdown catch came on fourth-and-2 with 4:27 remaining in the third quarter, cutting Houston's lead to one score.
Smith is now fourth in franchise history for receiving yards, third in receptions and tied for third in touchdowns by a tight end in a single season. Among tight ends in 2024, Smith ranks fourth in receiving yards across the league and second in the AFC behind Las Vegas' Brock Bowers.
Linebackers Make Key Plays
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks led the team in tackles, recording eight tackles (six solo), a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. His fumble recovery came in the second quarter, picking up an errant snap and returning it 11 yards.
Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. had his first sack since Nov. 7, 2021 against Cincinnati during his tenure with Cleveland. He totaled seven tackles (four solo) and a sack on the day.
Individual/Team Stats and Milestones
Running back De'Von Achane totaled 76 yards on the day, carrying the ball 12 times for 41 yards (3.4 avg.) and catching seven passes for 35 yards (5.0 avg.). Achane leads NFL running backs with 70 receptions and six receiving touchdowns, while his 509 receiving yards rank second. His seven catches marked the fifth time this season he has caught seven or more passes in a game, the most by any running back in the NFL.
Defensive tackle Calais Campbell made four tackles (three solo) and a tackle for loss, his 10th of the season.
Cornerback Kader Kohou recorded the second forced fumble of his career in the first quarter and his first since Sept. 11, 2022 against the New England Patriots. On the afternoon, Kohou totaled four tackles (two solo), a tackle for loss, a pass defensed and the forced fumble.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 29-of-40 passes (72.5 pct.). This was his eighth consecutive game with a completion percentage of 70.0 or better. He leads the NFL with a 73.7 completion percentage.
Several Dolphins achieved games played and started milestones. Running back Raheem Mostert appeared in his 100th career game, wide receiver River Cracraft appeared in his 50th career game and offensive tackle Jackson Carman made his first start with the Dolphins.
