Williams Savors First NFL Win

Mario Williams had his coming-out party this Sunday at Reliant Stadium as the Texans narrowly defeated the Dolphins 17-15. Williams tallied his first career sack and then was credited with another half-sack on the following play as the crowd in Reliant Stadium went nuts. It was as if the Texans had secured a playoff spot or it was announced that there was free beer at the concession stand. I'm not sure who was more relieved, the fans or Williams himself. Mario also tipped RB Ronnie Brown's pass on Miami's trick-play two-point conversion that sealed the game for the Texans. Resplendent in his purple suit and alligator-skin shoes following the game, Williams acknowledged his progress while still admitting to the long road ahead of him before he becomes a pro-bowl-caliber defensive lineman.

Some other strong performances for the 1-3 Texans came from WR Andre Johnson and MLB Demeco Ryans ...

Johnson continued his bid for a ticket to Hawaii with nine receptions for 101 yards and a TD. He's certainly their best offensive threat if not the most talented player on the roster. Ryans is looking like the steal of this year's draft after his fourth consecutive impressive game. He leads the Texans in tackles (including this game) and shared the credit in Williams' second sack. While David Carr continues to have trouble holding on to the ball, he had another solid statistical game and hasn't been Houston's problem this season. There were a few other steps forward for the Texans, but they basically beat a team struggling to keep their head above water.

The Dolphins O-line is a joke and Dante Culpepper hasn't returned to form after last year's knee injury. It must really hurt that Westlake's Drew Brees wanted to play in Miami. Just last week the Fins barely squeaked by the pathetic Titans, a team Houston could beat twice this season.

The Texans yet again failed to reach 100 yards rushing and averaged an embarrassing two yards per attempt. A first-string RB is in dire need.

Houston held on to the game after allowing the Dolphins to come within two points with less than two minutes left. Luckily, Williams helped to bust-up their two-point attempt – which Texans coach Gary Kubiak couldn't bear to watch – or the Dolphins would have taken Houston into overtime with the momentum residing with Miami.

Despite all their faults, the Texans walked away with a W today, their fans had a reason to stand up and cheer, and Mario Williams can sleep a little better tonight. I'm just wondering what he did after the game in that beautiful suit. It would seem a shame if he just went home.