Foster scores twice as Texans handle Dolphins

Houston, TX - Arian Foster ran for a pair of touchdowns during a 24-point barrage late in the first half, as the Houston Texans opened the season with a 30-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Reliant Stadium.

The Texans looked sluggish early and trailed 3-0 midway through the second quarter, but the stout Houston defense forced four consecutive Miami turnovers -- including three interceptions of Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill -- in the final 6 1/2 minutes of the half and the offense took advantage with four scores to turn the game around.

Foster, who was questionable for the game because of a knee issue, ran for 79 yards and two scores on 26 carries for Houston (1-0), which is considered a Super Bowl contender after reaching the playoffs for the first time as AFC South champs last year.

Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, who missed the final six games of the 2011 regular season and the team's playoff run because of a foot injury, had a nice return. He completed 20-of-31 passes for 266 yards with a touchdown in the victory.

Tannehill, the first Dolphins rookie quarterback to start a season opener, did not look like the second coming of Dan Marino, who was the last Miami quarterback selected with a first-round draft pick. The Texas A&M product, chosen eighth overall in April, threw for 219 yards on 20-of-36 efficiency for a Miami offense that did not produce a touchdown.

It was a losing debut for new Miami coach Joe Philbin, who was Green Bay's offensive coordinator last season. The Dolphins (0-1) are coming off a 6-10 mark in 2011 that included an 0-7 start, and are trying to avoid a fourth straight losing season.