Titan Up

By Mike Rifkin

The 9-3 Dolphins will host the 4-8 Titans on Monday night. The Dolphins are coming off a 45-15 thrashing against the Washington Commanders. Tua Tagovailoa was 18-24 for 280 yards and two touchdowns. De’Von Achane returned to the lineup with 73 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, and Raheem Mostert had 43 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Tyreek Hill continued his MVP run with five catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Andrew Van Ginkel was the star on defense with five tackles, two pass breakups, and a 33-yard interception returned for a touchdown.

The Titans are coming off a 31-28 overtime loss against the Colts. Will Levis was 16-33 for 224 yards and a touchdown. Derrick Henry had 102 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries; there has been speculation that Henry suffered an injury late in the game but should be good to go on Monday night. The Titans did have two punts blocked, and one was returned for a touchdown last week. It’s been a transitional year in Tennessee, and it could be a fascinating offseason for the Titans. 

 The last time these two teams played was week 17 of 2021; the Dolphins had won seven straight heading into that game and had a shot at a Wild Card. The Titans beat the Dolphins 34-3. All you need to know about that game is that Duke Johnson was the Dolphin’s leading rusher. Former Dolphin Ryan Tannehill threw for 120 yards and two touchdowns. 

Keys To The Game

1. Don’t let the stars beat you. Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins are fantastic players, but the Titans’ offense is suspect outside of that. So don’t let the stars beat you.
2. Pressure- The Titans have given up 42 sacks on the season, and the Dolphins are tied for third in sacks, so get pressure on Will Levis.
3. Beware of the tricks – Mike Vrabel is known for some creative stuff. Fake punts, defensive lineman touchdowns, etc.… They must remain focused throughout this game to maintain the number one seed in the AFC.