The Titans upset the Dolphins to get their first road win this season

The Tennessee Titans took on the surging Miami Dolphins and looked to bounce back after losing a division game in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts in heartbreaking fashion.

The Miami Dolphins look to extend their winning streak as they try to take control of the number one seed in the AFC.

Game Recap

The Titans were without defensive end Jeffery Simmons, cornerback Kristian Fulton, and tight end Josh Whyle. The Dolphins were without two offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Robert Hunt along with safety Jevon Holland. They also were without linebacker Jerome Baker, who was placed on IR two days ago after suffering an MCL injury in last week’s game against the Commanders.

If there is one thing about the NFL, it is that anything can happen at any point during the game. Miami forced a three-and-out on the Titans’ first possession of the game but gave the ball back after a fumble by Tua Tagovailoa in the red zone.

This was the first time all season Miami had a sloppy first possession, but they would still score first as defensive lineman Zach Sieler ran for a pick-six into the endzone. The Titans shook off the turnover and Derrick Henry ran for a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

One of the biggest stories of the night was Tyreek Hill, who suffered an ankle injury around the three-minute mark in the first quarter. He eventually returned to the game during the third quarter, but it was clear that Hill was still in pain. The impact of Tyreek Hill for the Dolphins showed why he is an MVP candidate, as the team could not find a groove in the offense with him off the field for a good portion of the game. Hill finished with just four receptions for 61 yards.

Without Hill on the field, the Titans were able to get very physical with the Dolphins and force them into settling for field goals. Known for their excellent defense in the redzone, Tennessee only allowed the Dolphins to score two touchdowns out of five trips to the endzone. They also blocked a field goal attempt earlier in the game.

The Titans’ offense also struggled to find a rhythm, having to settle for field goals. They turned it over three times, and the Dolphins capitalized on all three turnovers. Two of those turnovers came on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter, and the Dolphins would lead by 14 points with three minutes left in the game.

What looked like a team that was dead in the water came back to life, as the Titans scored a touchdown for the first time since the first quarter with a 3-yard throw to Deandre Hopkins. He finished with seven receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown that cut the lead to eight. They also converted a successful two-point conversion, and it suddenly became a six-point game.

Tennessee got the ball back after a quick three-and-out by Miami, and Derrick Henry ran for the game-winning touchdown. He finished with 17 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns. The Titans reclaimed the lead by one with just under two minutes to go.

The biggest story of the night was the Titans defense. They held Miami to just 366 total yards and stopped them from running the ball consistently. They also sacked the quarterback five times, with one of those sacks coming with 23 seconds left to seal the win. The Titans, who have had some struggles with the offensive line this season, only allowed one sack.

Will Levis finished with 23 completions out of 38 attempts for 327 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Tua Tagovailoa finished with 23 completions out of 33 attempts but did not have any touchdowns. Running back Raheem Mostert was their only source of offense, as he finished with 21 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns.

The Titans made history as the first team to come back from being down 14 in the last three minutes of a game since 2016. All teams were 0-767 previously. They also got their first road win of the season and gave Miami their first home loss of the season.

Look Ahead

The Titans will head home to play the Houston Texans this Sunday on December 17. This is the first of two meetings between the two teams and the game will begin at 1:00 p.m. EST.

With the Dolphins losing to the Titans, the Baltimore Ravens now have sole possession of the number one seed in the AFC. They also have to worry about losing the top spot in the AFC East with the Bills creeping up behind them. They will take on the New York Jets this Sunday as they look to bounce back and maintain their spot in the division.