The Miami Dolphins were defeated by the Tennesse Titans 28-27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Monday.
Mike McDaniel’s team had capitalized on some mistakes late in the game, but they blew a two-score lead with less than three minutes to go to fall to 8-4 on the year and out of the top seed in the conference.
As we do after every game, let’s take a look at some of those who deserve credit and some who deserve criticism for their performances against the Titans.
STUD: LB David Long Jr.
Without Jerome Baker, Long was asked to take on the top inside linebacker duties, and he did so extremely well.
The former Titan took this one personally, recording eight total tackles with two for a loss, as he was part of a group that held Derrick Henry to just 34 yards on two yards per attempt.
DUD: Team preparation and IQ
The Dolphins had nine penalties called on them throughout this contest. While not all of them were accepted it was clear evidence of a lack of preparation.
No penalty was more costly than linebacker Bradley Chubb throwing his helmet out of frustration of not getting a sack. Instead of it being fourth-and-5 from Miami’s 25-yard line and likely a Nick Folk field goal attempt, the Titans got a fresh set of downs and eventually scored on a Henry rushing touchdown.
STUD: The RB room
The duo of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane were incredible again in this one despite having just one starting offensive lineman blocking for them for most of the game.
The pair combined for 143 yards on 5.1 yards per carry with Mostert also reaching the end zone twice.
Mostert’s second touchdown tied Ricky Williams for the most rushing scores by a player in a single season in Dolphins history.
DUD: Team health
Miami entered the contest without left tackle Terron Armstead, left guard Isaiah Wynn, right guard Robert Hunt, safety Jevon Holland and linebackers Jerome Baker and Jaelan Phillips.
In the game, they lost center Connor Williams, wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, cornerback Xavien Howard and safety DeShon Elliott. While some returned, others didn’t, and their absence was felt.
STUD: DL Zach Sieler
Sieler also played a big part in shutting down Tennessee’s rushing attack. However, he may have had Miami’s best play of the game, as he intercepted a Will Levis pass and returned it for a touchdown. That made it three games in a row that the Dolphins have scored on defense.
DUD: DC Vic Fangio
Miami’s defense may have looked strong at points in this game, but the ending was so horrible that the blame has to fall on the defensive coordinator.
Fangio didn’t have his guys ready to play in the late-game situation, and while a few may have been playing more snaps than they’re used to due to injuries from others, they should still be prepared. That’s on Fangio.
