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Titans at Dolphins: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Chris Spooner

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins vs. Tennessee Titans

Things started off fairly well for the Miami Dolphins last Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals, scoring on a deep throw to Kenny Stills. But the wheels quickly fell off, and the team found themselves on the wrong end of yet another blowout loss. Now the Dolphins find themselves in the all-too-familiar position of being 1-3 and in last place in the AFC East. A win against the Tennessee Titans is desperately needed, but does this team have what it takes to pick themselves up and pull it together?

Must Read: 5 Bold Predictions for Rest of Season

Tennessee too finds themselves in the all-too-familiar position of being a bottom-feeder in their division. The Titans were a trendy pick to make strides this year. They have put some pieces around their star quarterback, Marcus Mariota, in an attempt to rebuild the struggling franchise. So far this season, those efforts have been for naught as they are once again 1-3 and facing an uphill battle to not have a top 5 pick in the coming draft.

Can the Titans find a way to right the ship against a floundering Dolphins team?

Miami Dolphins Keys to Victory

Stick with what works: At the beginning of the game last Thursday against the Bengals, the Dolphins came out in a four-receiver, one-tight end set and confused the Bengals early. It was working for Miami and led to a deep ball down the field that Stills actually caught. Then, inexplicably, the coaching staff went away from the set and the wheels fell off. If the Dolphins find something that works against the Titans, stick with it. This team is sorely lacking confidence right now, don’t damage them further by trying to be too cute.

Stop the running back by committee: In the loss Thursday, the Miami Dolphins only rushed the ball 13 times. Those 13 carries were split between all four healthy running backs, with Jay Ajayi leading the way at a paltry six carries. For the season, Ajayi, Arian Foster, and Kenyan Drake all have similar numbers of carries, though Drake has the best yards per carry average. The team is really struggling to run the ball, and splitting carries doesn’t help anyone gain confidence. Pick a horse and ride it. Let one of these guys be the featured back for an entire game. If it’s not working, make a change then, but at least give it a chance.

Stop the mistakes: It’s (nearly) impossible to win in the NFL if you don’t have the ball. The Dolphins have a lot of problems this season. They can’t run the ball. They can’t stop the run. The linebackers and corners have looked awful. But the biggest problem for the Dolphins has been turnovers. They’re 29th in the NFL with a -5 turnover margin. You simply can’t give your opponents that many more opportunities. If the Dolphins are going to win Sunday and, to a larger extent, turn their season around, they have to take care of the football.

Tennessee Titans Keys to Victory

Reduce the turnovers: Marcus Mariota is going to be a star in this league. He has all the physical tools and he seems to be adjusting to the NFL. The Titans are working to put pieces around him. What’s holding Mariota back? Turnovers. The season is early, but Mariota is already responsible for seven turnovers. If the Titans want to get back on the right track against a struggling Dolphins team, they can’t turn the ball over and let Miami hang around.

Run the football: The Titans have one of the most dynamic duos in the backfield with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. They’re the fourth-ranked rushing attack in the NFL through the first quarter of the season. On the other side, they’re going up against a defense who has struggled mightily against the run. Miami, again, struggles against the run and is showing no signs of improving. Run the ball down Miami’s throat, shorten the game, and minimize the opportunity to turn the ball over.

Start the game strong: That’s easier said than done, but right now the Dolphins look like a team defeated. They have the air of a team expecting things to go wrong. The coaching staff up to this point has not shown an ability to make adjustments on the fly, only excelling when the opposing team calls off the dogs and starts playing soft. If the Titans can jump on the Dolphins early, they can break this team’s spirit and come away with the victory.

Odds

Point Spread: Miami -3.5

Moneyline: Miami -180, Tennessee +160

Over/Under: 43

Must Read: Is Ryan Tannehill the Future in Miami?

Prediction:

Right now, it’s tough to have any faith in the Dolphins to come out strong and win a game that, on paper, they should probably win. Losing to the Titans, combined with the return of Tom Brady and a surprisingly strong Buffalo team could spell the effective end of the season for Miami.

Pick: Miami Dolphins: 17 Tennessee Titans: 24

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