Miami Dolphins (9-4) – Tennessee Titans (5-8):
Trailing by 14 points with 5 minutes to go, the Titans found unexpected resources to achieve a surprise victory in Florida. Will Levis (23/38, 327 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int) knew how to rely on his stars to make the difference. Discreet in the game, Derrick Henry scored twice and DeAndre Hopkins (7 receptions, 124 yards, 1TD) produced a score which he has the secret to. The receiver, decisive in particular on the winning drive, proves that he did not come to Nashville pre-retirement.
Deprived of their star receiver for a good part of the meeting, the Dolphins had all the difficulty in the world to move the chains and pose problems for a serious and diligent Titans defense. Despite the opponent's loss of balls, the lack of realism of the Floridians cost them the victory where the men of Tennessee seized every opportunity and tipped the scales.
Without Tyreek Hill everything is harder…
While Miami thought they had wasted a good start on a lost fumble in the goal line, Zach Sieler intercepted Will Levis on 5 yards and scored the touchdown in the process. But with Tyreek Hill touched on an action and left to rest until the break, it is the running game which is favored. The Mostert-Achane duo pillages the Tennessee line which bends but does not break. Despite over 100 yards in the first half, the offense scored no points. The only field goal opportunity is blocked by the visitors.
Opposite, the talent of its stars allowed the Titans to take the lead at the break. A touchdown from Derrick Henry, then a nice reception of 45 from DeAndre Hopkins allows them to put themselves in field goal position.
…but with it it’s barely better
Back at the end of the 3rd quarter, Hill stood out immediately with two receptions of more than 20 yards. But for the third time since the start of the match, Miami failed to make it happen by being within 5 opposing yards. A 4th opportunity presents itself after an error on a punt return by the Titans which returns the ball 7 yards from the goal. This time Raheem Mostert (21 races, 96 yards, 2 TDs) finally manages to cross the line. And the runner is back on track very quickly thanks to a new turnover conceded by Tennessee. In a few seconds the Dolphins take cover. 27-13
And yet the Titans are not dead. 75 yards went up in less than 2 minutes and Hopkins finished with a pass from Levis. A two-point conversion, and they quickly get back into shooting range. Behind it is the defense which quickly forces the punt to give the ball back to Levis. And it only takes 26 seconds for visitors to find the end zone again. Henry scores his 2nd touchdown and gives his team the advantage. Despite the time remaining, Tagovailoa and his team are unable to come back and leave the Titans as unexpected winners.
