Miami Gardens—–The Dolphins faced multiple challenges throughout the game, marked by several miscues: players moving at the snap on more than one occasion, unexpected drops by key players, and difficulty maintaining drives.
Nick Folk contributed with five field goals, while Rudolph led seven scoring drives after starter Will Levis exited with a shoulder injury, securing a 31-12 victory for the Titans.
A confusing moment unfolded just before halftime. After forcing a punt with about a minute remaining in the second quarter, Miami gained possession. Defensive tackle Calais Campbell managed to deflect the ball as Ryan Stonehouse attempted to punt.
Linebacker Duke Riley tried to recover the loose ball but seemed to lose control in the ensuing scramble. Following an extended review, officials determined that Tennessee had touched the ball first, awarding Miami possession.
“I knew the style of game we needed to play to win this game,” coach Brian Callahan said. “I knew that they were going to have some trouble offensively, and I knew that we were going to be able to run the ball effectively on them.”
However, the Dolphins failed to capitalize and quickly returned the ball to the Titans after Huntley mishandled a poor snap. Tennessee’s offense, led by Rudolph, moved into field goal range, and after spiking the ball with just 1 second left, Folk nailed his third field goal of the night.
As the Dolphins headed into halftime down 9-3, having gone eight quarters without a touchdown, the home crowd at Hard Rock Stadium expressed their frustration with loud boos. Miami has yet to lead in a game this season, with their only victory coming from a game-winning field goal by Jason Sanders in the opener.
Sanders converted field goals of 44 and 56 yards in this game as well.
“There’s a major disconnect between preparation and execution,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said.
UP NEXT:
Titans: Have a bye Sunday, then play the Colts on Oct. 13 at home.
Dolphins: At Foxboro on Sunday.
