The Week 4 Monday Night matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins brings drama after their thrilling 2023 meeting, where the Titans stunned the Dolphins with a 15-point comeback in the final minute to win 34-33. Nine of the last 12 matchups between these teams have taken place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with the Dolphins winning three of the last four. Notably, their 2018 matchup remains the longest game in NFL history, clocking in at 7 hours and 8 minutes due to a weather delay.
Injuries play a key role heading into this game. The Dolphins’ quarterback Skylar Thompson is day-to-day with a rib injury, and critical players like LT Terron Armstead and CB Kendall Fuller are out due to concussions. RB Raheem Mostert’s chest injury has limited his participation in practice, leaving his availability uncertain. On the Titans’ side, CB Chidobe Awuzie is on injured reserve with a groin injury, and Pro Bowl DL Jeffery Simmons is doubtful with an elbow issue. CB L’Jarius Sneed and S Amani Hooker are also questionable, which could lead to increased playing time for rookie CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr., a Miami native.
A key matchup to watch will be the Titans‘ run game against the Dolphins’ struggling rush defense. Miami has allowed 112 rushing yards per game, and big plays have plagued them, as evidenced by explosive runs from Buffalo’s James Cook and Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne in previous weeks. The Titans, led by Will Levis’ scrambling ability and RB Tony Pollard’s 158 rushing yards this season, are likely the best rushing attack the Dolphins have faced. Backup RB Tyjae Spears could also be a factor, especially given his impact last season with 118 yards from scrimmage against Miami.
On the Dolphins’ offense, WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be crucial. After an explosive Week 1, both receivers have been quiet, with defenses employing deep safety coverage to limit their impact. Hill and Waddle combined for just 66 yards in Week 3, but Waddle emphasized that getting open in one-on-one matchups will be key to reigniting the offense.
With both teams battling injuries and coming off different starts to the season, the run game and defensive adjustments could determine the outcome of this pivotal Monday Night Football clash.
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