The Miami Dolphins faced a tough 31-12 defeat against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, marking their third consecutive loss of the season. Several key moments shaped the outcome of the game, and here are the five plays that had the most significant impact:
1) The Tyreek Hill Drop/Fumble
The Dolphins were desperate for a strong start, especially on offense. After Emmanuel Ogbah’s interception, things seemed promising with completions to Jaylen Waddle and a 16-yard gain by Tyreek Hill on a jet sweep. However, disaster struck on a second-and-9 play when quarterback Tyler Huntley threw a swing pass slightly ahead of Hill. It was a backward pass that Hill mishandled, leading to Arden Key recovering the ball after Hill’s half-hearted effort to regain possession. This killed the drive and deflated the team’s momentum, erasing the Dolphins’ early chance to play with a lead.
2) The Long Pollard Run
With the score at 9-6 and the Titans at midfield, Tony Pollard delivered a back-breaking 41-yard run. The well-executed play was set up by Tennessee’s offensive line, which allowed Pollard to slice through Miami’s defense. A missed assignment by Dolphins linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr. allowed Pollard to cut inside for the huge gain, setting up a touchdown that extended Tennessee’s lead to 16-6. This play put the Dolphins in a hole they couldn’t climb out of, given their offensive struggles.
3) The Stuffed Jet Sweep
Miami’s short-yardage offense was ineffective, and one of the most frustrating moments came early in the second quarter when head coach Mike McDaniel called Tyreek Hill’s number on a jet sweep on fourth-and-1. The play failed as left tackle Patrick Paul couldn’t block linebacker Kenneth Murray in time, allowing Murray to disrupt the play. Safety Quandre Diggs swooped in, preventing Hill from reaching the first down marker. This turnover on downs kept the Dolphins scoreless and killed another promising drive.
4) The Bad Punt
The Dolphins’ offense struggled mightily late in the first half, going three-and-out twice after the two-minute warning. A poor decision to not manage the clock well led to a costly mistake. Punter Jake Bailey, who has been reliable this season, shanked a punt for just 30 yards, giving the Titans excellent field position. Tennessee capitalized with a 26-yard pass, allowing them to kick a field goal before halftime and extend their lead to 12-6. The Dolphins missed a golden opportunity to go into the half in a better position.
5) The Missed Bomb
The Dolphins’ final hope for a big play came on a third-and-17, with Tyler Huntley launching a deep pass to Tyreek Hill, who had broken free of L’Jarius Sneed’s coverage. Unfortunately, Huntley overthrew Hill, missing what could have been a game-changing touchdown. The Dolphins wouldn’t make it into Titans territory again until they were trailing 22-6, sealing their fate as Tennessee’s defense clamped down.
These five pivotal plays encapsulated the Dolphins’ struggles, as missed opportunities and costly mistakes contributed to their 31-12 defeat. The team will need to regroup as they look to end their losing streak in the weeks ahead.
