Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

Keys to the game: Dolphins vs. Titans

 

dneal@miamiherald.com

Ryan Tannehill vs. Titans linebackers

Who won: Titans

The impact: Tannehill spread his three interceptions among the three starting Tennessee linebackers, turnovers that led to 13 points. The first, by Colin McCarthy, was a flashback to the Houston game — a pass tipped by Akeem Ayers. McCarthy returned it 47 yards for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead. Tannehill hoped for a flag when he threw at Anthony Fasano with Ayers draped on Fasano. Instead, Ayers got an interception. Zach Brown followed Tannehill’s eyes for the third interception. At least Tannehill made the tackle to prevent another touchdown.

Dolphins pass rush vs. Titans QB Jake Locker

Who won: Titans

The impact: With a quarterback as mobile as Locker — and with a terribly erratic arm — you’d think the Dolphins would have a plan to keep him in the pocket. If there was one, it was poorly executed. Not only did the Dolphins get no sacks aside from a Jimmy Wilson corner blitz, but Locker kept running for key gains. He eluded Cameron Wake and Randy Starks to convert a third-and-1. He ran for 5 yards to pick up a fourth-and-2 on the way to Tennessee’s second touchdown. That same drive, he slipped on the dropback, got up and ran for a 20-yard gain.

Dolphins vs. the NFL rulebook

Who won: Titans

The impact: Seven penalties isn’t exactly swimming in yellow. The timing and situation, though, can make a team seem like it’s drowning in illegalities. Four special-teams penalties cost the Dolphins 40 yards of field position, a significant number to an offense without an overabundance of big plays. Richie Incognito’s unnecessary roughness penalty negated a 14-yard Daniel Thomas run. Instead of first-and-10 on the Titans’ 14, the Dolphins had first-and-25 at the 43 and wound up settling for a field goal.

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