Dolphins whistle while they work in victory over Titans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dan Campbell wanted Miami to have fun again and play physical football. Well, Reshad Jones and the Dolphins nearly ran out of ways to celebrate.
Cameron Wake got his first four sacks this season and forced two fumbles — all in the first half — and the Dolphins beat the Tennessee Titans 38-10 on Sunday in Campbell’s debut as interim coach.
The Dolphins (2-3) had lost three in a row, costing coach Joe Philbin his job Oct. 5. But the rout was on after Jones made a twisting leap into the end zone while finishing off a 30yard interception return for a touchdown that made it 24-3 early in the third quarter.
“Those guys were dying for something like that,” Campbell said of the win. “It gives you momentum, it gives validity to everything that’s being done, and those are the fun ones, right? Because now you’re up and everybody’s having fun and they’re playing hard, and it’s back to like it was when you were a kid.”
With Campbell preaching a different approach, the Dolphins finished with six sacks and intercepted Marcus Mariota twice. The rookie quarter- back needed a knee brace and was replaced by Zach Mettenberger after the two-minute warning.
“Winning’s always fun,” Wake said. “And to do it with the guys with all the stuff that’s been going on the past two weeks, it definitely feels good.”
Miami had been one of two teams in the NFL without a rushing touchdown. But Jarvis Landry ended the drought on the opening drive, and Lamar Miller ran for 113 yards and a TD.
The Titans (1-4) lost their fourth straight, and their home skid is up to eight dating to last season. Fans booed heavily before heading to the exits, and coach Ken Whisenhunt dropped to 3-18 since taking over last season.
“There’s no defense for today,” Whisenhunt said. “We didn’t get the job done.”
Campbell made a couple of lineup changes, benching right guard Jamil Douglas for Billy Turner and starting Kenny Stills over Greg Jennings.
Then the Dolphins opened with their first TD in the first quarter this season with an old play in the statue of liberty. Campbell won a replay review, challenging a Mariota incompletion ruled a fumble on review. The Dolphins outgained Tennessee 434-299.
In between, they pounded Mariota.
Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon was flagged twice for roughing the passer, the first time when he hit the rookie low in the left leg.
Mariota didn’t miss a snap, but he did put on a brace over his left knee between series.